Goat House Farm Volunteers

Off-road bicyclists can enjoy the open roads on Lake Talquin State Forest; however, they are not permitted on designated hiking, nature, or equestrian trails or on the Bear Creek Tract. The Lines Tract contains a designated off-road bicycle trail that offers a 9-mile course for beginner to intermediate level cyclists.

Canoes, kayaks and power boats are allowed on Lake Talquin which provides access to great freshwater fishing, bird watching and the tranquility of North Florida’s natural beauty.

Some of the best fishing is on Lake Talquin! Lake Talquin has largemouth and striped bass, crappie, bream, pickerel (commonly called "jack"), gar, catfish, and bowfin. Fishing is available in all waterways of Lake Talquin State Forest except for those on the Bear Creek Tract. A valid Florida fishing license is required except for those exemptions listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Property sits against Lake Talquin Forest with a short hiking trail right off the driveway! We are also near the Bear Creek Tract. A wealth of viewing opportunities for wildlife, birds and wildflowers await visitors, while the educational focus of this forest provides an array of learning experiences. Visitors can experience the audio-enhanced Living Forest Trail, where the trees tell their own stories. Hiking and nature trails on this 492-acre tract of Lake Talquin State Forest meander through many natural communities, including wetlands, sandhills and dramatic ravines. The trails are marked with orange, blue, yellow and pink paint blazes.

Horseback riders are welcome on open roads in the forest, and the Fort Braden Tract contains a 12-mile designated equestrian trail. Horseback riding is not permitted on designated hiking and biking trails or on the Bear Creek Tract. Proof of a current negative Coggins test is required for all horses.

Many types of wildlife make their home on the lake, including the red-shouldered hawk, bobcat, coyote, osprey, white-tailed deer, fox squirrel, turkey and mourning dove. Bald eagles, currently listed as a threatened species, can be seen soaring above the treetops. Gopher tortoise, a species of special concern, also lives throughout the forest.

Lake Talquin State Forest is composed of 10 main tracts of land, along with several smaller tracts. Most of the forest adjoins the Ochlockonee River and Lake Talquin, the body of water that gives the forest its name. Since 1977, Lake Talquin State Forest has been managed by the Florida Forest Service using the multiple-use concept, which balances environmental, recreational and resource use needs. Emphasis is given to reforestation, ecosystem restoration and outdoor recreation. The forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities on its many diverse tracts of land and can be enjoyed using existing roads, road beds and established trails.

Lake Talquin is a 10,000 acre reservoir that was formed by the damming of the Ochlockonee River in 1927. It derives its name from two nearby cities; Talahassee and Quincy. The state park was founded in 1970 when the land was donated by Florida Power Corporation. The lake, which is roughly 14½ miles in length, has high bluffs along much of its shoreline. The State Park protects more than 2 miles of the lake shore, and includes a 700 foot long boardwalk along the lakefront that offers stunning views of Lake Talquin.

We raise a variety of goats primarily for dairy and as pets. You are welcome to hang out with the goats during your stay and, especially, to cuddle our kids in the nursery!