State Parks and a Wildlife Refuge to Take a Walk at in Florida's Big Bend Region

Must-do Walks and Hikes in the Tallahassee Area

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
What happens when a northern ice mogul marries a bread heiress? A soothing, native and spectacular garden blooms. New Yorker Alfred B. Maclay was president of the Knickerbocker Ice Company and married Louise Fleischman, of the Fleischman Bread Company. In the 1920s, they purchased a winter estate in Tallahassee and today, the grounds are open for the public to enjoy. 

Wander down the pink-brick walkway along Lake Hall. Veer off the main path to discover the secret garden, the fairy-tale-like walled garden and the clear reflection pool. If visiting over the weekend, good chance is you'll see a wedding ceremony. 

Walkers will enjoy the Big Pine and Boy Scout Nature Trails located next to the gardens. These easy trails meander through the wooded hillsides along Lake Hall. Peak blooming season is January 1 - April 30, but all year-round, the gardens are lush with indigenous plants.   

Rating: Easy 

Location: Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is located one-half mile north of I-10 on U.S. 319. 

Contact Information:
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
3540 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32309
Telephone: (850) 487-4556
www.floridastateparks.org/maclaygardens

Park Entrance Fee: $4.00 per group for up to 8 people
Park Hours of Operation: Open year round; 8:00 a.m. to sunset 

Florida Caverns State Park
Maintaining a year-round temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the Florida Cavern offers a refreshing alternative to walking in the mid-day heat. Fragile stalactites, stalagmites and soda straws are some of the geological wonders adorning the cavern rooms during a 45-minute tour, Although the ranger will have one, bring a flashlight to spot those grayish-brown, furry things on the walls. Yes, they're bats, most likely an Eastern Pipistrelle.