Florida is home to many unique parks protecting the state’s history, landmarks, natural areas, and diverse wildlife.
The Tallahassee area of Florida offers access to many of these, all dedicated to fun recreational activities, including boating, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
The best thing is many of these Florida State Parks are within 70 miles of Tallahassee, making them close enough to visit for one day or spend an entire weekend exploring.
Related: 11 Best Recreational Lakes near Tallahassee, FL
State Parks near Tallahassee:
- Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
- Lake Jackson Mounds State Park
- Lake Talquin State Park
- Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park
- Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park
- Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
- Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
- Bald Point State Park
- Econfina River State Park
- Forest Capital Museum State Park
- Torreya State Park
- Three Rivers State Park
- Florida Caverns State Park
- Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
1. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
- Official Page: Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
- Distance from Tallahassee: 7 miles (20min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Birding, Canoeing, Equestrian Riding, Hiking, and Water Recreation
- Amenities: ADA Compliant Amenities, Bus Parking, Picnic Area, and Playground
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is a pet-friendly park that began when the first ornamental plants were planted in 1923.
The park is home to brilliant floral architecture, picturesque gardens, a secret garden, a reflection pool, and a unique walled garden.
The best time to explore the park is from January through April, especially when flowers bloom in late March.
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park hosts several events throughout the year, including Tour of Gardens (May), Kids Fishing Day (June), Scarecrows and Jazz in the Garden (October), and Camellia Christmas (December).
Lake Hall offers many opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
Related: 11 Best Recreational Lakes near Tallahassee, FL
2. Lake Jackson Mounds State Park
- Official Page: Lake Jackson Mounds State Park
- Distance from Tallahassee: 8 miles (15min)
- Activities: Wildlife Viewing, Bird Watching, Hiking, Picnicking, and Guided Tours
- Amenities: Historical Site, Nature Trail, Interpretive Exhibit, Parking, Picnic Pavilion, and Restroom Facilities
Lake Jackson Mounds State Park offers outdoor adventurers and history buffs a one-stop-location full of exciting things to see and do.
The park is home to the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex, believed to be used as a political and religious center, demonstrating how the Lake Jackson Indians flourished around 1200 A.D.
The picnic pavilion has an interpretive exhibit; visitors can learn more about the area and the state park, including information about the park’s temple mounds.
The park is a great way to experience the great outdoors, with hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities among these historic sites.
3. Lake Talquin State Park
- Official Page: Lake Talquin State Park
- Distance from Tallahassee: 17 miles (30 min)
- Activities: Birding, Fishing, Paddling, Picnicking, Wildlife Viewing, and Ranger-Guided Tours
- Amenities: Canoe Kayak Launch, Nature Trail, Parking, and Picnic Pavilion
Set on the beautiful bluffs overlooking the southern shore of Lake Talquin, this state park is a must-visit for avid and amateur fishing enthusiasts.
Freshwater fishing here is outstanding and includes plenty of species like largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, speckled perch, and bream from the boardwalk or dock.
In addition, the 10,000-acre lake provides opportunities for canoeing and kayaking and is home to a diverse collection of birds and wildlife.
The nature trails around the park offer amazing views of the forest, ravine system, and beautiful bluffs.
4. Letchworth-Love Mounds State Park
- Official Page: Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park
- Distance from Tallahassee: 20 miles (30 min)
- Activities: Birding, Hiking, Picnicking, Star Gazing, Walking, Running, Wildlife Viewing, Getting Married, and Interpretive Tours
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Interpretive Exhibit, Nature Trail, Parking, Picnic Pavilion, and Water Fountain
Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park has a historic site, a mound believed to have been a part of the Swift Creek Culture.
This group of Native Americans lived in North Florida between 200 and 450 A.D., and the mound at this park is Florida’s tallest Native American ceremonial mound.
In addition, the park has an interpretive exhibit at the picnic pavilion with educational information about the Native Americans in the area.
Additional park activities include picnicking, wildlife viewing, and exploring.
Related: 11 Best Recreational Lakes near Tallahassee, FL
5. Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park
- Official Page: Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic Park
- Distance from Tallahassee: 15 miles (25 min)
- Activities: Fishing, Hiking, Picnicking, and Guided Tours
- Amenities: Interpretive Exhibit, Historic Site, Parking, Picnic Pavilion, and Restroom Facilities
Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic Park is named after the geological feature providing a natural crossing point at the St. Marks River, where it goes underground for a short distance.
