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Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner - James R. Karels, Director |
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Recreation on Lake Talquin State Forest
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 Division of Forestry 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 Division of Forestry Find out more about state forest fees and rules.Bear Creek TractA 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
Bear Creek Educational ForestThe 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.
Maps• Bear Creek Trailwalker Trail map (pdf, 545k)Bloxham Tract
General Information for Bloxham TractFee 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.
Fort Braden Tract
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. 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
Facilities include:
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.
Line’s Tract Off-Road Bicycle TrailThe 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.
Wildlife Management AreasLake 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
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Contact Us
Questions about recreation on LTSF?Marti Miller, Recreation CoordinatorTelephone: 850/ 487-3766 Email Lake Talquin State Forest |
State Forest Use Authorizations informationDivision of ForestryLake Talquin State Forest 865 Geddie Road Tallahassee, FL 32304 Telephone: 850/ 488-1871 |
© 2004 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
