The 31 best hiking trails in Lakeland (2024)

Circle B is my new happy place. Despite being only feet away at times from large alligators (whether you see them or not), the trail by the lake is incredibly peaceful.This is a great spot to get some steps in on the trails, spot and photograph wildlife in their natural habitat, or just take a break from your hectic life to reflect and appreciate nature.Yes, there are a ton of alligators sometimes on the trail itself, but as long as you give them the respect they deserve they won’t bother you. There are plenty along the “alligator alley” trail but if you keep going on the marsh rabbit run trail you can see many more LARGE gators sunning themselves on the beach just on the other side of the canal. The whole park is full of different types of birds but I highly recommend the boardwalk with a gazebo on the lake that affords an excellent opportunity to see large ospreys and eagles grabbing a meal.I gave the trail 5 stars but keep the following in mind:- There are no water stations along the trail so bring a full bottle before you start your hike.- parking can get crowded at the entrance. Even when the lot is full however the trails themselves never seem crowded.- certain trails can be closed due to a variety of reasons. This is especially true during alligator mating and hatching seasons (typically in the spring and summer) when alligators are known to be aggressive (as I said outside of these periods they’re incredibly chill as long as they’re not provoked).Overall this place is truly a hidden gem and one of the best places in the state to see Florida in all its natural beauty.

A large, expansive county park with great shaded trails, incredible views of Lake Hanco*ck, and a visitor center that will entice kids and inspire the curiosity of all. The exhibits were informative and accurate, they even have an ancient canoe on display. Really one wonder after the other at Circle B Bar Reserve. Even on a hot June afternoon, the trails were comfortable. Lots of wildlife, including alligators I'm the lake (luckily at a distance). Free, and plentiful parking

Such a great place to see wildlife!! No cost to get in. We have visited twice and both time we saw an armadillo, a wild hog and many many alligators. The alligator alley path is narrow and you can see wildlife on both sides of you. Also there is a bald eagle nest in one of the trees you can see. If its sunny bring lots of water!!

Great hiking park. Taken family here on visits many times. It has a nice indoor visitors center, it could use a water stand. The trails are nice, when they aren’t closed. Hit or miss. And as for the animals, it’s nice to see them living their life in the wild not zoos. In total. It’s im fun once or twice :)

We had a great time! Beautiful scenery and easily walkable. We saw probably 25 alligators both large and very small! Some were camouflaged very well so keep an eye out! Saw some beautiful butterflies, majestic birds, turtles, a squirrel, a raccoon, and a friendly armadillo. The trees with Spanish are breathtaking! If you are going with a small child I would probably hold them, push them in a stroller, or at least hold their hand. Most times the path has a steep drop into marshy/brackish water with alligators.

Nice place to go and get rid of your daughter's boyfriend. He will never be found. Ok in all seriousness, he is a good guy. This is a very nice place to go. Great old trees, scenery, wildlife everywhere- including gators. The trails are walkable or bikeable. No dogs due to gators! Lots of different trails to take and the indoor exhibits are well done. Good place for photos so take your camera.

I go here to be with nature and my thoughts with God. Everything just slows down as you enter the gates (speed is 15) and gives you time to breathe, walk and think. I notice most others slowing down and enjoying the alligator and special bird/animal/plant sightings…I take photos that look professional almost because everything is so beautiful in its simplicity. As I walk, I like to imagine the original owners walking the dirt roads and what they were thinking…and when my family come from Texas and wants to see an alligator (lol), this is my “go to” place to take them.

Cool park to hike. This park has a lot of Florida cattle history. Back in the 1800’s when calttlemen would herd cattle across the state, this was one of the places they could stop at to rest and pen the cattle so they could get a good nights sleep before the next days trek. There are wooded trails and boardwalk trails to hike. Lots of nature to see. I was welcomed by a beautiful young falcon as I started my hike. Rabbits and other ground wildlife to see and photograph. Lots of shade down the trails so you don’t have to worry about dying in the Florida heat. Very nice place.

I tell my husband I’m going to the ‘bird show’, when I go here, because that’s what this place feels like to me. It’s incredible- there’s so much diversity here and it’s right on display as you walk down the trails. It’s like the birds are performing just for you. I love coming here after sunrise when the birds are most active. The wildlife photography opportunities abound. You’ll see lots of other wildlife, too- not just birds, but they are the main act for me. The marsh/swamp is beautiful and the live oak and cypress trees draped in Spanish moss give this place a very enchanting allure!

