Written by Tim Knoepke, Yelp Tallahassee Community Ambassador
Photograph of Cascades Park taken by Yelper Cory H
Home to numerous canopy roads with moss-draped live oaks, state parks and gardens with blooming native flowers and trails winding through shadowed forests, you can’t deny that Tallahassee is home to truly spectacular green space. Whether you’re looking for a nice romantic walk or a more strenuous mountain biking session, there’s a place for you. In celebration of 15 years of local love on Yelp, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 trails, parks, and gardens in the Greater Tallahassee area according to Yelp data.
Methodology: This is an all-time list of the best parks, trails, and gardens in the greater Tallahassee area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in relevant categories, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at business pages in the counties of Leon, Gadsden, Thomas, Jefferson and Wakulla.
“Beautiful park in downtown area. Great place for kids to play, to run/bike/walk, or to just lay a blanket down and enjoy the weather. The waterfalls make a great view, and there is also an amphitheater where they often host concerts.” –Brenda T
“There are long trails to hike and explore. You can swim in the swimming area – a comfortable 68 degrees year round, you can dive from the tower into the world’s deepest spring. You can take the jungle cruise and see manatees, turtles, alligators and so many birds.” –Alan B
“Truly a park for all occasions! I love to mountain bike here on the technical trails, relax in a hammock under the trees, grill up some burgers, walk beside the pond, or play at the dog park.” –Tim K
Photo by Sabrina S.
“The pictures do not do it justice! This garden/park is even prettier in person. I got lost in the “secret” garden. The garden is well maintained and you can tell that who ever is managing it takes pride in his/her work. Everything was so beautiful. The views over the lake are stunning and immediately make you want to meditate.” –Iritte S
Photo by Colleen R.
“A place to get away from it all while staying in the heart of Tallahassee! The Goodwood Museum & Gardens offers a relaxing environment to go for a stroll or sit beneath the shade of a tree with a good book. The manor house comes to life with such knowledgeable staff running it, so make sure to hop on a tour during the week… I’ve even happened to stop by on a day when local painters were encouraged to match on their canvas the natural beauty all around them. Quite the experience to witness!” –Tim K
Photo by Carol D
“Breathtaking how beautiful this park is… This park has beautiful walkways, water fountains, benches, swings and views of greenery. It can be a relaxing place to meditate, a romantic place to enjoy with your sweetie, a fun place to have a picnic or just a day out with your fur baby.” –Carla M
“You can come here to run, jog, take a stroll, have a picnic, hang out, walk your dog, or just sit and chill. There are lots of huge trees around the lake with birds, geese, ducks, turtles everywhere making me feel close to the nature.” –Angela F W
Photo by Beth Y.
“This National Refuge is a jewel of the Gulf Coast. There are opportunities to fish, crab, hike, bike and more. It is a great place for bird watching year round and there are wildflowers in abundance most times of the year.” –Michael H.
Photo by Tiff H.
“This hidden gem is one of my favorite places to visit in Tallahassee. If you need a place to disconnect, kayak, mountain bike, fish or just do some yoga, this place has it all! There are about 6 fingers that extend into the lake that you can hangout at, beautiful nature trails and wildlife teeming everywhere. Also, if you walk far enough down the trail you will get to see the most gorgeous and astonishing wooden bridge that runs right next to the train tracks!” –Veronica H
Photo by Michael B
“Whether you’re a new parent looking for a place to push your jogging stroller, a horse-lover or bicyclist looking for a relaxing trail ride, a family searching for the perfect picnic spot, or a serious runner wanting to do a 16 mile long run, Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway has something for everyone.” –Michael B
“The Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail is a fantastic rail trail spanning Leon and Wakulla counties. Rail trails are a fantastic way to turn old, disused train tracks into wonderful meandering parks that are great for biking, walking, roller-blading, running, or walking your horse.” –Bret I
“The perfect spot for a perfect day in Tallahassee. When the weather drops into the 50’s and 60’s, this is where you’ll find me. The trails never get old. The sun peaks in through the trees making for a surreal experience. Ample benches are scattered and a mini boardwalk is in place to walk over the lake.” –Matt C
Photo by Heather R
“There is just something about this place that makes me feel whole and lovely. It has a sacred feeling to it. Anytime I’m in the area I stop by, climb the long staircase and say hello to the sun.” –Julia N
“This is an awesome network of single-track off-road bike trails that snake through the Apalachicola National Forest. The trails are well-maintained and mostly either clay or hard-packed dirt. The trails are not very technical, and mostly flat. However, there are some fast parts and a few narrow squeezes between trees to watch out for!” –Duane D
Photo by Brandi C
“It is very spacious, and the area seemed to be very well kept. Not a tasking trail at all. If you’re pressed for time, you can cut back to the trailhead before reaching the second half called the Gum Swamp Trail, 2.3 miles. The Sinkhole Trail is 3.1 miles.” –Vanessa G
Like this list? Have it at your fingertips for your next outdoor adventure by following Yelp Tallahassee’s Top 15 Trails, Parks, and Gardens collection. And, don’t forget to leave love via a review for your favorite Tallahassee trail!
