Visit The La Chua Trail and Alachua Sink at Payne’s Prairie State Park
![The north half of Paynes Prairie State Park is accessed from NE15th Street near Boulware Springs in Gainesville](https://www.naturalnorthflorida.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lachua-8.jpg)
Paynes Prairie is biologically, geologically and historically unique. This park became Florida´s first state preserve in 1971 and is now designated as a National Natural Landmark. Noted artist and naturalist William Bartram called it the great Alachua Savannah when he wrote about his visit to the prairie in 1774.
![The oaks at near the parking lot may be hundreds of years old!](https://www.naturalnorthflorida.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lachua-3-225x300.jpg)
Depending on the season you visit this end of the park, you’ll likely encounter alligators, American bison, wild horses and feral pigs. But remember, this is NOT A ZOO, so give wide berth to animals you might encounter. And try not to wander too far off the trails!
![Simple rules!](https://www.naturalnorthflorida.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lachua-4-225x300.jpg)
![lachua-2](https://www.naturalnorthflorida.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lachua-2-300x225.jpg)
![lachua-7](https://www.naturalnorthflorida.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lachua-7-300x225.jpg)
![lachua-5](https://www.naturalnorthflorida.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lachua-5-300x225.jpg)
![lachua-6](https://www.naturalnorthflorida.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lachua-6-300x225.jpg)