A Florida State Park Where You Can See Wild Horses and Bison
You don’t have to travel out west to spot wild horses and bison roaming free. Believe it or not, you can see both at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, about two hours north of Tampa near Gainesville.
Spanning more than 20,000 acres, the preserve is massive, so spotting wildlife can take a little patience. Here’s the route I’d recommend for a day exploring the park.
Start at the Observation Tower
Start your morning at the park’s 50-foot observation tower that can be accessed from the main entrance.
The sweeping prairie views are beautiful, and this is one of the easiest places to scan for wild horses and bison in the distance, especially early in the morning. Be sure to bring binoculars!
Hike the Bolen Bluff Trail
Next, exit the main entrance and drive about five minutes north on US-441 to the Bolen Bluff Trail.
This 2.6-mile roundtrip hike winds through shaded forest before opening onto the prairie. If trail conditions are good, continue out to the observation platform for another great wildlife viewing area.
End the Day at La Chua Trail
Finish the day at La Chua Trail, about 15 minutes from Bolen Bluff.
This trail is one of the park’s best spots for seeing alligators and wading birds thanks to its boardwalk and prairie overlooks. The trail is about three miles roundtrip and has restrooms at the trailhead.
Important Note Before You Visit
Before heading out, I always recommend calling the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park ranger station to check trail conditions. Some of the trails can become muddy or flooded depending on the time of year, especially during Florida’s rainy season.
In general, the best time to visit is during Florida’s drier months, typically October through May.
