Experiences
Bicycling
The Lake Overstreet portion of the park offers 5 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding. These trails afford views of Lake Overstreet and a ravine system that rivals those of North Georgia.
In addition, three miles of designated bike trails provide scenic biking on the Overstreet property. Lake Overstreet is for use by wildlife only and for scenic viewing by visitors.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists, and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Fishing
Largemouth bass, bream and bluegill are caught in Lake Hall. A Florida freshwater fishing license may be required. Fishing is not allowed in Lake Overstreet. All fishing within the park must follow regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
- More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Geo-Seeking
Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult.
The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment, and conscientious land use ethics should be followed.
Hiking
The Big Pine and Boy Scout nature trails meander through the wooded hillsides overlooking Lake Hall. Novice hikers could expect to walk the distance of either trail in less than an hour.
Multi-use trails on the Lake Overstreet portion of the park provide over five miles for hiking or jogging.
Horseback Riding
The Lake Overstreet portion of the park offers five miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding. These trails afford views of Lake Overstreet and a ravine system that rivals those of North Georgia. Lake Overstreet is for use by wildlife only and for scenic viewing by visitors.
Mountain Biking
The Lake Overstreet portion of the park offers five miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding. These trails afford views of Lake Overstreet and a ravine system that rivals those of North Georgia.
In addition, three miles of designated bike trails provide scenic biking on the Overstreet property. Lake Overstreet is for use by wildlife only and for scenic viewing by visitors.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists, and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Paddling
Lake Hall is excellent for kayaking, paddle boating, using small sailboats and canoeing for those with experience.
- Visitors are reminded that most of the lake's shoreline is private property. Please respect the property of others.
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Gasoline-powered motors are prohibited around the swimming area and dock. Electric motors are preferred.
Reunions and Gatherings
Make your next event extraordinary at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Email MaclayEventCoordinator@floridadep.gov to help you plan your perfect wedding, reception, party or other gathering.
Walking and Running
The Big Pine and Boy Scout nature trails meander through the wooded hillsides overlooking Lake Hall. Novice hikers could expect to walk the distance of either trail in less than an hour.
Multi-use trails on the Lake Overstreet portion of the park provide over five miles for hiking or jogging.
Weddings
Many brides and grooms have married in the beautiful gardens at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park.
Email MaclayEventCoordinator@floridadep.gov to help you plan your perfect wedding, reception, party or other gathering.
Wildlife Viewing
Maclay Gardens is home to a variety of Florida wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bobcat and alligators.
Various species of fish and reptiles inhabit Lake Hall and Lake Overstreet, and birds of all shapes and sizes can be found throughout the year.
Amenities
Equestrian Trail
The Lake Overstreet portion of the park offers five miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding. These trails afford views of Lake Overstreet and a ravine system that rivals those of North Georgia. Lake Overstreet is for use by wildlife only and for scenic viewing by visitors.
Gardens
First planted in 1923, the gardens at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park are a floral masterpiece. Hundreds of camellias and azaleas mix with dogwoods, magnolias and a variety of other trees for a spectacular array of blooms from December through April.
The gardens feature a picturesque brick walkway, a secret garden, a reflection pool and a walled garden.
The visitor center has two videos about the history of the Maclay family and of the park. An audio tour is available upon request at the ranger station.
The visitor center has a manual wheelchair and a motorized scooter for traveling the garden paths. Please request use of the wheelchair and motorized scooter at the ranger station. A golf cart tour is also available with advance notice.
Meetings and Retreats
The Gardener’s Cottage is available for rent for meetings or special events.
Email MaclayEventCoordinator@floridadep.gov to help you plan your perfect wedding, reception, party or other gathering.
Nature Trail
The Big Pine and Boy Scout nature trails meander through the wooded hillsides overlooking Lake Hall.
Novice hikers could expect to walk the distance of either trail in less than an hour.
Multi-use trails on the Lake Overstreet portion of the park provide over five miles for hiking or jogging.
Picnic Pavilion
The picnic area overlooking Lake Hall offers one large pavilion and several small pavilions on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The large picnic pavilion is available for rental. More information coming soon to help you plan the perfect picnic or special event.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
- The large picnic pavilion has an accessible sidewalk that can be used from the unloading zone to the pavilion with ease.
Visitor Center
The visitor center has two videos about the history of the Maclay family and of the park. An audio tour is available upon request at the ranger station. The visitor center is only open when park volunteers are available.
The visitor center has a manual wheelchair and a motorized scooter for traveling the garden paths. Please request use of the wheelchair and motorized scooter at the ranger station. A golf cart tour is available with advance notice.
Water Fountain
Staying hydrated on your outdoor adventures is important. Just bring a refillable water bottle to replenish your drinking water at the park. This will reduce single-use plastics in landfills and reduce the litter sometimes found along trails, at campsites, on beaches and in Florida’s waterways.
- At Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, you’ll find a water fountain at the entrance of the formal gardens and at multiple locations within the gardens.
- Refillable water bottle station available at the Lake Hall recreation area restroom.
- Learn more.