Tallahassee - St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail:
Florida
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Description:
The Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail is the first rail-trail developed by the state, and it follows the route of Florida's first and longest-operating railroad that was used primarily to transport cotton from plantations to awaiting ships. Today adventure awaits, as the paved trail-plus side trails and nearby state parks-stand ready for exploration.
As its name implies, the trail stretches about 20.5 miles from the capital city south to St. Marks. Longleaf pine and forests of oak, wax myrtle and yaupon holly nicely shade the route.
Start at the Capital Circle Trailhead. Heading north for 4.5 miles takes you within several blocks of Florida State University and the 2-mile Stadium Drive Bikepath - commonly used by students to access the University. There are no significant facilities on this section, but it is urban in nature and has businesses located adjacent to the trail.
The first few miles south of this trailhead can be a bit congested, particularly on the weekends. Just remember proper trail etiquette and have a good time. If you are riding a mountain bike, consider turning into the Munson Hills Off-Road Trail, off the trail about one mile (mileage is painted on the asphalt) from the Capital Circle Trailhead. The loop system can get sandy during dry months, but the scenic areas and remote terrain make it worth a visit.
Wakulla Station Trailhead, near mile marker 9, provides water, shelter and restrooms. A bit further south you can take a five-mile detour along the paved shoulder of Route 267 to get to Wakulla Springs State Park, known for its big, beautiful spring and a refreshing swimming hole.
With only six or so miles of trail remaining, you will soon find yourself in St. Marks. Another state park, San Marcos Apalache Historic State Park, is to the south and west of the trail's end. Or simply hit one of the small waterfront restaurants to wet your whistle and carb-load with friends while watching the boats cruise along the St. Marks River.
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Parking & Trail Access:
Directions: The Capital Circle Trailhead is located on the west side of Route 363 (Woodville Highway) in Tallahassee, just south of Capital Circle.
Trail access and parking is also available at Woodville Sports Complex on the west side of the trail. Follow the brown directional signs from Route 363 (Woodville Highway) south to the complex.
Wakulla Station Trailhead is located on the west side of the trail off Route 363 (Woodville Highway) just south of the Leon and Wakulla county line. Follow the brown directional signs to the trailhead.
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Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
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Very Enjoyable Bike Ride with Grandson!
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!
Work on Trail Soon To Be Completed
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
CLOSED for Construction
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.
Arriving at the Tallahasse Trailhead - 9 miles one-way!
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Tallahassee to St. Marks
Counties: Leon, Wakulla
Trail Length: 20 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Walking
TrailLink ID: 6015431

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other Southeast rail-trails in RTC's Southeast Guidebook.