Biking
Mountain Biking
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Seasonal Hunting
Paddling
Since 1977, Lake Talquin State Forest has been managed by the Florida Forest Service using the multiple-use concept, which balances environmental, recreational and resource use needs. Emphasis is given to reforestation, ecosystem restoration and outdoor recreation.
Located within the State Forest, Bear Creek Educational Forest offers free guided programs for students. The programs include activities for students of all ages and are correlated to several educational standards.
In the mid-1970s, before state ownership, much of this land’s timber was removed under a long-term timber contract. Since taking over management, the Florida Forest Service has managed reforestation, ecosystem restoration and outdoor recreation.
Timber management practices on Lake Talquin State Forest are important in the restoration and maintenance of forest ecosystems and provide a variety of socio-economic benefits to Floridians. Harvesting activities follow the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services guide to Silviculture Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Trees are planted to restore natural communities while small areas are left treeless as wildlife openings. Whenever large clearings are performed, it is to replant to the most suitable tree species for the site or to remove diseased or dying trees.
Wildlife habitat management is of crucial importance in Lake Talquin State Forest and is a key consideration whenever other management decisions are made. Prescribed burning is an important management tool and is used on much of the forest in a two-to-four-year interval. This mimics natural fires, keeping the ecosystems healthy and encouraging the growth of plants that produce food for wildlife.
Lake Talquin State Forest is composed of a variety of forest cover types. Upland pine forest represents the largest community found in the forest. These rolling pine hills host a wealth of plant and animal diversity. Excellent examples of the slope and ravine forest communities are located on the west side of the Highway 20 Tract and throughout the Fort Braden and Bear Creek tracts. Other natural communities found in the forest include flatwoods, sandhills, floodplain forests and swamps. The presence of the Ochlockonee River and Lake Talquin gives this forest the distinction of having two Outstanding Florida Waters.
Tree species found in the forest include longleaf pine, slash pine, loblolly pine, American beech, southern magnolia, red maple, sweetgum, hickories, swamp tupelo, bald cypress, dogwood and various oaks. Many types of wildlife make their home in the forest, including the red-shouldered hawk, bobcat, coyote, osprey, white-tailed deer, fox squirrel, turkey and mourning dove. Bald eagles can be seen soaring above the treetops. Gopher tortoise, a state threatened species, also lives throughout the forest.
A wide variety of recreational opportunities await visitors to Lake Talquin State Forest. Hiking, camping, horseback riding, biking, picnicking, birding and nature study can be enjoyed using existing service roads, old roadbeds and established trails.
Freshwater fishing can be pursued from the shore or by boat, and several public boat ramps are located on the lake. Canoes, kayaks and power boats are allowed. Lake Talquin State Forest is part of the Big Bend Scenic Byway, which is a designated Florida Scenic Highway.
Day use is from sunrise to sunset.
Lake Talquin State Forest
865 Geddie Road
Tallahassee, FL 32304-8671
(850) 681-5953
Email Lake Talquin State Forest
Passes are no longer available at the State Forest office. To purchase a pass or make a reservation, visit ReserveAmerica or call 1-877-879-3859.
Lake Talquin State Forest is located just west of Tallahassee and is composed of 10 main tracts of land, along with several smaller tracts. Most of the forest adjoins the Ochlockonee River and Lake Talquin, the body of water that gives the forest its name.
Since 1977, Lake Talquin State Forest has been managed by the Florida Forest Service using the multiple-use concept, which balances environmental, recreational and resource use needs. Emphasis is given to reforestation, ecosystem restoration and outdoor recreation.
Located within the State Forest, Bear Creek Educational Forest offers free guided programs for students. The programs include activities for students of all ages and are correlated to several educational standards.
Total Acreage: 20,577
Counties: Gadsden, Leon, Liberty
Smart device mapping is possible and encouraged in the State Forests. Before visiting a forest, search for “PDF Maps” in the app store to find an app that works for you and download our State Forest map, which is georeferenced.
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Tracts and Recreation Areas:
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Video:
Lake Talquin State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
The forest is also part of the Big Bend Scenic Byway.
Contact:
Jai Subramanya
Jai.Subramanya@FDACS.gov
