Lakeland Highlands Scrub

Beautiful secluded and well kept up trails. We got to see Gopher tortoises, a black racer, lizards, squirrels, and a Terrapin turtle! Very nice hike, we didn't do the full loop, we crossed over the middle trail and cut our hike in half.

Love walking here with my dog. Having an unseen handicap and unable to tolerate the direct sunlight and heat of the day for long periods of time, the shaded trails are wonderful in allowing me to still get out and enjoy nature. This is one of my favorite trails in Polk County.

We love hiking here and it's only 10 mins from our home. It's so important to preserve Florida's scrub habitats. This Reserve is located on the Lakeland Highlands Ridge. A short trail winds through an oak hammock. The longer trail goes through the scrub habitat. There's also a boardwalk with a covered hut with benches that crosses a small pond/wetlands area. Some of the wildlife we have seen here includes the endangered Gopher Tortoise, rabbits, snakes (including a small coral snake), bull frogs, small gators in the pond, a bobcat, and 2 Great-Horned owls. There used to be a colony of endangered Florida Scrub Jays there, but sadly they are no longer there. Give yourself a couple hours at least to enjoy the longer trail. There's a small parking lot and one or two handicapped spots. Two covered picnic tables are at the trial-head, as well as a Porta-potty. There are no other facilities. It is a minimally maintained Fl State Reserve, and kept as natural as possible. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

Great trails and a nice boardwalk over a marsh. Some trails have more tree cover than others, so pick wisely especially during the summer.

Beautiful walk thru some paved some boardwalk trails. Lots of wildlife. Very well kept. Dogs welcome. Also good for those with disabilities.

Absolutely beautiful place I can't believe how beautiful this place is the trails are amazing

It's a beautiful respite in the city. A place to escape, relax, explore, and discover.

It's also one of my favorite places to sit and paint on lovely days!

A great place to experience nature with a variety of wildlife.
Marked trails that are accessible to bikes along with a boardwalk that offers a pavilion to observe aquatic wildlife.....
Pet owners are encouraged to leash their pets

Great place for a quick hike. It is really sandy in some spots. Its also dry for the most part.

Diverse area with trails in sun or shade. High land or low land.
Some trails are marked.
Plenty of wildlife.

Love taking my dog out there! Lots of different scenery changes: palmetto palm patches, sandy areas, and a small wetlands area (with boardwalk).

Bonus that there are tons of tortoises too

Great place for structured hiking (plenty of clearly delineated trails) and lots of forest-type privacy if you like to get away...

Great little place for a hike. Keep your eyes peeled for gopher tortoises.

Beautiful place to walk/hike. Fun trails that wrap and wind for miles, surrounded by Pines, Oaks, Palmettos and much more. Beautiful boardwalk and benched pavilion to sit, overlooking wetlands. Birds to be watched and wildlife about.

Hidden gem in Lakeland. Great trails. Boardwalk is nice. Two pavilions when you first enter the gate.

Beautiful trail with a nice boardwalk. We brought our dog along and really enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and fresh air. The signs marking the trail aren't the greatest, but the map online is helpful. The loop is approximately 2.8 miles which includes the boardwalk. We will definitely be back!

What a beautiful walk through the woods! The area is extremely pretty with many types of birds, a spoonbill, a bald eagle's nest, turtles, & frogs. Nature @ its best. After walking through a wooded area on a dirt pathway, we arrived @ a boardwalk built across a swampy area. Absolutely gorgeous. There are benches in a covered area on the boardwalk. Definitely a 5 star walk. We would highly recommend this park.

My favorite place to go with my pup and husband. Make sure as well to read the map and info as it shows you awesome information on the sand that is found during the hike. Beautiful history!

Great place for a Walk/hike. Trails are between a mile and 5 miles. Most of the trails have decent shade so even on a hot day you can enjoy that hike. Great place to take your dog!

I love this place. It's great to have a place near town that you can escape to for a quick hike. It's a great place to try out new hiking gear as well.

The trails are well maintained. The picnic area and the park in general we're very clean.