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Alafia River Reserve
Lithia, FL 863-534-7377 www.floridagreenwaysandtrails.org Website The most striking thing about this area of southwest Polk County is the cabbage palm forest along the river's flood plain. Outside the river's flood plain are majestic oaks that offer a pleasant place for a picnic. Canoeing, fishing, hiking and picnicking are all enjoyable along the Alafia as it meanders through Polk and Hillsborough counties.
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek State Preserve
Off Lake Hatchineha Road four miles east of Lake Hamilton Haines City, FL 863-419-3038 www.floridastateparks.org Website Wander these 1,200 acres that protect seven rare plant species. The Nature Conservancy gave this land to the state of Florida in 1992 when it officially became a Preserve. The preserve is designated as a low use profile; however, hiking trips can be arranged through the State Parks.
Caloosa Nature Trail
Babson Park, FL 863-638-1355 A nature trail winds through a unique, desert-like ecosystem, located along the Lake Wales Ridge. The area is home to many plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.
Circle B-Bar Reserve
Two miles east of U.S. Hwy. 98 on the south side of S.R. 540, southeast of Lakeland Lakeland, FL 863-534-7377 Freshwater marshes, hardwood swamps, oak hammocks, creeks and lakes are found on this property, which is home to waterfowl, ospreys, eagles and alligators.
Colt Creek State Park
Bradenton, FL www.floridastateparks.org e-mail Website Polk County's newest state park, this 5,067-acre property abuts the Green Swamp Wilderness Area. Pine Forests, open pasture and cypress domes make up most of the park, where a variety of animals live. Picnic tables and restrooms are on-site.
Crooked Lake Prairie
Babson Park, FL 863-534-7377 Open prairie land for hiking where cactus is abundant and shade is limited. There are pine flatwoods, lakeshore and oak scrub. Wildlife viewing opportunities include bald eagles, wild turkeys, deer, gopher tortoises, scrub jays and wading birds.
Crooked Lake Sandhill
Babson Park, FL 863-534-7377 This sandhill community offers longleaf pines and wiregrass, along with resident populations of bald eagles, ospreys, bobcats, foxes and gopher tortoises. Natural walkways.
Gator Creek Reserve
Off U.S. Hwy. 98 in the North Lakeland area, one mile after U.S. 98 changes from four lanes to two lanes Lakeland, FL 863-534-7377 More than four miles of trails including a paved, looped nature trail with benches and a paved, six-foot-wide walkway make this park very accessible. Visitors may see deer, wild turkey, fox squirrels and gopher tortoises.
Hickory Lake Scrub
Off S.R. 17 in the South Frostproof area Frostproof, FL 863-534-7377 Two short, marked walking trails along with informational kiosks allow visitors to experience and learn about the habitat with its ancient scrub, lakeshore, oak hammock, flatwoods and wetlands. The site is home to 14 rare plants, along with a variety of fauna.
IMC Agrico Peace River Park
access off C.R. 640, east of Homeland, FL 863-534-4340 A 460-acre site with mature cypress and oak trees including a boardwalk along the Peace River. Educational exhibits are found along the trail.
Lake Kissimmee State Park
14248 Camp Mack Rd. Lake Wales, FL 33898 863-696-1112 FloridaStateParks.org Website Home to more than 50 species of rare, endangered, threatened or special concern animals. A Cow Camp recreating ranch life in Central Florida in the 1800s is open weekends and holidays.
Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area
Cypress Parkway, FL 863-534-7377 Marion Creek is one place that best combines the goals of rare species preservation, protection of natural resources and public recreation. In addition to the lowlands around the creek, the area contains sand hills with at least 14 species of rare plants, as well as wildlife ranging from deer and turkey to scrub jays and sand skinks. Hiking, picnicking and camping are always a unique experience in this part of the state, which can be called Florida's original beachfront property.
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
851 Hwy. 630 E. Frostproof, FL 33843 863-635-7801 www.fl-dof.com e-mail Website The Lake Wales Ridge State Forest contains outstanding examples of naturally functioning ecosystems including: ancient island scrubs, flat woods, seepage slopes, sand hills, seasonal ponds, undeveloped lakes, bay gall, floodplain swamp, and others.
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