A lesser-visited nook of Maclay Gardens State Park, Lake Corridor Recreation Space perches alongside a sweep of shoreline close to the southeast nook of the lake.
A picnic space anchors the peninsula, flanked by a swimming space, fishing dock, boat ramp, and kayak launch.
Sidewalk alongside the lakeEven lesser recognized are the 2 nature trails exploring the lakeshore. The showy Magnolia Loop Path begins on the boat ramp.
A separate round-trip begins beneath the playground at treeline. Join them utilizing the waterfront sidewalk for a 1.4 mile hike alongside Lake Corridor.
Bench alongside the Magnolia Loop PathSources
Overview
Location: TallahasseeLength: 1.4 milesTrailhead: 30.51859, -84.25042Address: 3540 Thomasville Rd, TallahasseeFees: $4-6 entrance price at gateRestroom: Flush toiletsLand Supervisor: Florida State ParksPhone: 850-487-4556
Open 8 AM to sundown. Leashed canines welcome; decide up after your pet. Don’t take pets on the swimming seashore.
Instructions
Hike
Descend the boat ramp to the signposted Magnolia Loop Path. It leads right into a bluff forest on the hillside above this pure lake.
An unofficial facet path tempts a brief loop right down to the shoreline for a better take a look at the placid waters.
Begin of the Magnolia LoopWithin the winter months, the inexperienced leaves of the southern magnolias stand out among the many oaks, hickory, and elms on this combined hardwood forest.
Curve previous the cut-to-the-ground stump of a big dwell oak and stand beneath the towering majesty of a spruce pine.
These are the true giants of this bluff, thriving in a terrain underlain by karst bedrock.
Facet path previous towering bushesWinter means ongoing views of the lake by the forest because the path progresses; these views are obscured by leaves the rest of the yr.
Alongside a curve, a bench adjoins a facet path to a scenic panorama from the bluff.
Bench on curveRoots intrude into the footpath because the path climbs, passing an awfully tall double-trunked spruce pine at 1 / 4 mile.
Not far previous it’s a bench overlooking the lake on the loop junction for this hike.
Double-trunked spruce pineFlip proper, following the arrow, and proceed to ascend the hill above Lake Corridor.
With leaves like mountain laurel however understated blooms in starbursts of white, horse sugar thrives within the understory.
Horse sugar illuminated by daylightClimbing steadily, the footpath then makes a curve again in the direction of the lake above the basin of a tributary flowing in the direction of it.
Views proceed throughout this little valley till a scramble up the hillside.
Tributary basinAscend by the bluff forest, dealing with the lakeshore once more at a piece of split-rail fence. Turning left, stroll beneath the tall bushes to complete the loop at a half mile.
Stroll previous the double-trunked pine and comply with the acquainted path, the lake on the base of the hillside your complete means.
Sealing the loopExit the path at 0.8 mile and cross the boat ramp to comply with the shaded lakefront sidewalk by the recreation space. Stairs result in the swimming seashore.
Previous the swimming space, a self-service kiosk allows you to hire kayaks and gear by scanning a QR code and following directions.
Lakefront picnic pavilionComply with the sidewalk because it sweeps by picnic tables and benches alongside the peninsula and passes a big picnic pavilion.
The place the trail reaches a pavilion with a grill adjoining the playground, stroll downhill to seek out the unmarked begin of the Lake Corridor Nature Path.
Path opening in treelineAfter plunging downhill, the footpath could also be damp in low spots because it winds by the lake-level forest.
A number of curves later, it climbs right into a bluff forest with tall magnolias and taller laurel oaks.
MagnoliasDescending to lake stage once more, wind in the direction of the lakeshore. At 1.1 miles into your stroll, the top of this linear path is in a clearing surrounding a big dwell oak.
A bench within the shade overlooks Lake Corridor. Return the identical means, reaching the parking space to conclude a 1.4 mile hike.
Bench at path’s finishPath Map
Discover Extra!
Be taught extra about Alfred B. Maclay Gardens
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Discover a real Tallahassee treasure on mild backyard paths amid plantings courting again to 1923 or alongside well-trodden trails into wild woodlands alongside Lake Corridor and Lake Overstreet. Video
Climbing the Lake Corridor Nature Trails at Maclay Gardens
Slideshow
See our images from Lake Corridor Recreation Space
Close by Adventures
Path Map (PDF) Official Web site
Creator of 45 books, Sandra Pal established FloridaHikes.com in 2006 to broaden on the sector analysis she’d accomplished for her first six mountain climbing guides. She has been honored with lifetime achievement awards from the Florida Path Affiliation and the Florida Out of doors Writers Affiliation.
