Hiking at Marshall Hampton Reserve

If you are looking for another hike in Polk County, Florida, this is one to add to your list. It has been around for several years, but the entrance has recently moved further down Thornhill Road due to construction of the bypass on the Parkway. It is located on the opposite shore from Circle B Bar Reserve (find out more in our blog linked here), so could make for a great additional hike that day, or weekend.

Rumor has it, these two areas will eventually connect, so fingers crossed for those long hike enthusiasts! For now, you can choose from the Acorn Hammock Trail (4.5 miles, moderate), the Osprey Overlook Trail (2 miles, easy) or the newly added Panther Point Trail (7.5 miles, moderate). All of these are also on All Trails or their website for a map, but the trails are well marked, and the easy trails are a loop.

This great hiking location also allows, but also horseback and bicycles. Be mindful of signs to give right of way.

It is contradictory on pets, in one spot saying they must be leashed and in another saying they aren’t allowed, so I’d suggest leaving pets at home since most other reserves don’t allow them, and you do get pretty close to the water’s edge, and potentially gators, on this hike. There are benches around the pond for a stop to rest and the trails, while grassy, are wide.

There are gators in the area (it is a water spot in Florida, after all), so be sure to stay alert since they may be sunning just off the trail. There are also many birds to spot, and we saw a couple of falcons and eagles on our hike. Rabbits, ducks, and other animals are evident, and sometimes visible, if you look closely, too. We also spotted some caterpillar on our winter day visit. Since this is near a cattle area, there are many cows nearby.

Unfortunately, you will see and hear the construction noise in the area, until they finish the bypass, so it may scare creatures away, at least on the road side. We were entertained to watch a bird of prey watching the construction machines with fascination.

Even though it is only the other side of Lake Hancock from the Circle B Bar Reserve, it does offer a slightly different view of wild Florida. You’ll walk past wetland areas, but also through grassy areas, palmettos, pine trees and oak hammocks, giving a welcome shade on a warm day. Do watch for ants, though, they also like it under the trees!

While there is no pavilion or buildings, there is a port-a-potty at the parking area, and logs to sign in and out at the trailhead (look for the big sign, the trails weren’t well marked at the new walkthrough gate when we went). Don’t let the construction stop you from visiting since this is not a well known trail, so won’t be as busy as others, even on weekends.

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

Find out more about Marshall Hampton Reserve on their website here.