Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
The Tallahassee-S. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail is a beautiful and historically important trail in Tallahassee, Florida. It gives visitors a look into Florida’s past while showing off its natural beauty. The trail goes from the southern edge of Tallahassee to the town of St. Marks on the coast. It is a popular place for hikers, cyclists, and people who like to be in nature.
The trail follows the old Tallahassee-St. Augustine Road. Marks Railroad was built in the middle of the 1800s to move cotton, wood, and other goods from the coast to the capital of the state. The railroad was an important part of Florida’s economy and growth, and you can still see trestles, bridges, and buildings from the original railroad along the trail today.
The Wakulla Station Trailhead, which is at the southern end of the trail and has parking, bathrooms, and places to have a picnic, is one of the best parts of the trail. From the trailhead, people can go to Wakulla Springs State Park, which has one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. There are many things to do in the park, such as swimming, snorkeling, and boat tours.
As people walk along the trail, they will see beautiful views of Florida’s forests, wetlands, and marshes, among other things. Along the trail, there is a lot of wildlife, and visitors may see alligators, turtles, and many different kinds of birds.
The trail goes through a few small towns, like Woodville and St. Marks, where people can visit shops, restaurants, and historical sites. Visitors to St. Marks can check out the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to many different kinds of animals, such as black bears, bobcats, and bald eagles.
The trail is flat and easy to ride on for cyclists, making it a great choice for riders of all skill levels. Hikers and runners also like to use the trail to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors while taking in the beautiful scenery.
The many historical sites along the trail are one of the most interesting things about it. The trail goes by the site of the old Tallahassee Station, which used to be a busy place where people from all over the area went to get where they needed to go. Visitors can also see the remains of old trestles and bridges, such as the historic St. Marks Railroad Bridge, which was built in 1929 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can also stop at a number of historic sites along the trail, such as the San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park. The remains of a Spanish fort that was built in the 1600s and was an important part of the history of the area can be found in the park. Visitors can look around the fort’s ruins and learn about its history through exhibits and tours.
Altogether, the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail is a place that everyone who comes to Tallahassee must see. The trail has something for everyone, whether you like history, nature, or just want to get some exercise in a beautiful place. So grab your bike or hiking boots and head out today to explore this interesting and unique trail.