Tallahassee could be sledding in a winter wonderland. Here’s where to hit the slopes

Floridians commonly keep pool floats, boogie boards and kayaks in storage during the winter months. But on Wednesday, folks in North Florida may be able to bring the novelties out and convert them into makeshift sleds, Florida style.

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency Monday ahead of what some forecasters have said has the potential to be one of the worst storms in Gulf Coast history. Models have suggested that the Big Bend area could see as much as 6 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

But for a region that rarely sees flurries, let alone inches of it, this is “snow” joke – and people are hoping to hit the slopes.

Leon County Schools will be releasing students early Tuesday and has cancelled operations for Wednesday due to the incoming forecast, meaning kids will be out on a snow day.

Tallahassee is fortunately a hilly city so for those who are looking to sleigh the day away, here are some hilltops perfect for the occasion.

“Somewhere within walking distance. Don’t drive,” one Facebook user commented under a Tallahassee Democrat post requesting hilly suggestions.

Sledding hills in Tallahassee

• They don’t call it the highest of seven hills for nothing: Florida A&M University has plenty of hills perfect for sledding.

• Tom Brown Park has several hills and open space without tree debris or obstacles to offer the best sledding ever.

• The Cobb Middle School Bowl, a park just behind the school, could be a great place to roll out.

• The hills at Governors Square mall.

• Orchard Pond Road Trail is normally pristine for hiking and biking. On Wednesday, it may be a good place to slip and slide on some snow.

• J.R. Alford Greenway is open space with miles of trails and slopes. On Wednesday it will be a great location for sledding.

• Devils Dip, a hilly street in a neighborhood nearby Kate Sullivan Elementary, could be a great slope to hit.

• Cascades Park has some steep inclines, optimal for sledding.

• Governor’s Park has hills clear of obstacles and debris for sliding down.

Don’t have a sled? ‘Snow’ worries! Here’s how to make one

There are a number of miscellaneous items most people have sitting around that can be used:

• A cardboard box.

• A large storage container or lid.

• Boogie board or surfboard.

• Cushion from outdoor furniture.

• Tarp or heavy-duty garbage bags.

• A dog bed wrapped in a trash bag.

• A large trash can lid.

• An inflated pool float or kiddie pool.

• A yoga mat.

• A laundry basket.

• A kayak or canoe.

• An air mattress (with a pantyhose tied around it to steer).

Alaijah Brown covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ABrown1@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter/X: @AlaijahBrown3.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Sledding through the snow in Tallahassee? Here’s how and where