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 Stadium Drive Bikepath—frequenly 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 1 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 farther south you can take a 5-mile detour along the paved shoulder of SR 267 to get to Wakulla Springs State Park, known for its big, beautiful spring and a refreshing swimming hole.

With only 6 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:
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: [3 trail ratings]
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March 2011
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.
Flat, fast, quiet trail from the city to the coast!
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.
Very Enjoyable Bike Ride with Grandson!
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!
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Gamble St. & Stearns St. (Tallahassee) to Riverside Drive (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.