Lake Talquin State Park, and Lake Talquin State Forest, both of which protect
the shore of Lake Talquin in northern Florida southeast of Talahassee, are not
technically part of the Nature Coast counties. But the recreation and vacation
resources in these areas are too good not to mention. Lake Talquin State Park,
along the south shore of Lake Talquin, is in Leon County.
Lake Talquin is a reservoir that was formed by the damming of the Ochlockonee
River in 1927. It derives its name from two nearby cities; Talahassee and
Quincy. The state park was founded in 1970 when the land was donated by Florida
Power Corporation. The lake, which is roughly 14½ miles in length, has high
bluffs along much of its shoreline. The State Park protects more than 2 miles of
the lake shore, and includes a 700 foot long boardwalk along the lakefront that
offers stunning views of Lake Talquin.
Powerboat and kayak/canoe access is available at a boat ramp and launch site at
the north end of Jack Vause Landing Road within the park. The 10,000 acre lake
offers plenty of places to explore and fish. Boaters should beware that the
flood plain of the lake is relatively shallow except along the original river
channel, and there are many stumps that are submerged just below the surface of
the water.
Lake Talquin State Park is actually composed of three disconnected sectons. The
primary public portion of the park covers 382 acres along the south shore of the
lake. There is another 42 acre tract south of Polk Creek that has no vehicular
access, and a 125 acre parcel that includes the land occupied by the dam at the
far western side of the lake. Public access is not permitted at the site of the
hydroelectric dam.
Entrance to the public section of Lake Talquin State Park is from Jack Vause
Landing Road, which runs north from State Road 20 west of Talahassee. In
addition to the boardwalk, the park has a 1½ mile nature trail that winds
through the upload forest providing views of the ravines aurrounding the lake. A
picnic area that includes a 100-seat pavilion and barbecue grills, are also
available.
Activities & Facilities
Picnic shelter
Short hiking trails
Long hiking trails
Paved bike trails
River or lake kayaking
Motor boating
Fishing