Florida Hikes

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

Pier on a lake with ridges on the far shore

Lake Talquin State Park

On the shores of Lake Talquin, a vast reservoir filling gaps in a deeply folded landscape west of Tallahassee, it’s easy to imagine you’re in the Appalachians.

A vast reservoir along the Ochlockonee River behind the Jackson Bluff Dam, which feeds a hydroelectric plant helping to power Tallahassee, Lake Talquin is a rarity in Florida.

A clamber down to the boardwalk makes you feel like you’ve descended into the heart of the Appalachians, with hilly forested ridges across the water in every direction.

Boat on a lake with ridges Lake Talquin

Resources

Resources for exploring the area
North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover The Hiking Trails of Floridas National Forests Parks Preserves book cover
 
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.

Overview

Location: Lake Talquin
Length: 1.1 mile loop
Trailhead: 30.4366,-84.5366
Address: 14850 Jack Vause Landing Rd, Tallahassee
Fees: $3 per vehicle
Restroom: At the parking area
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 850-487-7989
 
Open 8 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.

Directions


 
From downtown Tallahassee follow SR 20 west to Fort Braden. The park entrance is on the right at a large sign soon after you pass the Fort Braden Trails of Lake Talquin State Forest.

About the Park

A picnic area sits on a high bluff above Lake Talquin, with a scenic panorama of the lake.
It’s especially dramatic in winter. Stripped bare of their leaves, the deciduous forests atop

these high ridges open up views of a lake that feel like a getaway in upstate New York.

Pathway downhill with lake behind trees Path towards the lake

Descend by stairs or ramp to get up close to the lake’s waters. A boardwalk fronts the base of the bluff.

Anglers can drop a line from the boardwalk or the dedicated pier. A boat ramp at the end of Jack Vause Rd provides boater access to the water.

Person on a boardwalk Boardwalk on the lake

Starting from the opposite side of the parking area from the picnic area, a mile-long nature trail follows the edges of the bluffs and ravines to a scenic overlook above the lake.

View of lake through trees Lake Talquin Nature Trail Deeply forested, the interpretive trail at Lake Talquin State Park edges ravines and bluffs high above Lake Talquin, a reservoir along the Ochlockonee River.
Wooden stairs in woods Staircase down steep bluff between the lake and the picnic area

Trail Map

Lake Talquin State Park Trail Map

Explore More!

Slideshow

See our photos of Lake Talquin State Park

Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Footbridge over a ravine on a slope 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.
Tall cypress along a lake at dusk Silver Lake Trail A popular spot in the Apalachicola National Forest near Tallahassee, Silver Lake Recreation Area offers a quiet hiking-only loop around glassy waters lined with stately cypress trees.
Talking tree along the Living Forest Trail Living Forest Trail An accessible trail at the Bear Creek Tract, this short but educational trail offers "talking trees" for a unique learning experience in a Florida forest.
Steephead stream in bluff forest Terry Rhodes Trail System Featuring steep topography and a high biodiversity of plant life along its network of five loop trails, Bear Creek Educational Forest is the crown jewel of Lake Talquin State Forest.

Park Map (PDF) Official Website

Sandra Friend
Latest posts by Sandra Friend (see all)
Category: , , , , , , Tag: , , , , , , , , , , , ,