Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Trails
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. This beautiful park, located between urban Tallahassee and suburban Leon County, offers a nice blend of southern charm and recreational activities. The park has formal gardens, two lakes and a series of trails, all on former plantation lands at the foot of the Red Hills district. The highlights for trail-enthusiasts include the unpaved trails in the Lake Overstreet portion of the park. Hikers, bikers and equestrians will enjoy the beauty of this area, which serves as an integral link in the Maclay/Phipps Cultural Heritage Greenway.
Major Activities
Biking, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Biking, Equestrian, Paddling
Trail Length/Surface:
- Paved entrance road, 1.5 miles
- Lake Trail, unpaved multi-use, 3.0 miles
- Ravine Trail, unpaved multi-use, 1.8 miles
- Bike Trail, unpaved biking, 2.8 miles
Fee: Park Admission
County: Leon
Nearby Towns: Tallahassee
Notes:
The unpaved trails in the Lake Overstreet area are mostly under forest canopy and offer views of lake and ravines. The Lake Trail is a circular loop around Lake Overstreet that starts at the Lake Overstreet Trailhead. The Ravine Trail starts at the top of a steep hill called the Brickyard, about 100 yards from the short connector to the Lake Trail. It continues to Meridian Road. The Bike Trail runs from one end of the Ravine Trail to the other with a few crossovers.
Horses are available for rent on most weekends. The horses use unpaved double-track trails.
The Big Pine and Boy Scout nature trails (not shown on map) meander through the wooded hillsides overlooking Lake Hall. Novice hikers could expect to walk the distance of either trail in less than one hour.
The formals gardens themselves also offer a nice opportunity for walking on both brick and unpaved surfaces.
Access/Directions:
Main Park Entrance
From Interstate 10, take Exit 203 (old Exit 30) to US 319 (Thomasville Road). Turn right and head north (toward Thomasville) approximately _ mile to the entrance of the Gardens on the left. After passing through the entrance station (admission fee applies), continue on the park’s entrance road until you reach the trail parking area past the gardens.
Contact Information:
Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens
3540 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee32308
(850) 487-4556
|
