Tallahassee's Lakeside State Park Offers Scenic Views, Paddling, and Excellent Fishing

Lake Talquin State Park provides a gateway to a 10,000-acre manmade lake with opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:25pm

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A textured oil painting in the style of Vincent Van Gogh, depicting the serene landscape of Lake Talquin with its calm waters reflecting the surrounding cypress trees and lush greenery, conveying a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.The vibrant natural scenery of Lake Talquin State Park offers a peaceful escape from the nearby city of Tallahassee.Tallahassee Today

Lake Talquin State Park, located just outside of Tallahassee, Florida, offers visitors a gateway to a 10,000-acre manmade lake with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and taking in scenic views. The 526-acre park features a boardwalk, nature trails, picnic areas, and boat launches, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Why it matters

As Florida's beaches often steal the spotlight, Lake Talquin State Park provides an alternative for those seeking inland water-based recreation and natural scenery. The park's proximity to Tallahassee also makes it an accessible option for the city's residents and visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.

The details

Lake Talquin was created in the 1920s by damming the Ochlockonee River to generate hydroelectric power for Tallahassee. The state park, established in 1970, sits on the southeastern shores of the 10,000-acre lake and offers a variety of activities. Visitors can explore the park's nature trails, including a 1.2-mile loop leading to the Eagle Scouts' Observation Point with panoramic lake views. The park also features a 650-foot boardwalk, picnic areas, and boat launches for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Lake Talquin is known for its excellent bass, crappie, and bluegill fishing, with the best catches depending on the season.

  • Lake Talquin was created in the 1920s by damming the Ochlockonee River.
  • Lake Talquin State Park was established in 1970.
  • The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.

The players

Lake Talquin State Park

A 526-acre state park located on the southeastern shores of the 10,000-acre Lake Talquin, offering opportunities for hiking, paddling, fishing, and scenic views.

Lake Talquin

A 10,000-acre manmade lake created in the 1920s by damming the Ochlockonee River to generate hydroelectric power for Tallahassee.

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What’s next

Visitors should check the park's website or contact the park directly to inquire about the status of the boardwalk before planning their visit.

The takeaway

Lake Talquin State Park provides a scenic and accessible outdoor recreation destination near Tallahassee, offering a variety of activities on a large manmade lake that was created nearly a century ago.