Home › Florida › Tallahassee › Debbie Lightsey Nature Park
Debbie Lightsey Nature Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · Running trail in Tallahassee, Florida · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 1.1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Debbie Lightsey Nature Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Paved, gravel-covered walking paths, boardwalks and an overlook in a park, with shaded picnic areas.
What runners say about Debbie Lightsey Nature Park
“A peaceful and well maintained nature park with clean walking trails and short boardwalks over wetlands.”
“🚻 Despite this, it's a beautiful haven well worth your time in the heart of Tallahassee!”
“A peaceful and well maintained nature park with clean walking trails and short boardwalks over wetlands.”
Nice little park with a looping 1 mile trail. Lots of dragonflies, excellent place to see birds, even a gator or two.
Gorgeous new park! Especially enjoyed the boardwalks. Educational signs were great and I learned a lot about the flora and fauna. Would suggest installing a sign pointing to the main trail. We went left on the paved sidewalk and it led to the back of a neighborhood. Need a restroom there but otherwise just great.
The best place to take nature photos, to walk and relax at the same time. Do you want to meditate? This is the place. Do you want to see an amazing sunset? This is the place. Personally, I love so many of the few things that there are in Tallahassee.
Beautiful relatively new park. Great place to walk and admire nature on a sunny day. There is a nice gravel trail that leads you up to and around a scenic lake. There are side trails leading to boardwalks overlooking ponds/wetlands.
Trail conditions & character
“The scenery is nice with water views and trees, and there are benches and picnic areas along the way.”
“Would have given it 5 stars if they had a permanent restroom, but they did have a porta potty and also plenty of water fountains and water stations for dogs.”
“Plenty of parking, easy walking trails, mini playground for children, and signage with information on the area.”
“Modern walking path, some gravel, beautiful benches with beautiful modern awnings.”
“Would have given it 5 stars if they had a permanent restroom, but they did have a porta potty and also plenty of water fountains and water stations for dogs.”
“A peaceful and well maintained nature park with clean walking trails and short boardwalks over wetlands.”
“We went left on the paved sidewalk and it led to the back of a neighborhood.”
“The boardwalk and playground was the highlight for our family.”
Plan your run at Debbie Lightsey Nature Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance1.1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
Running trails near Tallahassee
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
San Luis Mission Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 965 reviews
Urban green space housing a dog park, lake & boardwalk, plus picnic shelters, a playground & trails.
Cascades Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 5,229 reviews
24-acre recreational hub with paved trails, an amphitheater, historical landmarks & a war memorial.
Fred George Greenway Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 614 reviews
Expansive park featuring baseball and soccer fields as well as kids' play equipment.
Fred George Basin Greenway
4.5 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
Park with nature trails and picnic facilities.
Lake Ella Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 2,421 reviews
Park with a playground, picnic tables, and a gazebo, plus many geese and ducks.
Governor's Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 290 reviews
Large park featuring grassy open areas & wooded spaces for picnicking, jogging & more.