Price’s Scrub State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Price’s Scrub State Park — A vital ecological corridor spanning nearly 1,000 acres, featuring a beautiful matrix of pine flatwoods and scrub habitats.
Price’s Scrub State Park is a serene undeveloped area adjacent to Paynes prairie preserve state park, 18 miles south of Gainesville. This 962 acre Florida State Parks”>Florida state park and conservation area is part of the Northwest Marion Greenway that connects Paynes Prairie Preserve to Goethe State Forest. The park is managed through Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
Guests enjoy exploring the trails throughout the park’s fifteen natural communities, which include scrub, flatwoods, hardwood forest, streams, marsh and a sinkhole lake. Picnicking, bird watching, horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking are popular activities here.
Activities
Come prepared to spend a peaceful and relaxing day inside Price’s Scrub State Park: Bring a picnic lunch, binoculars, lots of drinking water and a map. The park’s amenities include a trail kiosk, picnic tables, a grassy parking area, non-flushing toilets and non-potable water.
Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Price’s Scrub State Park:
Hiking at Price’s Scrub State Park
Price’s Scrub State Park features one 9.5 mile multi-use trail that is accessible to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. This long sandy trail extends throughout the park’s open fields, prairies, marshland, hardwoods and pine flatwoods. Some sections are shaded while others are exposed.
Guests are encouraged to carry a map and plenty of drinking water and to be aware of potential encounters with snakes, alligators, bison and other wildlife.
Biking at Price’s Scrub State Park
Bring your bicycles and ride along the 9.5 mile sandy trail inside Price’s Scrub State Park. All riders under the age of 16 are required by Florida law to wear helmets.
Horseback Riding at Price’s Scrub State Park
Stop by and explore the 9.5 mile trail at Price’s Scrub State Park. This sandy multi-use trail that flows through the hardwoods and pine flatwoods is popular with horse owners. Be aware that a negative Coggins report is required for all horses that enter the park.
Birding at Price’s Scrub State Park
Price’s Scrub State Park serves to connect Paynes Prairie Preserve with Goethe State Forest through the Northwest Marion Greenway. This extended wildlife habitat helps to protect many species. Guests are encouraged to bring their binoculars and bird lists for a chance to see some of the 270 bird species that have been sighted throughout this serene area.
During your visit you may have the chance to see bald eagles, hawks, owls, sparrows, whooping cranes, sandhill cranes and ibis.
Nature and Wildlife at Price’s Scrub State Park
While wandering along the trails inside Price’s Scrub State Park, and the adjoining Payne Prairie Preserve State Park, you will see many signs of wildlife. More than 420 wildlife species have been recorded in this area. Colorful Marsh marigolds, pickerelweed and American lotus plants highlight pathways through the hardwood forest and prairies.
Guests may see a large number of birds plus snakes, lizards, white-tailed deer, alligators, raccoons, gray foxes, otters, bobcats, wild horses and bison.
Pets at Price’s Scrub State Park
Pets are allowed inside Price’s Scrub State Park (and Payne Prairie Preserve State Park next door) but must be supervised and kept on a hand held leash no longer than 6 feet. Keep your pets safe, please be aware of wildlife while enjoying the park and trails.
Camping Near Price’s Scrub State Park
Price’s Scrub State Park features day activities only. Explore the trails, watch wildlife, have a picnic lunch and then extend your stay by spending the night somewhere close by.
Here are a couple of nearby state parks that offer overnight accommodations:
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Payne Prairie Preserve State Park – 100 Savannah Blvd Micanopy
This park is practically right next door and features camping sites surrounded by a hardwood forest near a lake. Water and electric campsites as well as primitive campsites are available to reserve. All sites have picnic tables and grills and access to water and restrooms.
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Silver Springs State Park – 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs
Features shaded campsites and cabins and a primitive group camping Area. Cabins have 2 bedrooms, a bath, a full kitchen, dining area and a screened in porch with rocking chairs and a picnic table. Pets are not allowed in the cabin area.
Each of the 59 spacious campsites has electric and water hookups, a picnic table, fire ring and grill, and are conveniently located near bathhouses. The primitive group camping area lies along the Silver River with picnic tables, a fire ring and a boat launch for kayaks and canoes.
Park Location
Price’s Scrub State Park 9555 NW Hwy 320 Micanopy, FL 32667 Phone: 352.466.3397
Map
🌲 Looking for a peaceful, secluded nature trail in Florida?
Experience the wild beauty of Price’s Scrub.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter a Florida state park?
Most Florida state parks charge $4 to $6 per vehicle (up to 8 occupants). An individual annual pass costs $60, and a family annual pass costs $120, covering unlimited visits to all state parks.
Can I swim with manatees at Florida state parks?
While you cannot swim with manatees (they are protected), several spring parks like Blue Spring State Park offer excellent viewing from boardwalks. Manatees gather in springs from November through March when river temperatures drop.
Are alligators dangerous in Florida state parks?
Alligators are present in virtually all freshwater bodies in Florida. They are generally not aggressive toward humans, but you should never approach, feed, or harass them. Keep children and pets at a safe distance from water edges.
What is the best time to visit Florida state parks?
Winter and spring (November through April) offer the best conditions: pleasant temperatures, low humidity, fewer mosquitoes, and peak manatee viewing. Summer brings extreme heat, humidity, and daily thunderstorms.
Explore More Florida State Parks
Price’s Scrub State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Florida. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Florida guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
