If walking your snack-sized children unprotected through alligator infested prairie land sounds like a great time to you, then I recommend Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. It is conveniently found just a few miles off I-75 for easy access on your way to or from Orlando; when your children become jaded by the animatronic animals at the Disney Parks, treat them to actual mortal peril and they just may become more appreciative of the idyllic Disney version. Or, better yet, maybe they’ll actually love Wild Florida!
We went to the La Chua trail which is a walking trail through the far north end of the 32 square mile preserve, and although I had nothing to offer as proof, I assured the kids they would not be eaten by alligators. The trail starts off paved and winds under some giant old oak trees draped in Spanish moss. We passed under an old train trestle and through a barn. Here we got an exciting preview of what we would see; on the wall of the barn is a white board and markers for visitors who are exiting the park to leave messages for those who are entering. People left lists of things they had seen: herons, wild pigs, deer, snapping turtles, snakes, and one person described seeing an alligator jump up and try to snatch a bird. We also knew from the ranger at the entrance that there were bison and wild horses, one with a baby.
Continuing on, past the signs that ascertained our certain death should we approach any and all wildlife, the paved trail became a boardwalk, taking us past the Alachua Sink. We watched herons picking their way through the water hyacinths and smaller black birds flit right on top of them. They did not attempt to harm us.
The boardwalk came to an end and a packed earth trail running beside the Alachua Sink began. The Sink is a huge water-filled sink-hole and when the water level is high and backed up, the prairie becomes a giant shallow lake where alligators like to congregate. A seriously unbelievable amount of alligators. My older daughter was the first to spot them. On the opposite bank of the Sink were about 20 alligators basking in the sun. Cool. We continued on and in another few yards we came upon a 10 foot alligator right off the trail basking in the sun. Cooler. We were within thirty feet and on the same patch of land as this wild alligator. Standing there in such close proximity to this huge creature with no fence to separate us was so surreal and unforgettable. It was right there! I picked up my toddler.
As we continued along the trail, we saw a few gators that were swimming – just heads moving forward in the water – and several much smaller gators in the shallow water on the sides of path. We also saw a couple of really big, brown wild pigs eating on the opposite side of the Sink. Further up, because of recent heavy rain, the trail was submerged. Not much, about ankle deep. I figured we were hearty enough to ford a smallish alligator infested waterway. The kids thought we were absolutely not. I pointed out to them that I saw some guy who passed us on his way back to the entrance with muddy feet and carrying his Tevas, so he must have crossed and survived. My oldest child wisely pointed out that we don’t know how many people he started out with. True, but as he didn’t appear to be in shock and mourning, I figured no deaths had occurred and I could carry the toddler across, lest she be eaten. It really was only a little water so we trekked, bare feet squishing through the thick mud that stank of sewer, the 10 feet or so to the unsubmerged part of the trail. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it very far before there was another part of the trail that was submerged, and this time I couldn’t see around the bend of the trail to verify lack of alligators or poisonous snakes, so we ended up turning back.
The full trail is about three miles, and there is no shade along the way, so be prepared with sunscreen and water.
Our visit to Paynes Prairie was a completely unforgettable experience. I will be returning and hopefully can make the whole circuit. We were there for probably an hour and a half, so it’s not a long day’s outing. If you’re squeamish about being eaten by an alligator yet still want to appreciate the native Florida wildlife, there are other parts of Payne’s Prairie to see. The La Chua trail is several miles away from the official park entrance, and from that entrance, you can walk a paved trail and climb an observation tower so you can enjoy the animals from a more protected vantage point.
Fifty State Family 