This is a very rare opportunity that happens only when the Prairie floods to a height sufficient for paddling. On average, this happens once every few decades. The last time was in the very early 2000's. It could be decades before another opportunity arises, but when it does, here's what you can expect.
Description
As most of you know, Paynes Prairie has a long history of flooding during high water events (if this comes as news to you, there's a book I'd like to recommend ;-). Since the 1800's, the ephemeral lake that is created by these floods has been referred to as Alachua Lake. Even in dry periods, the relatively small pool of water that remains in the low center of the basin retains the name - like a devoted keeper of the flame, waiting for the rains to return. The hurricane season of the early 2000's brought the awaited rains and Alachua Lake was reborn.
Over the centuries, boaters of all sorts have taken advantage of the occasional lake that is Paynes Prairie (usually called Alachua Lake when flooded). The nearby dugout canoe graveyard on the north end of Newnan's Lake gives ample proof that north Florida's aborigines were paddlers. It seems likely they also took to the waters of Paynes Prairie whenever water levels allowed.
The first documented boats on the Prairie were small steamboats used to ship goods and supplies (and the occasional brave passenger) during a 20 year period, 1871 - 1892, across the flooded basin. Sailing was also popular on Alachua Lake. Contemporary accounts mention days when many sails could be seen skimming through the wind ruffled whitecaps (the lake was deeper than it is now). In the 1920's, as the fill for highway 441 was being laid across the Prairie, flooding rains again filled the basin. And again, the locals pulled out their boats. By now, it was gas-powered motor boats that plied the shallow lake. The half completed road bed for the highway became a favorite launch site. The flooding of the 1920's proved to be one of the more typical, temporary mood swings of the Prairie and within a couple of years the waters had receded. By the '30's, the highway was complete and a new system of dykes and canals made the possibility of ever seeing another prolonged "lake" period, unlikely. Wrong again.
In the early 1970's, the Prairie seemed to be on the verge of becoming a permanent lake - this time, with the help of humans. When the Prairie was first bought by the State, there was much debate about what to do with it. One of the most strongly lobbied ideas was to permanently flood the basin. The plan called for raising the Hwy 441 roadbed and constructing a tramway to carry tourists across the water. Boats could once again enjoy the open waters of Alachua Lake. The list of organizations was considerable and even included the local Audubon Society! Luckily, the idea didn't float and the strategy of restoring the Prairie's natural habitats and wildlife communities prevailed.
Highlights
At all water levels (including no water at all) Paynes Prairie is a Mecca for wildlife. There's a healthy alligator population, but with all of the water for them to frolic in, we probably won't see any more than an average river trip or lake paddle. Birding is always good, with the full roster of common wading birds, assorted warblers, grackles, redwings, osprey, bald eagles, northern harriers and red-tailed hawks all being commonly seen. Sandhill cranes spend a lot of time here.
The Prairie also has a reputation for surprising us with some bird species that are uncommon in the Gainesville area, including white pelicans, roseate spoonbills and the large fulvous whistling ducks. On our recent trips we spotted four black-necked stilts and glossy ibis (in addition to lots of other wetland species).
Difficulty
This is an easy paddle on open water. Winds are the only concern, but the shallow water doesn't allow the generation of any big chop.
Length
On our past tours, the park service asked us to keep our exploration fairly close to the La Chua Trail, so we didn't venture much beyond the observation platform in the middle of the Prairie (the end of La Chua trail). Our tours had us on the water about 2 - 2.5 hours. Our route covers about 3 miles.
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