On 670 acres along the eastern shore of Lake Jackson, Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park has trail systems dedicated to hiking, biking, and equestrian use.
Several trailheads allow multiple points of access on the eastern side of the park and trails are well marked.
Starting point at Meridian Rd trailheadThe hiking trails were developed and continue to be maintained by Florida Trail Association volunteers.
Three interconnected loops and a couple of cross trails provide options for visitors to tailor the length of their hike from a 1.5 mile loop to over 7 miles.
February is a fabulous time to visit to see Appalachian woodland wildflowers in bloom, species not typically associated with Florida habitats but found in this region.
Trillium along an alluvial streamResources
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Overview
Location: Tallahassee
Length: 6.7 miles
Trailhead: 30.52913, -84.27923
Address: 4600 N Meridian Rd, Tallahassee
Fees: Free
Restrooms: At Meridian Park
Land manager: City of Tallahassee
Phone: 850-891-3866
Open sunrise to sunset. Trails intersect off-road biking trails. Orange blazes are hiking only. Leashed dogs welcome.
Long pants recommended as poison ivy is prevalent in the shade. Use insect repellent.
Directions
Exiting on US 319 (Thomasville Rd) from Interstate 10, head north on US 319 for 0.3 mile before turning left onto Market St. In 0.1 mile, turn onto Maclay Blvd S, continuing for 0.6 miles, then turn left onto Maclay Rd. Stay on Maclay Rd for 1.8 miles before making a right onto N Meridian Rd, and then a left in 0.5 mile at the park entrance. The trailhead is located at the south end of the park across from the ballfields.
Hike
At the Meridian Park Trailhead, a covered kiosk with built-in benches displays a map of the entire trail system. Two marked pathways lead west into the woods.
Take the trail on the left marked with a Florida Trail sign and numbered orange diamond to begin the hike.
Trailhead map kioskDiamond shaped markers correspond with numbers on the map, and they are plentiful, affixed to trees nearly every hundred feet along the length of the trail.
In a tenth of a mile, turn right at the Coon Bottom Loop, where the pathway ascends sloping terrain through a deeply shaded forest of beech and magnolia.
Hardwood forestThese slopes are lush with trillium each February. Descend sharply downhill, with many crossings of equestrian and mountain bike trails. Some parallel the footpath.
The steady downhill continues for some time beneath oaks and pines, southern magnolias adding spectacular beauty to the understory.
Trillium peeping from the leaf litter in FebruaryIn less than a half mile, cross the first of several small bridges over alluvial streams that carve through the rolling topography.
Rainwater flows downhill and under the bridge, forming tiny waterfalls over exposed roots and hardened clay.
Creek bridgeAt the next trail intersection, turn right onto the Swamp Forest Loop, following the trail across seasonal wetlands on a narrow boardwalk.
The landscape opens into a small section of pine flatwoods. The trail winds northward over undulating terrain, passing a side spur to the equestrian trailhead.
Wire-covered plank boardwalkReaching a marked junction with the Creek Forest Trail, turn right to explore the western portion of the park, or take a left to loop back to the Meridian Trailhead for a 1.5 mile hike.
Taking the Creek Forest route, huge trees border the pathway as it winds alongside a shallow ravine before reaching the Oak Hammock Loop.
Meandering seasonal streamThe Oak Hammock Loop traverses a mosaic of hardwood and pine forests undergoing restoration efforts.
Distinctly different in appearance, pine flatwoods are far less shaded than the hammocks, and they require regular fires to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Pine flatwoods restorationWeaving northward, the loop passes two observation towers, one overlooking Lake Jackson in the distance, and another alongside an open field.
The Oak Hammock Loop concludes after 2.5 miles at the Creek Forest Trail. Take this trail once more, heading northeast to reach Big Tree Cutoff. Turn right onto this short connector trail.
Lake Jackson observation towerA series of boardwalks lead to the south end of the Swamp Forest Loop, passing Linda’s Lagoon, named for long-time trail maintainer Linda Patton.
Making one last right at the final hiking trail intersection, follow the southern half of the Coon Bottom Loop for a mile before returning to the main trailhead.
Linda’s LagoonTrail Map
Explore More!
Slideshow
See our photos from Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park
Nearby Adventures
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Explore a true Tallahassee treasure on gentle garden paths amid plantings dating back to 1923 or along well-trodden trails into wild woodlands along Lake Hall and Lake Overstreet. 
Fort Braden Trails Showcasing bluff forests and deep ravines above Lake Talquin, the Fort Braden Trails at Lake Talquin State Forest offer enough hiking along a tiered trio of trails for a weekend in the woods.
Lafayette Heritage Trail Park Hike, bike, paddle, or fish along the well-marked trails of Lafayette Heritage Trail Park in a deeply wooded landscape east of downtown Tallahassee.
J.R. Alford Greenway Preserving a peninsula in the Lake Lafayette basin for recreational use, the J.R. Alford Greenway is the eastern gateway to the Lafayette Heritage Trail. 
- Calusa Heritage Trail - November 5, 2026
- Scherer Thaxton Preserve - October 21, 2026
- Little Awesome Preserve - October 19, 2026