Getting the family out in nature is a great way to spend the weekend. Tallahassee offers a number of hiking trails perfect for families. Here’s a look at the top trails found near Tallahassee, Florida.
Maclay Gardens State Park Trails
Maclay Gardens State Park offers two trails, one for hiking and one for horse riding. Both trails offer wonderful views of nature with plenty for the family to enjoy.
The Hiking Nature Trail runs through wooded hillsides with views of Lake Hall. Even beginner hikers can walk the nature trail in less than an hour.
The Horse Equestrian Trail also offers plenty of fun hiking, along with horseback riding and biking. This trail is found on the Lake Overstreet side of the park and provides amazing views of the lake, along with the possibility of spotting wildlife.
Forest Meadows Park – Lake Overstreet Trail
Along with the Lake Overstreet Trail found at Maclay Gardens State Park, residents can enjoy the Forest Meadows Park trail also found near Lake Overstreet. This trail also connects in Phipps Park giving hikers the ability to plan a full day-long adventure.
Deep Creek Trail
Running just a little bit more than 12 miles, the Deep Creek Trail provides an amazing choice for hiking. The trail does have sections of high grass and it’s a bit out of the way to get to, but the hiking, wildlife and views are worth it. You may spot deer, osprey, heron, eagles and other types of wildlife.
The trail is found within the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge about 25 miles south of Downtown Tallahassee. You will also find other walking trails at the refuge.
Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park Trails
Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park provides a number of winding trails including the Red Bug Trail. The trails are all found off Miller Landing Road or from the Forest Meadows sports complex, which both offer parking. You can enjoy hiking and mountain biking throughout the trails found at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park.
St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
A very popular paved rail-trail, St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail is actually the first paved rail-trail in Florida. It follows the path of the first and longest-operating railroad found in Florida, which was used to transport cotton.
Today, the trail, along with many side trails, provides plenty to explore. It’s about 20.5 miles long and runs from Tallahassee to St. Marks. You can start at the Capital Circle Trailhead and enjoy hiking to Florida State University. The trail continues on all the way to St. Marks and includes multiple trailheads for starting your adventure.
Stoney Bayou Trail
A six-mile trail overlapping the Deep Creek Trail, the Stoney Bayou Trail provides plenty of adventure. It starts on Aucilla Tram Road and heads veers to the right when the two trails split. It will take you through the forest with plenty of vegetation and even atop dykes with water found on both sides.
There are several great hiking trails found in and around Tallahassee, Florida. If you love to hike, start with one of the trails on the list and discover all the beauty of the area.
