Leon County Named Florida Trail Town

 The prestigious designation recognizes outstanding efforts to embrace regional trails, including paved multi-use and paddling trails.

Leon County has earned the coveted designation of Florida Trail Town by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), recognizing the County's commitment to providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Specifically, the designation highlights Leon County's stewardship of Florida greenways, like J.R. Alford Greenway, the St. Marks Trail, Miccosukee Greenway, and more.

"We are honored to be designated as a Trail Town and proud of our continued commitment to providing the state's best outdoor recreation," said Leon County Commission Chairman Nick Maddox. "Leon County's natural beauty, combined with our network of trails and recreational opportunities, make our community an ideal destination for visitors and residents alike. This designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community partners and local officials, who have worked tirelessly to promote sustainable tourism and resource-based recreation in our county."

Trail Towns are communities that are situated close to long-distance non-motorized recreational trails and welcome hikers, bicyclists, skaters, and joggers with restaurants, shops, and lodging. The prestigious designation recognizes outstanding efforts to embrace regional trails, including paved multi-use and paddling trails. The designation also reflects the County's efforts to promote resource-based recreation and create a thriving economy based on outdoor activities.

"The County's ongoing work with all those who enjoy our world-class greenways truly makes Leon County a special place to live, work, and play," said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. "Kudos to the teams who plan, maintain, and build these exciting networks of trails."

Aptly named “Trailahassee,” Leon County lies in one of the most biologically diverse regions in the U.S. and is home to more than 700 miles of varying trails with abundant biking, hiking, paddling, equestrian and running trails. Leon County's natural beauty, combined with its commitment to sustainable tourism and resource-based recreation, makes it an ideal destination for those looking to experience the great outdoors.

"We are honored to be recognized as a Trail Town by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection," said Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Director Artie White. “At Leon County, we embrace our abundance of trails and natural beauty, and we’re proud that our County continues to garner praise for our commitment to our trails and to the promotion of our incredible outdoor recreation.”

The Trail Town designation is part of FDEP's broader effort to promote sustainable tourism and encourage communities to embrace resource-based recreation. Trail Town candidates are considered for approval by the legislatively established Florida Greenways and Trails Council.

Designated Trail Towns will be featured on the Office of Greenways and Trails website and given metal signs that can be placed at trailheads and town gateways. The designation provides communities with an opportunity to promote their commitment to sustainable tourism and resource-based recreation and to attract visitors who are interested in experiencing the great outdoors.

FDEP Division of Recreation and Parks Director Chuck Hatcher praised Leon County's commitment to providing residents and visitors with access to the natural treasures that surround them. "We are pleased to recognize Leon County as a Trail Town and to celebrate the community's commitment to promoting outdoor recreation and resource-based tourism," said Hatcher. "By embracing these principles, we can help ensure that Florida remains a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers for generations to come."

For more information, contact Artie White, Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Department, at (850) 891-6400 / Artie.White@Talgov.com, or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
 

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