Discovering the Lafayette Heritage Nature Trail: History, Beauty, and Why You Should Visit

If you’re looking for a serene slice of North Florida wilderness that feels both remote and accessible, the Lafayette Heritage Nature Trail in Tallahassee is one of the best places to lace up your shoes and breathe. I recently visited this trail and shared my experience in a YouTube Short where you can catch some real-time views of the boardwalk, the lakes, and my impressions of the landscape. But there’s only so much you can cram into a 30-second video — so here’s the fuller story of what makes this trail worth your visit.

Where is the Lafayette Heritage Nature Trail?

Located in Tom Brown Park on the east side of Tallahassee, Florida, the Lafayette Heritage Trail winds through a beautiful blend of pine flatwoods, boardwalks, lakeshore views, and hardwood forest. It starts near the main trailhead in Tom Brown Park and extends east into the Lafayette Heritage Trail Park area, which feels like a world away despite being just minutes from downtown.

This trail system is part of the City of Tallahassee’s Greenways program, designed to connect neighborhoods and preserve the ecological richness of the area. The trailhead is easy to find: just punch in Tom Brown Park, 501 Easterwood Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32311 into your GPS and follow the signs to the trail parking area.

How long is the trail?

The Lafayette Heritage Trail offers several route options, with the primary loop stretching about 4 miles out and back. My apple watch showed a workout time of 1 hour and 26 minutes and an elapsed time of 2 hours and 43 minutes. I walked a total distance of 3.15 miles. I did stop to admire the view a few times (walk across the train tracks and record). There were various routes I could have taken. If you want to keep it short, you can stick to the boardwalk and observation areas near the lakes for a pleasant stroll. For a longer adventure, you can link up with connecting trails, like the Cadillac Trail or the Fern Trail, and make it a 7–8 mile hike through varied terrain.

This is a multi-use trail — so you’ll see mountain bikers (with advanced skills trails and obstacles), runners, dogs, and families with strollers as well as hikers. The path is well-marked, and much of it is shaded, making it a good year-round choice.

A little history

What makes Lafayette Heritage Nature Trail unique isn’t just its scenery, but its story. The area around Lafayette and Piney Z Lakes was once home to agricultural fields and later became a water supply and recreational area for Tallahassee.

The two lakes you see along the trail — Upper Lafayette Lake and Lower Lafayette Lake — were formed by damming the St. Augustine Branch in the early 20th century. The lakes were used for irrigation and to attract wildlife, and over time the surrounding lands began to grow back into forest and wetland habitats.

In the early 2000s, the city recognized the area’s potential as a green space and began restoring trails and building the stunning boardwalks you see today. The elevated walkways traverse wetlands and take you out over the water, giving visitors a chance to spot herons, ospreys, turtles, and even the occasional alligator sunning on the banks.

What to expect when you visit

One of my favorite parts of the trail is the long boardwalk that stretches out over Lower Lake Lafayette. It feels almost magical, especially at sunrise when the mist rolls off the water. There are benches to sit on and take in the view, and you’ll often spot fishermen casting lines into the water.

You’ll also find interpretive signs along the way that explain the ecology of the area — like why the cypress knees stick up through the water or how the wetlands filter rain before it flows downstream.

For those with kids or dogs, the trail is accessible and pet-friendly (on leash). There are even picnic tables near the parking lot and a playground back in Tom Brown Park if you want to make it a full day outing.

Why you should go

Whether you’re a hiker, a nature photographer, or someone who just needs to escape the noise of the city for a little while, the Lafayette Heritage Nature Trail offers a calming yet invigorating way to connect with nature. It’s rare to find a trail that’s so close to a city center yet feels like you’ve stepped deep into the Florida wilderness. If you like difficult trails, there are hills and elevation for you burning calf’s desire. There is also a huge and high bridge that you cross after you pass Bill’s trail. Usually I see a lot of different wildlife on my hikes but this time I just saw birds.

If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t forget to bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent — the mosquitoes can be ambitious. And if you’re lucky enough to go in the cooler months, you’ll find the air crisp and the trail less crowded.

Call to action

Next time you find yourself in Tallahassee, don’t just drive past Tom Brown Park — pull in, park your car, and walk the Lafayette Heritage Nature Trail yourself. Take some time to learn about the ecosystem you’re walking through, appreciate the city’s efforts to preserve green spaces, and maybe even catch one of those breathtaking sunsets over the lake.

Have you visited the Lafayette Heritage Nature Trail before? What was your favorite part — the boardwalk, the wildlife, the peaceful quiet? Share your experience in the comments below or tag me in your photos on Instagram so we can keep the conversation (and appreciation for these public lands) alive.

Ready to explore? Lace up, grab your camera, and go see for yourself why this trail is one of Tallahassee’s hidden gems.

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