Hiking at Circle B Bar Reserve

Polk County is where we have both grown up. We used to hike at “Circle B” when it was a roadside parking stop with a log and walkthrough gate. So to have watched it grow into the beautiful reserve and nature center it is today is bittersweet for us. So much of what we knew and loved about Polk County has transformed over the years from swamp land rich with citrus and cattle to a booming tourism industry and the fastest growing county in the US, as of the time of this blog.

Circle B Bar Reserve is off of Winter Lake Road in Lakeland, FL. It is nestled along the shores of Lake Hancock, one of the largest lakes in the area, and feeds into the Peace River and, eventually, the Gulf of Mexico. It is also home to a huge gator population, which draws many, and has some amazingly diverse ecosystems, which draws in photographers and families for photo shoots on a regular basis.

It is open daily during daylight hours for hiking and picnics, but do check for trail closures on both the website and posted signs since they happen often, due to storm damage, or most often, alligator activity. The Discovery Center is a great stop to learn about the local wildlife and ecosystem. The center is open Tuesday-Saturday 9AM-4PM, and Sunday Noon-4PM, so plan accordingly if you want to do more than hike. Field trips and camps visit, so you can plan one, or visit for a great homeschool/roadschool/unschool learning experience. They do also have conference rooms and you can book the picnic pavilions for events. Portable restrooms are available near the main parking area when the Discovery Center is closed, or if you just want to stay near the trails. There is also a geocache on property, so keep an eye out!

There are several miles of trails available, so you can link many together for a longer adventure, or just do one. The more you do, the more biodiversity you will see, and there is so much to see! Circle B also connects to the Fort Frasier Trail, if you are looking for a lengthier trip, or want to bike.

You will see lots of wildlife along the trail, especially alligators, so remember to keep your distance and respect them. There are also wild pigs in the area you’ll want to avoid if you see them. There are lots of birds and squirrels regularly out and about, and many bald eagles nests, so listen out for their distinct call. We’ve seen owls, otters and raccoons a time or two, as well as deer and armadillo. Gopher tortoises have made the occasional appearance inland, as well. We’ve heard black bear and bobcats are in the area, but they can both be elusive, so we’ve yet to see either.

Pack a camera and be prepared to stop, or move around people that do. Bicycles use the same trails as pedestrians, and it can be crowded at popular times, so be mindful of where you are on the trail and who’s around you, and announce yourself passing if you are on a bicycle.

Most of the trails are not paved, so be sure to check ahead if you have accessibility issues. Be sure to check availability as well, and either download a digital map or snap a photo of the trail maps before you set out. Since they often connect, you could find yourself on a longer hike than planned. There are many signposts with trail names and distances at the intersections so, hopefully, you don’t get lost.

Head over to our Facebook, Instagram or TikTok page to see the video from the trail, and others!

Find out more about Circle B Bar Reserve by visiting their website here.