By: Lara Kenny
With cooler temperatures upon us and midterms behind us, now is the time to enjoy the outdoors of Tallahassee. See below for some great trails where you can hike. There is something for everyone whether you are an amateur hiker or a seasoned professional.
Cascades Park
Located at 1001 S Gadsden St, Tallahassee, FL 32301, Cascades does slightly stretch the meaning of “hike”. The park features a wonderful one mile walking path that is easily accessible via bike, car, or foot from Florida State’s campus. Cascades also has a coffee and snack shop called Power Plant under The Edison restaurant for a quick snack or an energizing sip.
2. Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park
Located at 4000 N Meridian Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32312, Phipps Park offers a unique “choose your own adventure” style hike. There are three different gates to park at, and all have their own trailheads to start your trek. It boasts miles of trails and wilderness to get lost in as well as lots of tree cover for shade, if you happen to visit on a hotter day. There are always people walking around the trails so if you are looking for a good hike to people and dog watch a bit out of town, this is a good spot!(Floridahikes.com)
3. Maclay Gardens State Park
Located at 3540 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32309, Maclay is one of two parks on this list with an entrance charge. As of November 2022, the charge for a passenger vehicle is $6 with multiple occupancy and $4 with single occupancy. Entrance to the park also allows entrance to its year round botanical gardens, not quite a hike but a beautiful addition to it. The garden path features a reflection pond, lakeside pavilion, and gorgeous landscaping. As for hiking, Maclay offers nearly ten miles of trails on its grounds as well as kayaking, swimming, and biking. Its lake trail offers the chance to see wildlife such as deer and alligators as well as archeological dig sites offering a glimpse into Florida history.
4. Lafayette Heritage Trail Park
Located at 4900 Heritage Park Blvd Tallahassee FL 32311, Lafayette offers a gorgeous hike around a 200-acre lake and over railroad tracks on a raised platform. Located by Tom Brown Park, this trail is closer in town and shorter at about two and half miles. The trail also covers easy terrain, making it good for a novice hiker or someone who wants a more relaxing stroll over an arduous workout. The views from the platform over the railroad tracks make this park a good one to go to for pictures and to enjoy nature in general. (tallahassee.com)
5. Providence Canyon State Park
Located at 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815, although this one is not in Tallahassee it is a must see in your time at Florida State or as a resident of North Florida. Dubbed “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon” it is truly an amazing sight to see. I would recommend doing the rim hike around and into the canyon for some amazing views and awesome photo opportunities. The canyon features multiple walls that hikers are directed to and offers two trails, the rim trail mentioned earlier that is beginner friendly and a much more advanced trail. The park does have an admissions fee. On the way to the canyon there is also an adorable general store at White Pastures that is a must to check out!