Lake Talquin State Park is situated between Quincy and Talahasse, on state route 20 in Jack Vause Landing road. It sits on 30, 000 acres made up of 10, 000 acres of lake bottom and 20, 000 acres of up lands. This land was given to the Parks department in the early 1970s by the Florida Power Corporation.
Lake Talquin is a reservoir that was formed when the Ochlockonee River was dammed to provide electricity. The terrain here is spectacular formed as it is from deep ravines and rolling tree covered hills.
It was called Lake Talquin to honour its neighbouring towns of Talahassee and Quincy being formed of part of both their names.
The best thing about visiting this park is the 650 foot board walk that skirts round the lake affording terrific views.
Springtime is a good time to visit as the park bursts into bloom. Re bud, red buck eye, and flowering dog wood are common here along with magnolia and azalea. You may even see dog tooth violets and the less common heart leaf.
Look out also for the stumps and dead trees that are a relic of the flood plain forest that existed before the damming of the lake.
This park is rich in wild life; wild turkey and deer are commonly seen and the limpkin live in the Cypress trees. One rare sight is the four toed salamnder; these usually inhabit cooler areas and are native to the Appalachian Mountains. However, this park plays host to this delightful creature along with just a hand full of other places in Florida.
Take the nature trail to look for these creatures; always a good way to explore State Parks. Bald Eagles and Osprey nest high above the lake.
This park is justly proud of its picnic area with its views of the lake; a very pleasant place to eat your packed lunch. There are barbecue pits here if you are more ambitious and a covered area which is welcome in the hot weather (though this may be rented out to a party)
Anglers will be happy fishing from one of the designated areas. You can catch bream, shell crackers and of course large mouth bass.
At the time of writing, there was no charge to enter this park. However, if a charge has been introduced, it is never more than a dollar or so.
Lake Talquin State Park
1022 Desoto Park Dr.
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Phone: 850-922-6007
Lake Talquin is a reservoir that was formed when the Ochlockonee River was dammed to provide electricity. The terrain here is spectacular formed as it is from deep ravines and rolling tree covered hills.
It was called Lake Talquin to honour its neighbouring towns of Talahassee and Quincy being formed of part of both their names.
The best thing about visiting this park is the 650 foot board walk that skirts round the lake affording terrific views.
Springtime is a good time to visit as the park bursts into bloom. Re bud, red buck eye, and flowering dog wood are common here along with magnolia and azalea. You may even see dog tooth violets and the less common heart leaf.
Look out also for the stumps and dead trees that are a relic of the flood plain forest that existed before the damming of the lake.
This park is rich in wild life; wild turkey and deer are commonly seen and the limpkin live in the Cypress trees. One rare sight is the four toed salamnder; these usually inhabit cooler areas and are native to the Appalachian Mountains. However, this park plays host to this delightful creature along with just a hand full of other places in Florida.
Take the nature trail to look for these creatures; always a good way to explore State Parks. Bald Eagles and Osprey nest high above the lake.
This park is justly proud of its picnic area with its views of the lake; a very pleasant place to eat your packed lunch. There are barbecue pits here if you are more ambitious and a covered area which is welcome in the hot weather (though this may be rented out to a party)
Anglers will be happy fishing from one of the designated areas. You can catch bream, shell crackers and of course large mouth bass.
At the time of writing, there was no charge to enter this park. However, if a charge has been introduced, it is never more than a dollar or so.
Lake Talquin State Park
1022 Desoto Park Dr.
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Phone: 850-922-6007