While you can see plenty of gators and other wildlife at the La Chua Trail on the north side of Paynes Prairie, if you want to skip the gators, head to the Paynes Prairie Reserve State Park on the south side. Cone’s Dike Trail is a great nature walk directly on the prairie where you might encounter bison, deer, wild horses, various birds, and plenty of beautiful vegetation and flowers. Be sure to wear and hat and apply sunscreen, as there is not much shade. For more information, please visit www.floridastateparks.org/park/Paynes-Prairie.
