Florida Hikes

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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.

Tallahassee (30.405306, -84.407250)   1.3 miles   Apalachicola National Forest

Located in the northeastern corner of Apalachicola National Forest, Silver Lake Recreation Area is a quick drive west from Tallahassee along SR 20.

It invites visitors with a sandy beach for swimming, numerous picnic tables, and a winding nature trail around a pair of small lakes surrounded by a lush pine forest.

Fishing is popular at the lake, and many spots along the nature trail provide access to the water’s edge.

Forested edge of a rounded lake
In the lakeshore forest

Resources

Resources for exploring the area
Florida Trail Hikes book cover The Florida Trail Guide book cover North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover Paddlers Guide Florida The Hiking Trails of Floridas National Forests Parks Preserves book cover
 
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Overview

Location: Tallahassee
Length: 1.3 miles
Trailhead: 30.405306, -84.407250
Address: N FR 371, Tallahassee
Fees: $5 per vehicle
Restrooms: At the parking area
Land manager: Apalachicola National Forest
Phone: 850-643-2282

Dogs are not permitted along the lakeshore. Non-motorized boats may use the lake. Swimming is at your own risk.

Directions


 
From the intersection of SR 20 and US 98 west of downtown Tallahassee, head west on SR 20 for 1.4 miles before turning left to continue along the highway. In 1.5 miles, make a left onto Aenon Church Rd. Drive four miles, then turn right onto Silver Lake Rd. In a quarter mile, turn right at the entrance to the recreation area. Follow the road to the parking area and turn left to find the trailhead at the end of the lot.

Hike

Starting at the northeast corner of the parking area, walk through a gap in the wooden fence before descending a gentle slope towards the lake.

A prominent sign stands near the beginning of the trail where a wide grassy pathway leads into the forest.

Sign for Silver Lake Habitat Trail at grassy path Beginning of the trail

Within a tenth of a mile, the trail reaches an access road where four wheelers may be zipping by.

Follow the road around the northern edge of Silver Lake, reaching a boat ramp and sign prohibiting vehicle access at 0.3 mile.

Blue blazes lead the way along a narrow sandy trail under the cover of sand live oak and longleaf pine trees.

Blue blaze on a pine among oaks Blue blazed pine

At 0.4 mile, a trailside bench sits next to an unmarked side path leading towards the lake.

Follow this little detour towards the shoreline. A picnic table sits at the edge, overlooking the water and beach on the opposite side.

picnic table with lake beyond it Lakeside picnic table

Pines become more prominent among elements of sandhill habitats while crossing undulating terrain alongside Andrew Lake.

It’s the smaller of the two water bodies circumnavigated by the trail.

Ironweed and blazing stars dot the shrubby landscape, producing vibrant purple blooms in early autumn.

Flower with bright purple starburst blossoms Ironweed in bloom

Near the one mile mark, a short spur trail leads to an opening in the dense growth along the shoreline, providing spectacular views of a placid lake lined with stately cypress trees.

The path continues around the western edge for another quarter mile before emerging from the forest next to the parking lot.

Continue across the day use area, passing the swimming area before completing the loop at 1.3 miles.

Showy cypress trees along shore with lilies in water Cypresses on the shoreline

Trail Map

Silver Lake Trail Map

Explore More!

Learn more about the Apalachicola National Forest

Pitcher plants Apalachicola National Forest Noted for its botanical beauty, the Apalachicola National Forest is the largest National Forest in Florida, sweeping south and west of Tallahassee.

Video

Hiking the Silver Lake Trail

Slideshow

See our photos from hiking the Silver Lake Trail

Nearby Adventures

Bear Creek Tract Lake Talquin State Forest With ten distinct tracts surrounding Lake Talquin, a reservoir along the Ochlockonee River, this state forest provides recreation opportunities just west of Tallahassee.
Tallahassee Museum Tallahassee Museum In a setting of natural beauty along Lake Bradford, the Tallahassee Museum is a largely outdoors educational center highlighting the natural and cultural history of the region.
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.
Blue blaze on tree in lush hardwood forest Leon Sinks Geological Area In the Apalachicola National Forest just south of Tallahassee, Leon Sinks Geological Area offers a delightful introduction to the wonders of karst topography on its trails.

Official Website

Chris Stevens
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