Tallahassee is often called the City of Trees, and for good reason. Our canopy roads, centuries-old live oaks, and lush urban forest give the capital city a character that is unlike anywhere else in Florida. Among the thousands of trees that line our streets and shade our neighborhoods, a handful have achieved near-legendary status. Whether you are a lifelong resident or new to the area, these remarkable trees are worth seeking out and appreciating.
The Lichgate Oak is arguably Tallahassee's most famous tree. Located on the grounds of Lichgate on High Road, this massive live oak is estimated to be several hundred years old, with a sprawling canopy that extends in every direction and limbs that sweep down to touch the ground before curving back upward. The property surrounding the oak, once the home of writer and FSU professor Laura Jepsen, features a small cottage and garden that feel transported from a fairy tale. The site is open to the public and offers one of the most photographed scenes in the entire city. Standing beneath the Lichgate Oak is a powerful reminder of just how magnificent a well-established live oak can become when given centuries of undisturbed growth.
Tallahassee's canopy roads are another living treasure. Old St. Augustine Road, Miccosukee Road, Centerville Road, and Old Bainbridge Road are all lined with towering live oaks whose branches arch over the pavement to form a continuous green tunnel. These roads are protected by local ordinance, and the trees that create their iconic character are some of the oldest and most valuable in the region. Driving through any of these corridors offers a glimpse of what much of North Florida's landscape looked like before development, and they serve as a constant reminder of the importance of preserving mature trees in our community.
Beyond these well-known landmarks, Tallahassee is home to numerous champion trees and exceptional specimens scattered across parks, campuses, and private properties. The Florida Champion Tree Registry includes several trees in Leon County that are the largest known examples of their species in the state. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park alone contains remarkable specimens of camellias, azaleas, and native hardwoods set among towering pines and oaks. Whether you enjoy the grandeur of the Lichgate Oak, the timeless beauty of a canopy road, or the quiet presence of a champion tree in a neighborhood park, Tallahassee's trees are a heritage worth protecting -- and a source of pride for everyone who calls this city home.
