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St. Marks River Preserve State Park

St. Marks River Preserve State Park

The headwaters of the beautiful St. Marks River are protected in the park that bears its name

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

No fee required

Location

11950 Tram Road
Tallahassee FL 32311

Get directions

Contact Info

850-487-7989

Park Menu

  • Experiences & Amenities
  • History
Download Park Map

Welcome to St. Marks River Preserve State Park

Nestled along the banks of the St. Marks River headwaters, this park offers a picnic area and multi-use recreational area plus an extensive system of trails for hiking, horseback riding and off-road bicycling. 

The park's road network takes visitors through upland pine forests, hardwood thickets and natural plant communities along the banks of the river. Black bear, turkey and deer tracks crisscross the park roads. Fox, raccoon and opossum roam the woods. Birds fill the air with their melodic calls. 

The St. Marks River is not navigable within the park boundaries and is not conducive to canoeing or kayaking.

There are currently no amenities available at the park. Visitors must bring in their own water for themselves or their horse. 

Plan Your Visit

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

Manager's Message

Enjoy a wilderness experience at this quiet park that helps protect the headwaters of the St. Marks River. Visitors can walk through sandy areas where pine trees grow or venture along shaded trails that lead into the river swamp of the St. Marks.
nature, wildife
Learn

Hiking, Horseback Riding & Bicycling Trails

On the trails of St. Marks River Preserve State Park, outdoor enthusiasts or casual explorers can enjoy unique and amazing wilderness hiking, off-road bicycling, and horseback riding opportunities.
wildlife, animals, fox, gray
Learn

Wildlife Habitat on the St. Marks River

Follow trails through the picturesque floodplain forest, xeric hammock, flatwoods, sandhills and bay heads on foot, horseback or by bicycle to experience the natural communities that allow visitors to explore and see the diverse wildlife.

Experiences

Birding
Birding
Hiking
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Parking
Parking

St. Marks River Preserve State Park Photo Gallery

Monarch butterflies land on clusters of wild flowers.
Large base of cypress tree surrounded by cypress knees.
Bright purple wildflower.
deer
Cypress trees in a floodplain swamp.
LadyLupine
Shaded forest with open under story.
Owl perched on a branch.
water, river, wildlife
Learn

History of St. Marks River Preserve

St. Marks River Preserve State Park occupies 2,590 acres in Leon and Jefferson counties along the banks of the St. Marks River headwaters. Combined with other protected areas, it helps provide a continuous wildlife corridor from the river headwaters to the Gulf of America.
fire, management, natural
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Natural Communities Management at St. Marks River Preserve

St. Marks River Preserve State Park practices natural systems management. In most cases, this entails returning fire to its natural role in fire-dependent natural communities.

People Make the Parks

Volunteer

Staff Spotlight

Randy's love for the outdoors and nature led him to a second career with the Florida Park Service.
Volunteer

Volunteer with us!

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks' mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida.
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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