J. R. Alford Greenway

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The J.R.


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Summary

Alford Greenway is a nature preserve located in Tallahassee, Florida. It covers over 800 acres of land and offers visitors a chance to experience Florida's natural beauty. There are several good reasons to visit the Greenway, including hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The park has over 17 miles of trails, with varying levels of difficulty, making it perfect for hikers of all skill levels.

Some specific points of interest to see at the Greenway include Lake Lafayette, a shallow, freshwater lake that is home to several species of fish and birds. Visitors can also explore the park's wetlands, which offer a unique ecosystem full of plant and animal life. The Greenway is also home to several historic structures, including the Leon County Historic Dairy Farm.

Interesting facts about the J.R. Alford Greenway include its history as a former cattle ranch and dairy farm. The park was named after J.R. Alford, a local conservationist and advocate for preserving Florida's natural resources. The park is also home to several threatened and endangered species, including the gopher tortoise and the eastern indigo snake.

The best time of year to visit the J.R. Alford Greenway is in the fall or spring, when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the park's natural beauty in any season. Overall, the J.R. Alford Greenway is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Florida's natural beauty and learn about its history and conservation efforts.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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