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Storm Update – Park and Overnight Accommodations Closed 

Effective Sept. 24, 2024: To help ensure the safety of visitors and staff, the park and any associated overnight accommodations are closed due to Tropical Storm Helene. The Florida State Parks reservation team will email guests with affected reservations to make alternate arrangements or issue refunds. The park and its overnight accommodations will reopen as soon as conditions allow. Please visit our Storm Updates page for more information.

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Florida Department of Environmental Protection

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Open paved trail is bordered by lush green vegetation.

Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail

A 16-mile stretch of converted railway lets bikers and hikers go from Florida’s capital to the Gulf of Mexico

Know Before You Go

Effective Jan. 25, 2024: The playground at Tallahassee - St. Marks Historic Trail Wakulla Station Trailhead is closed. 

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

No fee required

Location

1358 Old Woodville Road
Crawfordville FL 32327

Get directions

Contact Info

850-487-7989

Park Menu

  • Experiences & Amenities
  • Events
  • History
Download Park Map

Welcome to Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail

The Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail runs 16 miles from Florida's capital city to the coastal community of St. Marks.

Through the early 1900s, this historic railroad corridor carried cotton from the plantation belt to the coast for shipment to textile mills in England and New England.

Officially part of Florida's Greenways and Trails System, this state trail also has been designated as a National Recreation Trail. This was the first rail-trail in Florida's system of greenways and trails to be paved, providing a scenic experience for running, walking, bicycling and skating. Horseback riding is available on the adjacent unpaved trail.

Here, outdoor enthusiasts can hike a portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail, which joins the trail at U.S. 98 and continues south. At the main trailhead, there is access to the Munson Hills/Twilight Mountain Bike Trails in the Apalachicola National Forest.

At the southern terminus of the trail, the coastal city of St. Marks welcomes trail users to enjoy seafood dining, fishing and entertainment and to learn about the history of the area at San Marcos de Apalache Historical State Park.

The Tallahassee-St. Marks State Trail is a completed section of the developing, 120-mile Capital City to the Sea Loop corridor and is a destination along the Big Bend Scenic Byway.

Plan Your Visit

Park manager Brooke Doran, uniformed, in front of loquat trees.
Learn

Manager's Message

Now is a great time to hop on the trail and ride your bike, walk/run, skate or ride your horse. This very active and popular trail was the first rails-to-trails site in Florida.
hike, walk, ride, trailhead, equestrian, Apalachicola National Forest
Learn

Hike the Historic Railroad Trail

Experience history and nature when you visit the first state rail-trail. The Tallahassee-St. Marks railroad was active longer than any other in Florida, operating for 146 years from 1836 to 1983.
Cycling, biking, bike, trails
Learn

Communities of the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail

The paved 16-mile Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail offers many opportunities for recreational activities, including jogging, biking, hiking and walking. Follow the trail south toward the coastal town of St. Marks, but be sure to take in the local sights along the way.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
Picnicking
Picnicking
Roller Blading
Roller Blading
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Water Fountain
Water Fountain
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible

Tallahassee - St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail Photo Gallery

Bike rider on the trail.
Paved path with bench under covered pavilion.
Shady trail
folks using trail
W.S. restroom and playground
shelter
Trailhead with bike racks.
walking, hiking, exploring, biking
Historic black and white depiction of the historic st. marks railroad station.
Learn

History of the Tallahassee-St. Marks Railroad

One of the oldest railroad corridors ever put into service, the Tallahassee-St. Marks railroad route traces its history to the earliest days of the industry, the 1830s, when local business owners wanted a more efficient means of transporting their goods.
Historic photo of railroad tracks.
Learn

Historic Significance of the Tallahassee-St. Marks Railroad

Tallahassee was chosen as the territorial capitol in 1824, only three years after Florida’s acquisition from Spain. This contributed to the historic and cultural significance of the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

First Day Bikes

Sat, Oct 5, 2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm EDT

First Day Bikes: Join us for our Outdoor Expo and group bike rides! Long distance (20m) at 10am, Mountain Bike (8m) at 11am, and an All Ages Ride with a Ranger (3m) at 12pm. All rides open to public.
Tallahassee St Marks

Tallahassee, FL

People Make the Parks

Volunteer

Staff Spotlight

Growing up in rural Jefferson County Florida, Randy was exposed to camping and fishing trips at an early age and enjoyed the outdoors and nature.
Volunteer Nancy Guzman

Volunteer Spotlight

Nancy has always had a love of the outdoors. Now as a volunteer at the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail, she continues to enjoy the fresh air, birds and sounds of nature.
Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Parks Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

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Have Questions?

Contact the Statewide Information Line:

(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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