This park is the site of Florida’s second-largest battle during the Civil War.
It has a monument to commemorate the Confederate soldiers who defended this location, and a reenactment of the battle is hosted at the park the first full weekend in March.
It’s excellent for history buffs, but when it comes to outdoor activities, there aren’t many.
6. Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
- Official Page: Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
- Distance from Tallahassee: 5 miles (10 min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Picnicking, Roller Blading, Walking, Running, and Wildlife Viewing
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Equestrian Trail, Interpretive Exhibit, Nature Trail, Parking, Picnic Pavilion, Playground, Restroom Facilities, and Water Fountain
The historic railroad corridor transported cotton from plantations to New England textile mills and for shipment to England.
Florida’s Greenways and Trails Systems includes the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail is designed as a National Recreation Trail. The trail travels along greenways and paved areas, offering scenic routes for running, skating, hiking, and more.
There is an adjacent unpaved trail available for horseback riding. Off-road mountain biking is available through the Munson Hills/Twilight Mountain Bike Trails, which is accessible from this trail along the Apalachicola National Forest via the Capital Circle Trailhead.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the diverse amount of wildlife, such as butterflies, birds, and more, which can be spotted throughout the park.
7. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
- Official Page: Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
- Distance from Tallahassee: 14 miles (20 min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Bird Watching, Boat Tours, Geo-Seeking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Picnicking, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Walking, Running, and Wildlife Viewing
- Amenities: Visitor Center, Accessible Amenities, Beach, Concession, Restaurant, Soda Fountain, Gift Shop, Wakulla Springs Lodge, Equestrian Trail, Historic Site, Interpretive Exhibit, Laundry, Nature Trail, Parking, Picnic Pavilion, Playground, Recycling, Restroom Facilities, and Shower Station
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park was land purchased and transformed by Edward Ball in 1934 to develop it as an attraction dedicated to preserving wildlife and their native habitats.
The Wakulla Springs Lodge features elegant Mediterranean Revival architecture, and all 27 rooms are furnished and decorated with period items.
The park offers many spots for hiking and exploring along the nature trail, surrounded by hardwood forests and maple-cypress habitats.
Additionally, the Cherokee Sink Trail, part of the Cherokee Sink Tract, winds down to an 80-foot-deep sinkhole lake.
Related: 11 Best Recreational Lakes near Tallahassee, FL
8. Bald Point State Park
- Official Page: Bald Point State Park
- Distance from Tallahassee: 44 miles (1h)
- Activities: Bicycling, Bird Watching, Primitive Camping, Fishing, Geo-Seeking, Hiking, Paddling, Picnicking, Roller Blading, Swimming, and Wildlife Viewing
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Beach, Canoe and Kayak Launch, Nature Trail, and Shower Station
Bald Point State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts some of the most picturesque views in North Florida.
Adventurers will have a fantastic time experiencing everything this park offers, especially those who love water activities, such as canoeing, windsurfing, and relaxing by the water. In addition, the fishing dock is the perfect place to test your fishing skills.
The park’s coastal marshes, Flatwoods, and thickets are home to a diverse collection of wildlife, including bald eagles, migrating birds, and butterflies.
The picnic pavilions are perfect for a quiet picnic with friends and family, offering plenty of space for gatherings of all sizes.
9. Econfina River State Park
- Official Page: Econfina River State Park
- Distance from Tallahassee: 43 miles (55 min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Bird Watching, Boating, Primitive Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Paddling, Guided Tours, Wildlife Viewing, and Picnicking
- Amenities: Canoe and Kayak Launch, Equestrian Trail, Nature Trail, Parking, Picnic Pavilion, and Restroom Facilities
The Econfina River State Park is one of the most beautiful parks, with unique natural areas accessible by foot, horseback, or off-road bicycling.
In addition to the many land activities available at this park, there are several water-related activities, including boating, kayaking, and canoeing.
It is easy to enjoy a mix of land and water activities here, making this park one of the most diverse in Northeastern Florida.
When exploring Econfina River State Park, it is best to take a moment to sit back and relax.
