Tallahassee Near and Far: Outdoors
Lake Jackson Mounds- all the way by north Monroe, this archeological site is tucked inside of a neighborhood. It’s definitely a hidden gem I discovered on google maps randomly. Previously inhibited by Natives, you can see hand-built mounds or hills. There are stairs leading to the top where you can see the entire site. There are also two trails to choose from if you like to hike. This wide green space is perfect for a cookout or simply to clear your head.
Admission: $3 per car
Location: 3600 Indian Mound Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303, USA
Lichgate on High Road- it’s becoming more popular as time goes on, you can volunteer there as they are always in need. Take pictures by a gigantic tree that is absolutely beautiful, check out the vegetable garden, butterfly garden and this cool maze in the way back by the cabin.
Admission: FREE
Location: 1401 High Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens- a very cute park to take your family or significant other for an afternoon picnic. The area has a lake, garden and famous fountain. Family gatherings and special celebrations can be done here, it's one of Tallahassee's gems that are often over looked
Admission: $6 per vehicle
Location: 3540 Thomasville Road Tallahassee FL 32309
Abandoned Cement Factory- this spot was very lowkey back in 2015, over the years It’s gathered more attention but still worth checking out. Not much has changed, you can see murals, graffiti, broken glass and the weeds have grown so high they would be perfect for a photoshoot. I recommend going in the morning to afternoon, as interesting as it is, I wouldn’t risk safety by going at night.
Admission: I’m not sure if it’s private property, I’ll leave the rest to you.
Location: 500 Blountstown Hwy, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Old City Cemetery- as weird as it may sound the cemetery in down town is both eerie and interesting. Established in 1829, which means Tallahassee was very much a slave town. Within the cemetery, the deceased have their own sections: slaves, freed slaves, soldiers and white towns people. As you walk by read some headstones, they hold history written on them from that time period. This cemetery shows that even in death, segregation is still alive.
Admission: FREE
Location: 400 W Park Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA
Tom Brown Park- Tallahassee’s family hot spot for every major holiday. This park has a section for every activity you can think of. The main hiking trail leads to a bench that over-looks a lake. The trail is long, probably like a mile or so. Walk down the hill from the bench and you’ll end up on the train tracks, it’s a nice photoshoot spot, follow the tracks to a bridge where you get off. Don’t get lost!
Admission: FREE
Location: 443-557 Easterwood Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32311, USA
Southwood Shoppe’s- a Small white picket fence community with stores and restaurants. Anyone can go and walk around; the area is quiet and family oriented.
Location: to get here I pretend like I’m going to El Jalisco Mexican restaurant. That’s the easiest way
3197 Merchants Row Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32311, USA
Pebble Hill Plantation- in between Tallahassee and Thomasville Georgia, Its a Florida historical site that doubles as a museum. The size of this plantation is enormous, with gardens, a maze, fountains, horse stall and much more.
Admission: $10
Location: 1251 US-319, Thomasville, GA 31792, USA
Mashes Sands Beach- an hour west of Tallahassee, this beach is lowkey for a day trip. The drive from Tallahassee is worth it, especially since the next nearby beach is Panama City. I do warn that the waters may or not be cloudy, it depends on the weather.
Admission: FREE
Location: 801 Mashes Sands Rd, Panacea, FL 32346, USA
Providence Canyon- the little Grand Canyon of Georgia, if you’re up for a nice hike go here but be careful to not get lost in it’s beauty. The time’s I’ve gone, I’ve been the only person around and honestly I prefer it that way. I recommend coming here with friends to explore all of what this miniature canyon has to offer, there are two hikes, a long one and a short one, choose wisely.
Admission: $5 per vehicle
Location: 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815, USA
Madison Blue Springs- an hour east of Tallahassee, Madison Blue Springs is hands down my favorite outdoor trip. The natural spring has a main swimming area with an underwater cave for divers and a river that drains into the spring. You can Kayak, swim or have a picnic near by. The water lives up to it’s name as being a nice shade of blue, I suggest wearing some type of shoe for your feet due to the rocks.
Admission: FREE
Location: 8300 FL-6, Lee, FL 32059, USA
Falling Waters State Park- an hour north of Tallahassee in a small town called Chipley. Floridas natural water fall is a nice hike down the path that leads into a balcony, unfortunately that’s as close as you’ll get. The park offers hiking, camping and their giant lake is great for kayaking.
Admission: $5 a vehicle
Location: 1130 State Park Road Chipley FL 32428
Suwannee Springs- an hour south of Tallahassee in Live Oak, this spring has quiet a history. Once thought to be the fountain of youth, the park was a resort like attraction. You can see parts of old bathhouse, kayak down the river or relax by the water. When I visited I ran into a local who believed the mud in the spring provided healing capabilities.
Admission: FREE
Location: 3243 91st Dr, Live Oak, FL 32060