Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park

History and Establishment

Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Jackson in Tallahassee, Florida, Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park spreads across 670 acres of urban wilderness. The park came to life in 1992 through a collaborative effort between the Northwest Florida Water Management District, the City of Tallahassee, and landowner Colin Phipps.

Natural Landscape

Walk through this park and you'll experience a quintessential north Florida landscape. Pine flatwoods give way to lush deciduous forests, while lakeshore habitats complete this diverse ecological tapestry. Ancient magnolias stand like silent sentinels alongside massive tulip poplars, while sinuous streams carve their ancient paths through the terrain.

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate that the park hosts over 190 bird species, making it popular among birdwatchers. Grab your binoculars and head to the wildlife viewing tower for some spectacular animal-watching opportunities in their natural setting.

Deeper in the park, you might discover hidden retreats, including a secret waterfall tucked away in the serene environment. The park's bat house showcases its commitment to preserving biodiversity - and yes, it's exactly what it sounds like!

Trail System

The extensive trail network here caters to just about everyone. With 10 miles of shared-use trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, plus 7 miles of dedicated hiking trails and 4 miles of mountain bike-only trails, there's no shortage of paths to explore.

The hiking trails, maintained by volunteers from the Florida Trail Association, feature interconnected loops winding through various ecosystems. Well-marked trail junctions let you customize your adventure's length and difficulty. Most trails enjoy generous shade coverage - a blessing during those warm Florida afternoons.

Mountain bikers will find everything from beginner-friendly routes to more technical trails that will test your skills. The park has also become a favorite among trail runners looking for varied terrain and natural beauty during their workouts.

Recreation Areas

Two distinct recreation areas serve different community needs. The Meadows Soccer Complex on Millers Landing Road offers well-maintained fields for youth and adult soccer, while Meridian Park has developed into a versatile youth sports complex.

These active recreation spaces take up about 162 acres, leaving over 600 acres dedicated to passive recreation and environmental education. The soccer fields have seen notable improvements recently, with enhanced grass playing surfaces that local soccer clubs and community players particularly appreciate.

Families with younger kids will appreciate the small-medium sized playground near the sports facilities. Its convenient location makes it easy to combine a sports outing with some playtime for the little ones.

Events and Activities

Beyond day-to-day recreation, the park hosts the annual Red Hills International Horse Trials, a prestigious equestrian event drawing thousands of spectators. The varied terrain and well-maintained trails create an ideal natural stadium for this and other outdoor competitions, including orienteering events.

Your visit can be as relaxed or active as you like - from peaceful nature walks and wildlife spotting to heart-pumping hikes and mountain bike rides. The park's proximity to Lake Jackson offers beautiful scenic views and chances to spot lakeshore wildlife.

And yes, you can bring your four-legged friends - dogs are welcome on the trails as long as they're leashed. This combination of natural beauty and diverse recreational options makes Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park a notable destination in Tallahassee's outdoor offerings.