10. Forest Capital Museum State Park
- Official Page: Forest Capital Museum State Park
- Distance from Tallahassee: 55 miles (1h)
- Activities: Picnicking, Getting Married, Birdwatching, Exploring
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Interpretive Exhibit, Museum, Parking, Picnic Facility, Playground, and Visitor Center
The Forest Capital Museum State Park is home to the North Florida Cracker Homestead, built in 1864 and preserved to demonstrate what Florida life was like in the late 1800s.
The unique attraction at this state park is the Forest Capital Museum, an octagonal structure crafted from cypress and pine wood with a glass dome.
This building offers the perfect educational opportunities for visitors of all ages, teaching about native animals, ecology, and local history.
A more in-depth look into the area’s history is available through ranger-led interpretive tours offered during special events and upon request.
Related: 11 Best Recreational Lakes near Tallahassee, FL
11. Torreya State Park
- Official Page: Torreya State Park
- Distance from Tallahassee: 50 miles (55 min)
- Activities: Bird Watching, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Geo-Seeking, Hiking, Paddling, Walking, Running, and Wildlife Viewing.
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Boat Ramp, Cabins and Yurts, Campfire Circles, Historic Site, Museum, Parking, Playground, Restroom Facilities, R.V. Parking, and Picnic Pavilion
The Apalachicola River is one of Florida’s most scenic rivers and adventure places, making Torreya State Park a must for outdoor enthusiasts.
Camping at this park offers an immersive experience taking explorers back to the old days of Florida, relaxing in nature, birdwatching, and seeing everything the local ecosystem has to offer.
Many Florida state parks were created to help preserve local history, plants, and animals. Torreya State Park helps keep some of these unique plants and wildlife from becoming endangered while helping educate visitors about the importance of the state’s natural communities.
12. Three Rivers State Park
- Official Page: Three River State Park
- Distance from Tallahassee: 53 miles (55 min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Bird Watching, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Paddling, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Walking, Running, and Wildlife Viewing
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Boat Ramp, Cabins, R.V. Amenities, Campfire Circles, Interpretive Exhibit, Mountain Bike Trail, Nature Trail, Parking, Picnic Pavilion, Restroom Facilities, and Playground
American bald eagles fly through the skies over Three River State Park, where they have made themselves at home.
Additionally, migrating bird species and waterfowl call this park home included in the Great Florida Birding Trail, a unique project developed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Nestled where the southwest corner of Georgia meets Florida, this park is peaceful and provides an enjoyable environment surrounded by native wildlife.
The landscape of this park, accompanied by wildlife, such as gray foxes and white-tailed deer, is breathtaking. This park does not disappoint, offering many outdoor activities and plenty of areas to explore and learn more about Florida’s natural history.
13. Florida Caverns State Park
- Official Page: Florida Caverns State Park
- Distance from Tallahassee: 68 miles (1h 10min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Boating, Camping, Geo-Seeking, Horseback Riding, Paddling, Walking, Running, Swimming, and Guided Tours
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Boat Ramp, Campgrounds, Canoe, and Kayak Launch, Equestrian Trail, Stable, Interpretive Exhibit, Parking, Picnic Pavilion, Playground, Showers, Visitor Center, and R.V. Facilities
One unique feature of Northern Florida is the series of caverns that can take you to new depths of otherworldly adventures.
This park offers unique opportunities to explore these stunning caves, which were enlarged in the 1930s by Civilian Conservation Corps workers to allow plenty of room to stand up during guided tours.
Anyone who has not yet experienced the Florida Caverns must try to make their way and see how impressive this park truly is.
Related: 11 Best Recreational Lakes near Tallahassee, FL
14. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
- Official Page: Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
- Distance from Tallahassee: 83 miles (1h 55min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Bird Watching, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Paddling, Shelling, Star Gazing, Swimming, Running, and Wildlife Viewing.
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Beach, Boat Ramp, Campgrounds, Kayak Launch, Picnic Pavilion, Shower Station, and R.V. Amenities.
Set on a barrier island, Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is a beachgoers’ paradise offering fabulous water views of Apalachicola Bay.
The park has a variety of watersports available, including swimming, canoeing, boating, kayaking, and fishing. The sparkling blue waters and sugary white sands make it one of the best places in Florida to enjoy these activities.
There is probably no other place in the area offering such amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico, sunsets, and nights perfect for stargazing.
Very few parks in Florida offer everything Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park has to offer. The natural area, including pine forests and marshes, is home to a diverse collection of wildlife, helping add to the uniqueness of this state park.
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