Sunny Hill RoadWhat image is more symbolic of Tallahassee's natural splendor than our long stretches of shady, scenic canopy roads? Towering live oaks, sweet gums, hickory trees and stately pines arc ever-so-gracefully over roadways meeting in the middle as if holding hands in a welcoming umbrella overtop drivers, bicyclists and runners.
There are nine official canopy roads in Tallahassee, creating 78 miles of intriguing shaded drives: Old Bainbridge Road (in the northwest); N. Meridian Road, Centerville Road, Pisgah Church Road, Old Centerville Road, Sunny Hill Road, Moccasin Gap Road, Miccosukee Road (all in the northeast); and Old St. Augustine Road (in the southeast). Each road has a tree protection area that includes all land within 100 feet of the center line of the road. There are 20 miles of canopy road within the city limits and 58 miles in the unincorporated area.
To view/print a map of Tallahassee’s canopy roads download this PDF.
On March 13, 2007, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners adopted an ordinance designating Pisgah Church Road as a canopy road. Pisgah Church Road is a 1.2 miles long county-maintained road in northeastern part of the county. At the eastern end of the road is Pisgah United Methodist Church, which was first established in a log structure in 1830. The current building was erected in 1858 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Now, this beautiful canopy road with horse pastures along both sides has a paved bicycle/pedestrian trail throughout its length.
Our canopy roads are so treasured by our community that there's even a Canopy Roads Citizens Committee, established in 1991, to which both the City and County commissions each appoint four members. The committee meets regularly and is charged with making recommendations to the commissions regarding the preservation of the canopy roads; and to assist in coordinating efforts to protect, maintain, enhance and re-evaluate these roads. Find information about this committee on both the City of Tallahassee website here and the Leon County website here.
The Big bend Scenic Highway is a 220 mile driving trail that can be accessed from many points surrounding Tallahassee. On this trip you can trace the footsteps of Apalachee and Creek Indians, Spanish Conquistadors, British and American Troops, Settlers, Cotton and Timber Barons, even Hollywood Producers. Dozens of historic markers, interpretive displays, state and county parks, museums, forests, forts, depots, lighthouses and historic buildings are sure to educate and entertain. There are over 200 miles of wonderland including birds, butterflies, wildlife and wildflowers are yours to explore. Discover rich maritime heritage at historic ports and working seafood towns bring in the freshest catch in the area. It won’t take long to understand why this highway was recently awarded National Designation as a Scenic Byway. Read more about it and down load an a map of the Scenic highway here.www.floridabigbendscenicbyway.org .
CANOPY ROADS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Committee functions as a standing committee that will make recommendations to the City and County Commissions on matters related to Canopy Road Preservation. The Committee shall assist in coordinating the efforts of government, private sector, civic groups and individuals in an effort to protect, maintain, enhance, and where applicable, re-evaluate canopy roads.
Current Members
John Watson 1st Term:
Sep 01, 2015 to Aug 01, 2018
Appointing Authority: Mayor
Pierce Todd T Withers (Chair) 1st Term:
Jul 01, 2016 to Oct 01, 2018
Appointing Authority:
County Commission
Marie Cowart
1st Term:
Jul 01, 2016 to Oct 01, 2018
Appointing Authority:
County Commission
Kevin Sossong
1st Term:
Oct 01, 2016 to Aug 01, 2019
Appointing Authority:
Mayor
Megan Reynolds
1st Term:
Oct 01, 2016 to Aug 01, 2019
Appointing Authority:
Mayor
Ryan Wetherell
1st Term
Nov 01, 2016 to Oct 01, 2019
Appointing Authority:
County Commission
Katie Britt
1st Term:
Jul 01, 2016 to Oct 01, 2019
Appointing Authority:
County Commission
Robert Buccellato
Partial Term: to Oct 01, 2019
Appointing Authority:
Mayor
