Alfred B. Maclay Gardens

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/MaclayGardens https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_B._Maclay_Gardens_State_Park The Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens State Park is a botanical garden and historic site, located in Tallahassee, in northeastern Florida. The property associated with Maclay was part of the Lafayette Land Grant. In 1923, New York financier Alfred Barmore Maclay (1871–1944), the son of Robert Maclay, and his wife, Louise Fleischman, purchased the 1,935 acres (783 ha) Lac-Cal quail-hunting plantation and adjoining land. Maclay developed the gardens continuously until his death. His wife continued their development, opened them to the public in 1946, and in 1953 donated some 307 acres (1.24 km2) of their estate, including the gardens, to a predecessor of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

ALFRED B. MACLAY GARDENS STATE PARK HISTORY AND NATURE The Lake Overstreet addition to Alfred B. Maclay Gardens was acquired in 1994 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks, with assistance from the city of Tallahassee. With 877 acres, including a scenic 144-acre freshwater lake, the property is part of the Maclay-Phipps Cultural Heritage Greenway. 3540 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, FL 32309 850-487-4556 TRAIL GUIDELINES The Lake Overstreet Trails are a roughly five-mile, double-loop, shared-use trail set that winds through hardwood forests and around Lake Overstreet following the historic natural-surfaced roads. Nearly six miles of off-road, single-track biking trails have been developed in the western portion of the park. These trails provide a variety of hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding experiences. Visitors may access park trails by way of the main park entrance on Maclay Road or by three perimeter entry points. A fee is required to use the Lake Overstreet Trails – honor fee stations are located at each of the perimeter entrances. Visitors must have proof of payment with them while on the trails. Access the Lake Overstreet entrance along the northwest boundary by parking at the city of Tallahassee’s Forestmeadows Athletic Center on Meridian Road. Trails are also accessible at the Bobbin Brook Entrance off Maclay Road, and the High Grove Entrance on the eastern boundary. These latter two locations provide pedestrian access only for adjacent neighborhoods – no vehicle parking is allowed. To make your visit safe and enjoyable: • Trail distances are marked on the map. Please plan your trip according to your endurance and time available. • Open from 8 a.m. until sunset. • Please use trails with a partner and return to the trailhead before sunset. • All plants, animals and artifacts are protected. • Follow directional arrows and trail markings. • Hiking, bicycling and horseback riding only. Motorized vehicles are not permitted. • Camping, fishing, fires, swimming and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. • Insect repellent is recommended. • Drinking water is not provided. Please bring your own. • Be watchful of wildlife and keep a safe distance. • Dogs are permitted on a six-foot, hand-held leash. LAKE OVERSTREET TRAILS ALFRED B. MACLAY GARDENS STATE PARK Follow us on social media #FLStateParks Lake Overstreet is a superb example of a pristine freshwater lake. An abundance of native vegetation, such as water lily and pickerelweed, grows in the lake. Lake Overstreet is one of the last remaining lakes in Leon County with a completely undeveloped shoreline. It provides important habitat for freshwater fish, otters, alligators, turtles, osprey, bald eagles, wading birds and migratory waterfowl. Gently sloping hills and ravines characterize the uplands portion of the property. The forest is a mixed pine-hardwood community with loblolly and shortleaf pines, live oaks, sweet gum, magnolias and dogwood trees. The steephead ravines are an uncommon natural feature in the Tallahassee area, and provide moist microclimates that support a high diversity of native plants. The site is prime habitat for white-tailed deer, gray fox and bobcat. Although wildlife observation opportunities are plentiful, great care should be taken to avoid disturbance of wildlife and their habitat. Visit us online at FloridaStateParks.org FloridaStateParks.org The fertile soils in this area were used for farming from the time of the Apalachee Indians until the early 1900s. The park property later became part of a much larger property belonging to Alfred B. Maclay. Scenic Trails for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. Offsite Parking Lake Overstreet Trails at Alfred B. Maclay State Park Directions Biking Restrooms Multi-use Hiking Picnic Pavilion Biking Equestrian Wildlife Viewing Ranger Station Parking Half-mile markers Powerline easement 1.6 miles ½ North Bike Extension ½ Ea st South Loop ½ Gum Pond Lo op Connecting Trail 0.3 miles ½ ½ Ravine Trail 1.5 miles 1.2 miles ½ Lake Overstreet South Bike Extension W E S Maclay Road Bobbin Brook Trailhead (No Parking) Pay Station YIELD TO Bicyclists yield to pedestrians and equestrians. Pedestrians yield to equestrians. Please follow these recommendations: All trail users • Announce your presence, especially when approaching from behind. Bicyclists announce to pedestrians and equestrians. Pedestrians announce to equestrians. • Anticipate other users on the trail. • Stay on designated trails to avoid damage to sensitive areas. ½ Lake Overstreet Trail 2.9 miles Bicyclists • Watch your speed and ride in control. • Always wear a helmet. ½ 0. mi 3 les N Pay Station (No Parking) High Grove Trailhead sement Meridian Road Bike Trail 2.8 miles ½ Your protection of these vital natural and cultural resources is appreciated. Please observe trail signs and remain on designated trails

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c