You may know Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park for its beautiful gardens and history, but the park also has one of Tallahassee’s best and most accessible mountain biking trails. Whether you’re new to the sport or just looking for a low-key cardio ride, this place has natural beauty, flowy singletrack and historic charm all in one.
Trails for AllatAlfredMaclay B. Gradens
The park has 6 miles of singletrack and an additional 5-mile double-loop system on the Lake Overstreet Trails. Mostly flat and smooth natural surfaces. Perfect for:
Beginners getting into mountain biking
Riders looking to build endurance
Casual cruisers who like fast, flowy forest rides
Expect gentle hills, tight tree-lined turns and no big technical features, just a relaxing and scenic ride through shaded hardwood forests and open views of Lake Overstreet. Please use this link if you are looking for more great Florida MTB trails.
Trail Variety
East Loop and Lake Overstreet Loop are smoother for beginners
Redbug, Silk, Cambodia, Karst are a bit more technical and have elevation changes for intermediate riders
Trail surfaces go from hardpack to leaf-covered or sandy patches – perfect for practicing balance and control without risk
All trails at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens are multi-use – cyclists, hikers and horseback riders – and trail etiquette is encouraged.
It’s not just about the flow – it’s about the surroundings. Riders pedal through tall live oaks, wildflowers and forested gullies, with stunning views of Lake Overstreet, an undeveloped 144-acre natural lake. The trails go through the Lafayette Land Grant – a piece of history in every mile. The gardens are a work of floral architecture, boasting a secret garden, reflecting pool, walled garden, and a beautiful brick walkway among hundreds of azaleas and camellias.
Trailhead Access Alfred B. Maclay Gardens
You can access the trail system at:
Main Entrance on Maclay Road
Three perimeter trailheads, each with honor stations for trail fee payment
There are maps at the trailheads and the Redbug Trail is the easiest to follow, marked consistently. Other trails like Race Trail, Pine Dogs and Speed Demon may require more attention to signage.
The singletrack trails were built in partnership with the Tallahassee Mountain Bike Association, who maintain and update them. The riding here is from local trail ownership and Florida’s natural landscape so it’s a local favorite.
Whether you’re just out for a casual cruise or want to mix flow with some Florida history, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park has a scenic, friendly and unexpected ride – in the best way possible.
Bring water, check your tire pressure and go ride Tallahassee’s secret spot.
Trail Photo Gallery
Click on the thumbnails to zoom in and scroll through the gallery
Share Trail Photos
Have epic photos from your ride at the trail? We’d love to see them! Share your favorite shots and let others experience the thrill through your lens. Your photos could be featured on our page—show off your skills and inspire fellow riders!
