Saint Marks River Preserve State Park

Saint Marks River Preserve State Park is a 2,590-acre natural area located along the headwaters of the St. Marks River, straddling Leon and Jefferson Counties near Tallahassee, Florida. The park was established in 2006 to protect the river's watershed and provide recreational opportunities in a pristine natural setting.

The preserve encompasses a diverse landscape of upland pine forests, hardwood thickets, and natural plant communities along the northern banks of the St. Marks River. Visitors can explore the park's varied habitats via an extensive network of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and off-road bicycling. These trails, totaling about seven miles, wind through flatwoods, sandhills, bayheads, and floodplain forests, offering glimpses of the area's rich biodiversity.

Wildlife is abundant in the preserve, with black bear, turkey, and deer frequently leaving tracks across the park's roads and trails. Other animals that can be spotted include foxes, raccoons, and opossums. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous species filling the air with their calls.

The St. Marks River within the park boundaries is not navigable and is not suitable for canoeing or kayaking due to its shallow, swampy nature near the headwaters. However, the river's presence contributes significantly to the park's ecology and scenic beauty.

It's important to note that Saint Marks River Preserve State Park is relatively undeveloped, offering a more primitive outdoor experience. Visitors should come prepared with their own water and supplies, as there are currently no amenities such as restrooms or drinking fountains available within the park.