By DonnaCushman on August 23, 2010
We had such a great time when we biked the northern part of the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail with our 8-year old grandson, Mick, in mid-July while he was visiting us from Lake Tahoe.
Seeing live alligators was #1 on Mick’s Florida list, so we took the boat ride at Wakulla Spring first (not to missed!). Then around noon, drove to the Wakulla Station Trailhead, north of 267. (The southbound part of the trail into St. Marks is getting a major overhaul and is closed.) It was a little difficult to find the Wakulla Station Trailhead becuz we weren’t familiar with the area at all. It’s nothing “official” looking, just a parking lot next to a playground, on the left.
The trail is a straight, flat and beautiful tree-covered trail all the way into Tallahassee -- 18 miles RT! After jumping on the trail, Mick was so comfortable riding the trail that he took off like a jackrabbit, leading the way! We had to warn him several times to look both ways before streets and driveways, which crossed the trail. It was pretty hot, so we stopped several times to drink from our water bottles, but no complaints from Mick!
The Tallahassee Trailhead has bathrooms and interesting signs telling the history of the trail. However, we needed somewhere to eat closely. Other riders told us we were out of luck. This was a huge disappointment for Mick, as he was looking forward to the ice cream that Oma promised! But, he was a good sport and after wetting our heads with cold water from the water fountain and filling our water bottles, we started back. Mick commented several times that the 9 miles back to the SUV was much faster!
After loading up the bikes, using a previous rider’s review, we drove south on 30 to the Riverside Café in St. Marks. Mick loved his ice cold Root Beer and the food was delicious! A great way to end our latest biking adventure!
By Innkeeper on June 09, 2010
Word from the City of St. Marks is that the trail is scheduled to be completed July 1st. The last 6 miles from St. Marks to Hwy. 267 is still being worked on. The trail has been widened and resurfaced and should be pretty nice to use - I plan on checking it out when complete. I use it as often as possible and enjoy it every time!
We would like to welcome everyone to St. Marks and hope you enjoy your visit to this historic fishing village.
Patricia, Innkeeper :-)
Sweet Magnolia B & B Inn
St. Marks, FL 32355
850-925-7670
By raichleb on June 01, 2010
The St. Mark's Trail is closed from it's southern terminus in St. Mark's to about the 7-mile mark. According to the waitress at the Riverside Cafe in St. Mark's (a GREAT place to eat, by the way) the trail's been closed for about a week. She had no idea what kind of construction was going on or when the full trail would reopen.
This was a big disappointment for my wife and I who made the 2-1/2 hour drive from our home in Alabama to enjoy riding this trail. I hope it reopens, soon.