Red Bug Trail

The Red Bug trail is a 5.5-mile dirt trail for intermediate riders. This challenging off-road biking trail can be accessed from Meridian Park and from the Forestmeadows Athletic Center on North Meridian Road, about one mile north of Maclay Road. Located in Elinor Klapps-Phipps Park, the trail is near town, but once inside, the dense foliage gives hikers a sense of remoteness. What this trail lacks in mileage, it makes up for with plenty of natural scenery and just-rugged-enough terrain. The Red Bug Trail meanders through several diverse ecosystems as it continuously changes in topography. Numerous animals make wildlife viewing easy, but keep your eyes on the trail, as the copious roots can cause a nasty fall. The trail meanders through several wetlands where boardwalks cross running creeks.

Considered an intermediate ride, the trail’s bounty of roots, rocks, and steep climbs make riders think that this trail is part of a much longer system. Also, if you’re in the mood for more trails, there’s a connector trail that takes riders over to the Lake Overstreet Trails and Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. This incorporates three more miles of mountain biking trails.

Featured uses: Mountain biking and trail running.

Trail access: From Downtown Tallahassee, go north on US-27 for approximately 1 mile. Bear right on 61 North for approximately .5 mile. Turn north on Meridian Road and travel 4.6 miles. The entrance to the Red Bug Trail is due south of the Forest Meadows parking lot, on north Meridian Road, about 1 mile north of Maclay Road.

For more information on Red Bug Trail, click here.

Amenities: Parking, restrooms and water fountains are available.