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Free Traveling Guides » States » Florida » Panhandle Cotton Trail
Nearly 60 miles (100 km) of roads lined with live oak trees radiate out of the City of Tallahassee. The scenic canopy roads follow the historical trails that were built in the 16th century, when the Spanish missions were established throughout Florida panhandle, from Pensacola to St. Augustine. These earlier trails served as the prime antebellum cotton trade routes in the later centuries, when “Cotton was King”. Driving tours offered along the lush ‘Canopy Roads’ of the region include the Native Trail Tour, the Cotton Trail Tour, and the Quail Trail Tour. The Native Trail connects the major archaeological sites of the region, such as the Desoto 1539 winter camp, a restructured Spanish Mission, and the ceremonial lakeside Indian mounds. The Quail Trail, on the other hand, runs through the pine forests that served as the major hunting grounds in the 1900s.
The scenic Cotton Trail meanders through the area of Tallahassee that was the most significant cotton-growing region in Florida in the 1820s and 1830s. With an old red clay road and outlying plantations this historic trail traverses the last corners of the well-preserved, rural Florida. The Cotton Trail features a few historic Churches and some plantations from the antebellum period. The Goodwood Plantation and the Bradley’s 1927 Country Store are the two major attractions along the trail.
The present-day Goodwood Museum and Gardens were established in 1841 as a 2400-acre (9.7 sq. km.) cotton plantation. The magnificent mansion and the elegant gardens surrounding it were built on the estate by Planter Bryan Croom. Goodwood Plantation has also played host to a number of social and political functions for several decades, and is now open to the public. Bradley’s 1927 Country Store is an ancient store that offers a number of southern specialties, including handmade sausages from their own hogs, and spiced with Grandma Mary's special ingredients. The seating arrangement for the customers is made under the canopy of the beautiful oak trees.
The main recreational activities on the Cotton Trail include jogging, walking, bicycling, skating, and horseback riding. A paved surface is also available for the cyclists and pedestrians. However, it is strongly advised to confine horseback riding to the designated areas and be considerate about of privately-owned properties adjacent to the trail. Cotton Trail gives visitors a unique opportunity to relive the history of the State of Florida and is truly worth it.
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