Recreation on Lake Talquin State Forest
| Trails |
| Camping |
(Primitive only- State Forest Use Permit Required)
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| Picnicking, Fishing, Hunting, Boating, Nature Study, Leashed Pets Allowed+
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| maps |
+ Contact the forest office for specific information
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Lake Talquin State Forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities on its many diverse tracts of land and can be enjoyed utilizing existing roads, road beds and established trails. We encourage non-hunting visitors to check the Wildlife Management Area regulations.
Horseback riders are welcome on open roads
in the forest and the Fort Braden Tract contains a 12-mile designated equestrian trail. Horseback
riding is not permitted on designated hiking and biking
trails or on the Bear Creek Tract. Proof of a current
negative Coggins test is required for all horses.
Off-Road bicyclists can enjoy the open
roads on Lake Talquin State Forest, however, they are
not permitted on designated hiking, nature, or equestrian
trails or on the Bear Creek Tract. The Lines Tract contains
a designated off-road bicycle trail which offers a nine-mile
course for beginner to intermediate level cyclists.
Canoeing, kayaking and power boats are allowed on Lake Talquin which provides access to great freshwater fishing, bird watching and the tranquility of North Florida’s natural beauty. Primitive campsites at High Bluff campground can be accessed by vehicle, canoe, kayak or boat. Primitive camp sites at the Ft. Braden tract are accessible only by canoe, kayak, boat or hiking.
Fishing is available in all waterways of Lake Talquin State Forest except for those on the Bear Creek Tract. A valid Florida fishing license is required except for those exemptions listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Under special agreement with the Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Lake Talquin
State Forest was opened to hunting immediately after the
Florida Forest Service became the land manager in 1977.
There are three Wildlife Management Areas open for hunting; Joe Budd, Ochlockonee, and Talquin WMAs. All other Lake Talquin State Forest tracts are closed to hunting.
In keeping with its mission to protect and
manage Florida's forest resources, the Florida Forest Service
Find out more about state forest fees and rules.
Bear Creek Tract
A wealth of viewing opportunities for wildlife, birds and wildflowers await visitors, while the educational focus of this forest provides an array of learning experiences. Visitors can experience the audio enhanced Living Forest trail where the trees tell their own stories.
Hiking and Nature trails on this 492-acre tract of Lake Talquin State Forest meander through many natural communities including wetlands, sandhills and dramatic ravines. The trails are marked with orange, blue, and green paint blazes.
Terry L. Rhodes Trail System
Hikers enjoy the trails at Bear Creek.
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The Terry L. Rhodes Trail System provides over five miles of hiking trails and consists of the following:
- The Living Forest Trail (GREEN) starts at the parking area and ends at the observation deck. The trail has a hard paved surface and is .66 miles in length round-trip.
- The Ravine Trail (BLUE) starts near the observation deck and loops around the pond. This 1.8-mile trail is moderately strenuous with steep inclines. The Ravine trail is a designated Trailwalker program trail.
- The Bear Creek Trail (ORANGE) begins across Beaver Dam. This trail skirts Bear Creek and traverses a range of ecosystems within a span of 3 miles. The hike is moderately strenuous, with steep inclines and narrow footing in some areas. A ½ mile spur of the Bear Creek trail connects Pittman Dam to the top of the ravine.
- A spur trail.
Bear Creek Educational Forest
The Bear Creek Educational Forest is open daily from sunrise to sunset. A primitive group campsite is available for a small fee and requires a State Forest Use Authorization.
- From Interstate 10: Exit onto Highway 267. Go south on Highway 267 for 4.8 miles. The entrance will be on your left.
- From Highway 20: Turn north onto Highway 267. Follow Highway 267 for 7.5 miles. The entrance will be on your right.
Maps
• Bear Creek Trailwalker Trail map (pdf, 545k) Bloxham Tract
PHOTO: Picnic pavilion on the Bloxham tract.
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The Bloxham tract is a beautiful high bluff, located on the southwest side of Lake Talquin. If you’d like a private place for your group to meet, try the tranquility of Bloxham.
- group picnics: pavilion, large grill, restroom
- day use only
- fishing: small boat ramp and dock
General Information for Bloxham Tract
Fee includes use of boat ramp, dock, house, picnic area and grounds. The Bloxham boat ramp provides direct access to Lake Talquin, and can be used by power boats, canoes, and kayaks. Contact us for rental information and reservations.
