Silver Lake Habitat Trail

Located eight miles west of Tallahassee on State Highway 20, Silver Lake is the largest recreation area in the Apalachicola National Forest. Large pine and moss-draped cypress create a beautiful backdrop for a spring-fed lake. People most often visit here to picnic at one of 45 picnic tables, swim off the 250-foot white sand beach, or hike the mile-long interpretive trail.

This 1.3 mile long unpaved hike makes a circuit around the twin lakes. Starting at an old-time national forest recreation area, the interpretive path borders Silver Lake, where most recreation activities are centered, and then makes its way around quiet Andrews Lake. Interpretive information enhances this family-oriented trek. Consider bringing a picnic or fishing pole, or your bathing suit on your adventure.

Silver Lake is in the Munson Sandhills, which are composed of deep dry sands that have accumulated over limestone. Because the sand absorbs rainfall so completely, wetlands are relatively rare in this part of the forest. In places, the limestone dissolves and collapses, forming the depressions and ponds, lakes and sinkholes that are common in the area.

Featured Uses: Walking, running, nature watching, boating, fishing, swimming and dog friendly.
Access: From I-10 to Tallahassee go through the intersection of State Highways 263 and 20. Follow SR 20 west approximately 4 miles, then south onto County Road 260. Go about 4 miles and turn left at the Silver Lake sign.
Amenities: Picnic tables, toilets, parking, walking trails, and accessible boat ramps.