Copyright: Florida Division of Recreation & Parks River Bluff Picnic Site

Description - Lake Talquin was formed as a result of Florida Power Corporation's 20,000-acre donation. The lake is relatively shallow except along the old river channel. Numerous stumps and decaying trees remind visitors of the days when a rich floodplain forest dominated the landscape.

Located in North Central Travel Region, the area is comprised of rolling hills and uplands covered with pines and hardwoods. The forest is rich with beautiful old loblolly pines, American beeches, southern magnolias and oaks. In the spring, flowering dogwood, redbud and red buckeye usher in the new season. Deep ravines along the lake's edge provide moist habitat for unusual plants including orange azalea, pyramid magnolia, heartleaf, and dogtooth violets. Burrowed away from sunlight, the four-toed salamander has been spotted. This small amphibian is usually found much farther north in the Appalachians. The deep ravines give way to cypress fringes where a variety of wading birds quietly await a passing morsel.

Attractions - River Bluff Picnic Site offers access to the 8,850-acre Lake Talquin. It is an impounded portion of Ochlockonee River where largemouth bass, speckled perch and a variety of other species are caught year-round. The park offers a small fishing dock but not a boat launch. However, a county boat launch lies just beyond the park road. Hikers will find a self-guided boardwalk offering lovely views of the surrounding moist ravines, bluffs and lakeshore. A 45-minute hike affords visitors a closer look at the varied plant and animal life. Picnicking is a favorite at River Bluff. Group facilities attract thousands each year. A huge shelter accommodates 400 people and a grill of equal size. Folks wishing to use the pavilion should call the park office for reservations.

Recreation - River Bluff visitors enjoy canoeing, boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking.

Climate - Florida experiences mild, comfortable winters and warm to hot, humid summers. The area offers a great warm escape for outdoor recreation during the cold northern months. Summer temperatures average in the low 80's Fahrenheit and mid 20's Celsius. Winters are mild with temperatures averaging between the high 40's to the high 50's Fahrenheit. The average precipitation for the north central area is diverse. The central western area receives more than 60 inches per year while the central eastern tract receives about 50 inches. August and September are peak months of the hurricane season that lasts from June 1 through November 30.

Location - River Bluff Picnic Site is located 10 miles west of Tallahassee on State Road 20. Turn north onto Jack Vause Landing Road.

LAT: 30.4394240882
LONG: -84.5291519165