Experiences
Cyclists enjoy this paved, mostly level trail because it offers a scenic journey and one that can take you all the way to the Florida coast with the chance to dine on fresh seafood. Bike racks are available at the Capital Circle and Wakulla Station trailheads.
Safety Information
- Helmets are recommended for all cyclists. Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and younger.
- Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.
- Obey all traffic laws.
- When bicycling on a trail or dirt road shared with hikers or equestrians, be respectful of others. Learn more about our state park rules and trail etiquette.
- Bicycles, including electric bicycles, may be used on trails designated for bicycle use with the park system, consistent with section 316.20655, F.S.
- All bicycles should operate in a safe manner.
- Please obey all posted speed limits.
- Please be aware that cross traffic does not stop. It is the responsibility of the trail user to stop at all street intersections.
Hiking is permitted on the 20.5-mile paved trail, a portion of which follows the congressionally designated Florida National Scenic Trail.
Additional hiking opportunities can be found in the adjacent Apalachicola National Forest and along the city of Tallahassee's trails that connect to the northern end of the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail.
Off-road cyclists are welcome to travel the paved multi-use trail, as well as take advantage of the Munson Hills/Twilight Mountain Bike Trails located in the Apalachicola National Forest and accessible from the Capital Circle trailhead.
There are 21 miles of off-road loop trails managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Home to rare butterflies and many species of native Florida wildlife, the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail is an especially attractive venue for bird-watchers.
The southern terminus of the trail is located only a few miles from the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1931 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds.
Amenities
Historic markers along the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail include a plaque at the main trailhead that introduces the history behind this longtime railway corridor, and signage on the trail near Shell Island Road that outlines the 147-year history of the Tallahassee-St. Marks Railroad.
A marker opposite the southern trail terminus tells the story of the town of Port Leon, which was destroyed by a hurricane in 1843.
Parking is available at the Northern Trailhead at 4760 Woodville Highway in Tallahassee. Parking also is available at the Wakulla Station playground area at 1358 Old Woodville Highway in Crawfordville.
The Southern Trailhead or terminus ends at the St. Marks River in the town of St. Marks. There are numerous food and drink establishments with ample parking within 200 yards of the Southern Trailhead.
- For GPS navigating, the 911 address for the Southern Trailhead is 620 Port Leon Drive, St. Marks, FL 32355.
- Equestrian/horse trailer parking is available at the Capital Circle Trailhead and at the Wakulla Station playground/pavilion area.
Restroom facilities are located at the Main Trailhead, the Wakulla Station Trailhead and at the J. Lewis Hall Recreation Complex managed by Leon County.
Four waterless restroom facilities are located along the trail at Oak Ridge Road, the 7-mile marker, Highway 98 and near the southern terminus of the trail.
