A Tour of Tallahassee’s Nine Canopy Roads

Riding on Tallahassee’s Nine Canopy Roads

We haven’t mastered time travel yet, but going for a ride along Tallahassee’s canopy roads is as close as it gets! Tallahassee is home to over 78 miles of officially designated canopy roads. Ancient moss-draped trees tower over the scenic drives that were once paths trekked by Native American tribes. 

The canopy is not only stunningly beautiful but also provides a much-needed cooling effect in the warmer months, making this little corner of Florida a perfect destination for a summer road trip.

Tallahassee’s Nine Canopy Roads

Read our travel tips to get the most out of your ride along Tallahassee’s canopy roads:

Centerville Road/Moccasin Gap Road

Centerville Road/Moccasin Gap Road is one of the most easily accessible canopy roads. The canopy begins in downtown Tallahassee where Magnolia Drive ends. Along the way, be sure to pop into Bradley’s Country Store to try the signature country smoked sausage. The Bradleys use a secret family recipe dating back to 1927. The store is located at 10655 Centerville Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32309.

Meridian Road

This stretch of road dates back to 1824 when a federal surveyor set out to establish the Prime Meridian for use in surveying all of Florida. Meridian Road is the result of the surveyor’s effort to pass  over the hills of Cascades Park rather than around them. 

Miccosukee Road 

Ancient live oaks cast a continuous canopy over this entire nine-mile stretch of road, which began as a Native American footpath leading to the village of Miccosukee. By the 1850s, local plantation owners were using the road to transport cotton to nearby markets. Miccosukee Road is fully paved, so expect more traffic compared to Tallahassee’s unpaved canopy roads. The road gets pretty narrow in certain areas, and there are no emergency lanes, so ride carefully.

Old Bainbridge Road 

Old Bainbridge Road runs nearly parallel to the modern U.S. Route 27, but don’t let that fool you: This canopy road is as old as it gets. Along the sides of the road, archeologists have discovered the remains of several Native American settlements and a 1600s Spanish mission. 

Old Centerville Road

Old Centerville Road dates to the early 1800s when it served as a wagon road linking the local plantations to the market and railway. As you ride along the six-mile stretch, you’ll spot several former tenant dwellings peeking through the greenery. 

Old St. Augustine Road 

Old St. Augustine Road is Florida’s oldest highway. It dates back to the 17th century when it used to link Spanish missions from Tallahassee to St. Augustine.

Pisgah Church Road 

This 1.2-mile stretch of road in northeastern Leon County makes up for in beauty what it lacks in length. Moss-draped oaks and sprawling pastures line each side of the lanes. If you feel like getting off your motorcycle, you can trek the adjacent pedestrian/bicycle trail. The road ends at Pisgah United Methodist Church, which dates back to 1830 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Sunny Hill Road 

In the olden days, Sunny Hill Road used to connect the plantations and hamlets near the Georgia state border. It was part of a web of roads that farmers used to haul cotton to the Gulf ports of Newport, Magnolia, and St. Marks. 

Stay Safe With Law Tigers

Tallahassee’s canopy roads may be old, but they are generally safe and well-maintained. Still, accidents are possible. At Law Tigers, we’re a national network of lawyers who ride and provide legal help to riders. We will refer you to one of our experienced Florida motorcycle attorneys who can explain your rights and advise whether you can seek compensation. Call 1 (888) 863-7216 for a free case evaluation.