Diverse Natural Communities
Polk County is larger than Rhode Island, which means we are large enough to have many different ecosystems and landscapes. Polk County is a place where in the span of only a few miles you can go from a freshwater marsh on the shores of a lake, to a desert-like scrub habitat complete with prickly pear cactus.
Some of the more distinct natural features to explore in Polk County include Lake Wales Ridge, Floodplain Swamps, Wet Prairie, and Scrubby Flatwoods.
State Parks in Central Florida
Follow blazed trails through our unique landscape at Colt Creek State Park, Lake Kissimmee State Park, or Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. All together, these three state parks in Central Florida have over 31-miles of hiking and equestrian trails to explore. Arbuckle WMA and Walk-in-the-Water WMA in the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest has 12.2-miles of equestrian trails and more than 50-miles of hiking trails combined.
County Parks & Reserves
Whether you are interested in seeing ancient beach sand dunes, unique plants and animals, or looking to explore the Green Swamp with its majestic cypress domes, Polk County’s Environmental Lands Program offers visitors many ways to discover Florida’s true nature. The County’s nine parks and reserves include SUMICA, Lakeland Highlands Scrub and Crooked Lake Prairie.
One of our most popular outdoor areas is Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, named as one of “51 Great Places to See Wildlife” by USA Today. This 1,267-acre nature preserve is popular for birding and alligator watching.
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park
State Park in Haines City featuring long, sugar sand trails along the Lake Wales Ridge.
Address: 4335 Firetower Rd
Haines City, FL 33884
Phone: 863-696-1112
Ridge Audubon Center
Short hiking trail in Babson Park allows visitors to quickly see a sandhill ecosystem while…
Address: 200 N. Crooked Lake Dr
Babson Park, FL 33827
Phone: 863-638-1355
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve – Hampton Tract
Hampton Tract in North Lakeland offers 28 miles of trails for hiking, cycling and birding.…
Address: 18490 Rock Ridge Rd. & 12221 U.S. 98N
Lakeland, FL 33809
Phone: 863-648-3200
Holloway Park
Holloway Park is a multi-use park within the city limits of Lakeland. The park is…
Address: 2402 Holloway Park Dr.
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: 863-899-6569
Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area
The 120-acre Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area provides visitors with a beautiful woodland setting along…
Address: 1639 Frostproof Hwy.
Fort Meade, FL 33841
Phone: 863-285-1111
Arbuckle Tract at Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
Arbuckle Tract at Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is a 13,530 acre property in Frostproof…
Address: Lake Arbuckle Rd. & Rucks Dairy Rd.
Frostproof, FL 33843
Phone: (863) 589-0545
Gator Creek Reserve
Gator Creek Reserve is situated on 2,700 acres and has 5 miles of well-established trails…
Address: 9725 U.S. Hwy 98 N
Lakeland, FL 33809
Phone: 863-534-7377
Crooked Lake Sandhill
Short hiking trail in Babson Park is home to sand skinks, gopher tortoises and eastern…
Address: 801 Hollister Rd.
Babson Park, FL 33827
Phone: 863-534-7377
Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve
Short, lakefront walking trail in Lake Alfred offers views of wading and migratory birds and…
Address: 945 Mackay Blvd.
Lake Alfred, FL 33850
Phone: 863-291-5270
