J.R. Alford Greenway

The JR Alford Greenway is an interesting space to hike. Not only is it a looping trail, but it is comprised up of smaller loops that will allow hikers to hike different parts and not the whole trail if they don't have the time. Surrounded by 800 acres of mixed forests, hardwoods, freshwater swamps, pastures, and the Alford Arm of Lake Lafayette, the serene space outside of Tallahassee provides a much needed natural area to enjoy when you want to get rid of the city life.

The trail begins at the parking and trailhead on the east side of the Greenway, at the end of Redrick Road. It contains a large grass parking area for cars and buses with amenities like bathrooms, handicap parking, water fountains, trash bins, and benches. The trail itself is past the gate and made up of packed soil and crushed stone, with a width of 10 feet.

The trail is open to horseback riding, motorized vehicles, hiking, and bicycling. Good thing there is plenty of room and lots of routes to take to avoid people and things coming by, giving you and your pup the secluded outdoor time you crave. Many of the prairies in the greenway are free to use, open to picnicking and playing with your pup. One of the major landmarks along the trail is an arching bridge that follows over a creek, hidden among the trees.

The trail connects to the lake on the northern side of the greenway, which offers fishing and swimming holes. Other then fish, you can sometimes catch glimpses of other wildlife like foxes, alligators, white-tailed deer, red wolves, and Florida panthers.

The trail is long, but thanks to its winding feature, its never too hard to get back to your parking space, where you can map out your next visit or take some break time before hitting the trail again. No matter how long you stay here, you'll fall in love with the open Florida wilderness.