Best Outdoor Fall Activities In Tallahassee

Fall in Tallahassee brings cooler temperatures and a stunning display of autumn colors, making it the perfect time to explore the area’s diverse outdoor activities. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a family-friendly day out, there’s something for everyone in Florida’s Capital City. You can enjoy everything from hiking and bird-watching, to horseback riding trails and even kayaking on Lake Lafayette.

Credit: Cara Edenfield

Hiking Trails

Tallahassee is a hiker’s paradise in the fall, with more than 700 miles of trails to explore. Popular options include the Lafayette Heritage Trail, a peaceful route perfect for a leisurely stroll or an energetic hike through scenic woodlands. If you prefer more curated gardens, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park offers beautifully manicured trails that wind through ornamental gardens and along the shores of Lake Hall. Tallahassee’s trails are a great way to soak in the fall beauty, whether you’re seeking solitude or a family outing.

Birdwatching in Tallahassee

Tallahassee is one of the best birdwatching spots in the country, thanks to its diverse biosphere and location on two major migratory flyways. For experienced birdwatchers, Tallahassee is a haven of rare and uncommon birds to check from your life list.

If you’re a novice in matters of avian observation, no problem!

With over 200 different species of birds in Florida, there’s definitely something out there that you’ll enjoy. You can see many different types of birds at Tallahassee’s Maclay Gardens State Park or Wakulla Springs State Park.

Here are some of the rarest and most interesting birds you can find in Tallahassee in the Fall.

Songbirds

Songbirds fill the fall air with sweet sounds of innocence and beauty. Many of the rarer and more charismatic songbirds call Tallahassee home, including:

• Golden-Crowned Kinglet: This small songbird possesses a distinctive golden crown atop its regal, if slightly angry-looking, head. Head into any Florida coniferous forest and look about 60 feet up any balsam fir or black spruce.
• Red-Breasted Nuthatch: Look for a lovely golden-brown underside the next time you find yourself in a maturing forest – these nuthatches mostly nest in dead trees.
• Sedge Wren: If you hear Morse code in the woods, you probably hear this rare songbird. Look for a woven ball – sedge wrens construct these out of softer foliage.

Ducks

Splish splash! Ducks are prevalent in the Tallahassee area, but only keen-eyed Birders will be able to spot the Ducks listed below:

• Green-Winged Teal: With striking green patterning on their wings and a green scalp, green-winged teals are a favorite of Florida birdwatchers.
• Mallard: The inspiration for many cartoon ducks, mallards can be found nesting next to bodies of water all over Tallahassee.
• Redhead: Redhead ducks are easy to spot for their… red heads. Find them in Tallahassee on your next trip!

Birds of Prey

Large and striking birds of prey are no strangers to birdwatchers in the Tallahassee area. Some of the specimens you can find include:

• Northern Harrier: Nesting in open fields but almost always in shrubbery, Northern Harriers belt sharp, staccato calls when courting each other.
• Merlin: Darker and with faster wingbeats than other large birds, Merlins nest in the abandoned nests of other birds.
• Cooper’s Hawk: Cooper’s Hawks are best known for the dark cap on the top of their head. You can find them about a third of the way up a pine or oak tree.

Bird watching in Tallahassee is one of the best outdoor activities during the fall.  You can go it alone, or bring the family!

Outdoor Museums and Activities

Railroad Square Art District is located near downtown Tallahassee, Florida. It features sculptures created by local artists and is a treasure trove of amazing murals. Several sculptures are made from scrap metal, which gives the area a very industrial feel that’s really appealing.

The Tallahassee Museum is the perfect way to soak up the Fall winds while learning about what makes the Capital City so important. Set amidst 52 acres of breathtaking Florida flora and fauna, the Museum’s living exhibits of native wildlife, nature trails, historic exhibits and Tree-To-Tree zip line and aerial adventure courses are enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Be sure to check out the new alligator exhibit!

Horseback Riding

Tallahassee offers several picturesque trails for those looking to enjoy the season on horseback. JR Alford Greenway, known for its expansive open spaces and scenic paths, is a local favorite for horseback riding. Riders of all levels can enjoy the views of towering trees, wetlands, and gently rolling hills. Whether you’re an experienced rider or trying it out for the first time, Tallahassee’s trails provide a peaceful and immersive outdoor experience.