From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to fantastic lakes and marshes, our county has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Lakeland area with 13 routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure.
Note: While parks and trails may be listed as open, we recommend checking park websites before visiting for further info, current trail conditions, and the safest practices for the area.
Key: Easy = 🥾 | Moderate = 🥾🥾 | Hard = 🥾🥾🥾
Lakeland
A good hike becomes a great hike when the path is shady.
With five walking trails and one equestrian trail, this reserve offers paths for everyone. The elevation change is 22 ft and one of the paths is paved, making this a great option for the whole family.
Hoo’s ready to see the wildlife at Circle B Bar Reserve?
Take your time on these trails — spot sunbathing gators in Alligator Alley, watch for wildlife on Wading Bird Way, and practice your photography skills along the way or simply take in the fresh air.
This grassy, padded hike boasts cool breeze and shade if you catch it at the right time. The land was once home to rock mining, timber harvesting, citrus production, and even turpentining.
This water treatment area-turned-nature park is a must-see for locals. Wear proper shoes and bring enough water to stay hydrated — but leave your furry friends at home.
Experience various terrains like sandy soils, grassy trails, marshland, swamps, and open dry prairies. This quiet oasis on the edge of the suburbs is perfect for everything from a quick hike to a longer excursion; trails range from an average of 30 minutes to two hours.
The Lake Wales forest contains the highest concentration of endangered plants in the continental US, so bring your cameras and don’t forget the pack in, pack out rule — aka take your trash with you.
Watch the sun rise and set at your favorite Florida trail.
Named after The Societe Universelle Mining Industrie Commerce et Agriculture (who owned timber rights to the land), the lumber town of SUMICA was established in 1917. The town vanished in 1927, leaving a ghost town and the largest of Polk County’s environmental lands, perfect for exploring on your next hike.
Home to Florida’s third largest lake, this state park has excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, nature trails for hiking, biking, and horseback, and a genuine 1876 “Cow Camp.” Note: Pets are not allowed in the Cow Camp area.
Greater Polk area
Soak in views of Lake Hancock through the marshy trees on this trail.
Nestled right across the way from Circle B, this reserve provides a trail for everyone. For a shaded trail, check out the Acorn Hammock Loop; the Osprey Overlook Loop Trail is not shaded.
Pet-friendly: Leashed pets are allowed, but keep an eye out for spiny plants that may poke your pup’s soft paws.
Walk under a canopy of oak hammocks draped in Spanish moss to find the unique place where scrub and prairie meet. Pro tip:These trails are pretty open, so make sure to use plenty of sunscreen.
The breezy, shaded path attracts a variety of colorful butterflies and birds. The reward for completing this trail is reaching the bank of the Peace River.
With 70+ species of birds, this is an avian aficionado’s paradise. You’ll be in a nest with tall cabbage palms that reach the sky, enjoying top-notch views of Lake Marion Creek.
Get the right gear
Get the most out of your trip with comfortable, handy, and helpful hiking gear:
This extra roomy fanny pack — from Chattanooga, TN-based company Burlaep — can carry all the gadgets and accessories you need for your hike.
