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  • Writer's pictureSusannah Peddie

Things to do in/near Gainesville, FL: Paynes Prairie Cone Dike Trail

Updated: May 24, 2021

Want to see the "real" Florida?


Head over to Paynes Prairie State Park for a fun day of hiking. My favorite trail is the Cone Dike Trail (there are many other beautiful, shaded trails in the park, but Cone Dike Trail is for wildlife spotting- it's not shaded, but worth it).


I have seen bison, wild horses, deer, rabbits, gators, and more!


I like to hike this trail closer to sunset as animal activity is highest (feeding time).


Below are pictures from a beautiful late afternoon hike:







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