3 Best Hiking Trails in Lakeland, FL

“Circle B Bar Reserve features a wide variety of plants and animals in several distinct ecosystems covering 1,267 acres. The trail is loop-type, and its length is 4.8 miles. The trail is generally considered an easy route, with an elevation gain of 36 feet. The total time to complete the trail is 1 hour and 24 minutes. The trail is a pleasant spot for various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and birding. Visitors can be guaranteed to see alligators in Lake Hancock, often considered the headwaters of the Peace River, which flows more than a hundred miles from Polk County southwest to the Gulf of Mexico. The trail system provides numerous opportunities for photographers and painters who want to capture the beauty of nature. Circle B Bar Reserve also features picnic shelters, restrooms, trails, freshwater wetlands, and Banana Creek Marsh.”

“Colt Creek State Park includes more than 5,000 acres of habitat, an area to discover the various plant groups, flora, and fauna. The trail offers over 15 miles of beautiful, multi-use trails, which make for great horseback riding, hiking, and biking opportunities. These trails meander through the pine flatwoods, cypress domes, bottomland forest, and open pastures. The trail also offers various recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Visitors can also enjoy picnic pavilions, ranger-led programs, and primitive and full-facility camping options. The park expanded its amenities to include a large screened pavilion with attached restrooms and a paved parking area overlooking Mac Lake. Colt Creek State Park also allows dogs on a leash.”

“Lake Parker Park is a 100-acre ideal destination to have a relaxed and enjoyable time with friends and family. This is a 3.5-mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 45 feet. This is a loop trail and is generally considered an easy route. The trail takes approximately 1 hour and 2 minutes. The trail also boasts a diverse range of indigenous Florida vegetation. The hiking trail also provides various amenities including picnic pavilions, tennis courts, playgrounds, and fishing spots. Lake Parker Park also ensures barbecue grills, picnic tables, volleyball court, tennis court, public restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible parking lot for the convenience of the visitors.”