Price’s Scrub State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Price’s Scrub State Park — A 962-acre ecological preserve in northwestern Marion County, near Micanopy, Florida — protecting rare Florida scrub habitat (among the northernmost occurrences in the peninsula), featuring 9.5 miles of multi-use trails (hiking, biking, horseback riding), gopher tortoise habitat, potential Florida scrub-jay territory, diverse wildflowers, and a critical link in the North Marion Greenway conservation corridor. Free admission.
Price’s Scrub State Park is a botanist’s and birder’s paradise — a 962-acre mosaic of rare scrub, flatwoods, and upland forest that serves as a critical wildlife corridor connecting Paynes Prairie Preserve to Goethe State Forest. The park protects some of the northernmost scrub habitat in peninsular Florida — a sandy, fire-dependent ecosystem that harbors specialized species found nowhere else.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | NW Marion County, near Micanopy, FL |
| Size | 962 acres — scrub, flatwoods, upland forest |
| Admission | Free — no entrance fee |
| Trails | 9.5 mi — multi-use (hiking, biking, equestrian) |
| Facilities | Grassy parking, picnic tables, portable restrooms |
| Conservation | Part of North Marion Greenway corridor |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | 9.5 mi multi-use trails — rolling hills to open scrub |
| Biking | Trail system — mountain biking welcome |
| Horseback Riding | Multi-use trails — equestrian access |
| Bird Watching | Scrub habitat — potential scrub-jay territory |
| Nature Study | Gopher tortoise burrows, wildflowers, rare plants |
| Photography | Diverse ecosystems — seasonal wildflower displays |
Ecology
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitats | Scrub, scrubby flatwoods, mesic flatwoods, upland mixed forest |
| Key Trees | Sand pine, scrub oaks, saw palmettos |
| Wildlife | Gopher tortoise (burrows visible), potential scrub-jays |
| Wildflowers | Goldenrod, blazing stars, hairy laurels |
| Management | Prescribed burning — maintains scrub health |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I see Florida scrub-jays?
The park protects suitable scrub-jay habitat, but the endangered Florida scrub-jay is not always present in every patch of suitable habitat. Prescribed burning helps maintain the low-growing oaks and open sandy patches they require. Sightings are possible but not guaranteed.
Is there water or shade?
The northern trails through rolling hills offer more shade, while the southern trails are open and sandy. There is no potable water at the trailhead — bring plenty of water, especially in warmer months. Portable restrooms are available at the parking area.
