By d. arlene in March, 2011
We recently rode the trail for a total round trip of 24 miles. However, the trail is under construction starting at the Tallahassee trail head, so we were a bit disappointed that we had to drive south for about seven to eight miles (definitely more than the 5 miles listed on the sign!) to find the second trail head/ parking area. The sign posted told us that the anticipated opening date for the portion of the trail that is under construction would be July 2011.
The trail is very smooth and has plenty of rest room facilities. There are several restaurants at the end of the trail at St. Marks, none of which we were really favorably impressed. We decided to check out the little general store, but were disappointed with our visit there. We ended up eating chips and snacking on the things we had carried on our bikes. Maybe we didn't explore enought, but we would definitely pack a lunch the next time.
By lil_wings in September, 2010
We departed from the north terminus relatively early in the morning, and there was plenty of parking, depsite all the folks running and riding the first few miles of the trail. There path does start about 3 miles to the north, but the parking is sketchy at best at that location. The northern terminus of the trail sits just to the south of the city on Rte 363. There are also bathrooms and historical placards to get you up to speed on the importance of the Tallahassee- St Marks railway line. For the first few mile markers, you can slightly hear the traffic from the road running next to the trail.
Around mile marker 7, the traffic thinned out, and we had the trail to ourselves. The whole trail was well shaded and very well maintained.
There is one kicker: trail maintenance is still in effect. For you speedy road biker types: so sad. You'll have to jump on the road with the cars around mile marker 10 to continue on to St Marks. For you mountain bikers and hybrid owners, no sweat. It's still flat and fast, it's just sandy now. Nothing about this trail is remotely technical, but there is a horse path off to the side that might offer a break in the monotony, if you're so inclined. Trail maintenance is expected to be complete in December, but that shouldn't stop you from riding it anyway! The final two (or so) miles of the trail before the southern terminus is freshly paved!
The reason to ride the whole 15.7 miles to St Marks is snackage. Between Smokey's Oyster Bar and Grill and the Riverside Bay Cafe, there is plenty to eat and drink. There is also some cool Civil War ruins at San Marcos de Apalache State Park just down the road from the southern terminus of the trail. Just remember, when you eat and have a couple beers, you have to ride back at some point.
By DonnaCushman in August, 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!