Summary
From a 16-mile paved trail to wooded lakeside paths, here are the best places to get outside in Tallahassee this season — plus why summer might just be the best season to explore them.
There’s something Tallahassee residents know that most people don’t: summer in the city is serene. Once the FSU and FAMU students head home for the break, the city exhales.
Restaurants are easier to get into.
Parking is a non-issue.
The parks are less crowded.
Life slows down.
So if you’re thinking about making a move here, there’s no better time to get to know the city than summer — before the fall semester brings everything back to full volume.
And the Golden Rule all locals know to follow during this season is: find the shade, get outside early, and enjoy the nature that North Florida is known for!
Fortunately, Tallahassee has more tree canopy than almost any city of its size in the Southeast. The same live oaks that line the historic canopy roads also arch over miles of trails, keeping temperatures noticeably cooler than open pavement. Below are three of the best shaded trails to explore this summer.
St. Mark’s Trail
If you only do one trail in Tallahassee, make it this one. The St. Marks Trail is a 16-mile paved path that stretches from the southern edge of the city all the way to the waterfront town of St. Marks on the Gulf Coast — and for most of its length, it runs through a canopy of longleaf pines and hardwoods that keeps the sun off your back even at midday.
The trail is wide, well-maintained, and accessible for cyclists, walkers, joggers, and rollerbladers. You can go as far as you want and turn back, or ride the full length and reward yourself with lunch or a cold drink at one of the waterfront spots in St. Marks. There are plenty of benches to stop and take in the scenery, and even a children’s park about 2 miles from the trailhead if you’re bringing little ones. Either way, you’ll come back wondering why more people don’t visit this hidden gem.
The path is easily accessible from the south end of town, and parking is free. Go early on a weekend morning, and you’ll have it largely to yourself — one of the benefits of summer living in Tallahassee.
Lake Overstreet Trail at Forest Meadows
For something wilder and more immersive, the Lake Overstreet trail system is Tallahassee’s best-kept secret among locals who take their outdoor time seriously. Park your car at Forest Meadows Recreation Center, cross the street (there’s a light for pedestrians), and within minutes you’re deep in a landscape that feels remote and “Old Florida.”
There are two main loops: a shorter, 1.9-mile route, or, if you turn toward the signs for Maclay Gardens, there’s a longer path of about 5 miles that will take you around the lake. The extra distance is worth it for the beautiful views!
The trails here are unpaved and vary in difficulty, making them a good option whether you’re looking for a casual, shaded walk or a more challenging run. Wildlife sightings are common: deer, gopher tortoises, and a wide variety of birds make regular appearances.
Dogs are allowed on leashes, but be on the lookout for snakes and alligators… it is Florida after all!
There is a drop box at the trailhead for a $2 honor-system payment for park access, or, if you have an annual state park pass, it covers the entrance fee.
Mountain bikers: Lake Overstreet and the adjacent Maclay Gardens area have dedicated mountain bike trails worth exploring. Check the Maclay Gardens Mountain Bike Trail Map for current route options.
Lafayette Heritage Trail at Tom Brown
Tom Brown Park is one of Tallahassee’s most beloved community parks, and most people visit it for disc golf, the dog park, or the playground, and don’t realize there’s a beautiful wooded trail running along the lake tucked into its edges. From the far end of the playground, there is a paved bike path, and just on the other side, you’ll find a bridge to the trail system that takes you to the lake, offering shade, stunning views, and a peaceful contrast to the more active parts of the park.
The combination of tree cover and the lake breeze makes it one of the most comfortable summer exercise options in the city.
Additionally, the park has restrooms, picnic shelters, and plenty of space to spread out. It’s the kind of place where you can make a full morning, without spending a dollar.
For the kids and mountain bikers: Tom Brown Park also has a dedicated kids BMX track and the Magnolia Trail, a 2.8-mile dirt singletrack that’s popular with mountain bikers and runs through the wooded southwest section of the park.
A Note on Summer Timing
All three of these trails are best enjoyed before 10 am or in the early evening when temperatures drop, and the light gets golden. Bring water, wear sunscreen, and keep an eye on afternoon storm patterns.
Thinking of Making Tallahassee Home?
The trail system here is one of the reasons people stay once they visit. Download our free Relocation Guide to learn more about what life in Florida’s capital city actually looks like — the neighborhoods, the lifestyle, and everything in between.