- Maximum capacity of 300 people. Groups over 150 will be required to provide portable toilets arranged and paid by the group.
- Check or money order made payable to: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ().
From Capital Circle NW go west 17.8 miles on Highway 20. Turn right on Lone Star and the entrance will be a ¼ mile down on the left.
Fort Braden Tract
PHOTO: Horseback riding trail in the state forest.
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Explore a range of different ecosystems and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Talquin on the 1242 acre Fort Braden tract. This recreation area features two designated Trailwalker and one Trailtrotter trails.
Three Hiking trail loops range from three to five miles in length and are moderately strenuous, with steep inclines and narrow footing in some areas.
Two equestrian trail loops. Each trail is five to six miles in length. Riders should expect an amazing trail that will include low water crossings, inclines, and winding trails. NOTE: All horses must have proof of current negative Coggins test results when on state lands. All children under the age of 16
are required to wear a protective helmet while riding on state lands.
Primitive campsites for both individual and group camping. Campers must obtain a State Forest Use Authorization for overnight camping from the Lake Talquin headquarters on Geddie Road.
Facilities include picnic pavilions and a trail head .
Maps
• All Trails on Ft. Braden map (pdf, 134k)
• Ft. Braden Trailtrotter Trails Map (pdf, 480k)
• Ft. Braden Trailwalker Trails Map (pdf, 640k)
Go west 8.7 miles on Highway 20 from Capital Circle. Entrance road will be on the right. High Bluff Camping Area
Fishing dock at the High Bluff Tract campground.
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High Bluff is a primitive campground on the northern side of Lake Talquin, adjacent to the Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area.
Facilities include:
- 34 primitive campsites (ground grills and picnic tables)
- Restroom facilities
- fishing pier
- boat ramp
No reservation required. First come, first serve. Camping fees are deposited in an Honor Fee box and any open campsite may be selected. Fees are $5.00 per night, per site. The maximum stay is two weeks. RV’s and tent campers welcome.
- Take I- 10 west to exit 192. Drive north US-9 , toward Quincy/Midway for 2.4 miles
- Turn left on CR- 268/Martin Luther King Blvd. for 2. 5 miles
- Turn left on Peters Road and drive 1 mile. Stay left at fork where road becomes High Bluff Landing Road.
- The campground is at the end of the road.
Line’s Tract Off-Road Bicycle Trail
The 10-mile Lines Trail is for beginners to intermediate level cyclists. The trails offer a unique opportunity to experience a variety of Florida’s beautiful natural communities while
exercising and enjoying one of today’s growing activities. The main trail without the spur loops is around 6.5 miles and takes about an hour to travel at regular speed. The complete 10-mile loop takes 1 ½ to 2 hours to complete at regular speeds. Please protect the resources by staying on marked trails and respecting all wildlife and plants.
- off-road bicycling. The
trail takes the cyclist through a variety of terrain which
includes pine plantation and sandhills on the northern
portion of the trail and then into a blending of hardwood
areas along the shore line of Lake Talquin. Moderate obstacles such as low clearances, logs, quick turns and tight areas between trees are intended to enhance the ride. Beginners should maintain slower speeds for easier navigation of these obstacles.
- Trail head facilities include a picnic pavilion and Restroom.
- One group campsite is located, on the bike trail, off the Talquin Loop.
Campers must obtain a forest use permit for overnight camping from the Lake Talquin headquarters on Geddie Road.
Be Prepared
- Wear proper gear, including a helmet.
- Carry plenty of water, bug spray and snacks.
Take I- 10 west until exit 181. Head south on Highway 267 for 7 miles. Turn left onto Cook’s Landing Rd. and the entrance is 1.5 miles on the right.
Wildlife Management Areas
Lake Talquin State Forest includes three wildlife management areas managed together with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Wildlife viewers, cyclists, horseback riders, paddlers and other nature lovers can find wild places to pursue their interests in addition to hunting and fishing. Non-hunting recreationists are encouraged to check the Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting specific tracts of Lake Talquin State Forest.
For hunting purposes, Lake Talquin State Forest is broken down into three Wildlife Management Areas. For more information regarding hunting or fishing on Lake Talquin State Forest call or write: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Route 7, Box 3055 Quincy, FL 32351 Phone: 850/627-9674
Links
 Contact Us
Questions about recreation on LTSF?
State Forest Use Authorizations information
- Florida Forest Service
Lake Talquin State Forest
865 Geddie Road
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Telephone: 850/ 488-1871
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