This was an amazing place to visit if just being in town shortly and wanting to see wildlife.We saw around 20 plus alligators, Armadillos, raccoons, snakes, and countless birds.We visited here twice, first time in the p.m. around 5 to 6:30.We saw way more wildlife in the evening.When we visited in the a.m. around 8 to 9 we saw significantly less animals so I would suggest going in the p.m. if you have a choice.

We were blown away by the natural beauty of this park. So many trails offering stunning views of the marshes and hammocks. We even saw a couple of alligators in the distance. Highly recommend this park!

Magical place for taking a stroll and enjoying wildlife 👍🏾A photographers dream location with dozens of bird species, alligators (all chilled and used to humans), armadillos and rare sightings of bobcats.Flat and easy trails, and a lot of friendly folk out and about loving nature. Get ready for gear envy if you like to take pictures, there are some big lenses out there 😍 but everyone I met was happy to share their knowledge and help identify birds.Real cool place 👍🏾

Had a Fantastic experience touring the place. Our guides Barry and Jeff shared a wealth of information. Jeff, one of the original team members to help develop Circle B Ranch as a Reserve from an active cattle ranch. It was amazing to see how Circle B Ranch has transformed from a water deficient, overly grazed grasslands into current marsh and wetlands. There were pictures to show the amazing transformation!!! With educated transformation of the land, they've been able to bring water back! Which in turn brought birds, animals and vegetation. We were fortunate to see bald eagles nesting, an alligator, different birds including herons fishing with one having captured a long eel for lunch! There's a visitor center with numerous trails. Circle B Ranch Reserve is continuing its transformation into a beautiful natural environment for the current and future generations 🙏

A good place to see a range of landscapes and wildlife. The alligators are the clear reason many go here. They are abundant.It is a large reserve and the walking trails have been in good shape each time we visit. There is a mix of surfaces from shell or dirt, paved and some boardwalks.Near the parking area there are a few buildings. An educational center, bathrooms, etc. There are a good many picnic pavilions and tables. We almost always take a lunch so we can hike some of the trails, eat, and go back out.There are no animals allowed in the park and if I had a young child, I would be very aware that there can often be large alligators along the trails. Yesterday we had no less than 10 around us at one point while walking one of the strips of land with water on each side. These large alligators cross these areas so you may come face to face to one. Yesterday we got to see a large female with her newly hatched little ones all along the shore.When visiting you can expect to see eagles, herons, osprey and other waterfowl. There are rabbits, racoons, turtles, wildflowers, butterflies. It is full of life.There is a central part of the boardwalk along Lake Hanco*ck that has not been open on any visit we have had. They also close sections when it is not safe for pedestrians due to certain alligator activities. Check the website before you go to see what trails are open.All bathrooms are near the parking areas.Obvious things are needed if hiking, water, bug spray, etc.The fact that you can walk along the shore of a large lake, or through a swampy area, an upland, an area filled with large oaks, these things make a visit quite nice. It has a range of environments to enjoy.Again, be mindful of the alligators. We spotted two yesterday that were so well camouflaged that many didn't notice that they were passing within a very short distance of what were clearly large animals.

This was our first visit and an absolutely spectacular time!! Naturally, a little scary considering you are so up close and personal with the gator families. However, they are so calm and respect you, as long as you show them the same respect. Just really a neat thing to see and experience! So much wildlife! We only walked 3 trails and will be back to walk more! Highly recommend!!

This is the most lovely place! It is so peaceful and not a bad walk around the various trails around the park. This place definitely became our favorite place to go escape reality for the day.

This is a nature preserve on the shores of Lake Hanco*ck. Admission is free and parking is free.The visitor center serves as a hub to use the restroom, get maps, and cool off in the AC. But be warned, it closes at 4pm! We made a lap around the lake trail before returning through the marsh trail. It was about ~2 miles. We saw alligators, turtles, birds, racoons, and more.I thought it was slightly difficult to navigate the campus. It really needs a big map near the parking lot displaying all possible trails and locations.

It is such a beautiful and magical place, one of my favorite parks in Florida. There are so many beautiful animals to see on the many trails. I've been here many times, and each visit is a different experience. The only downside is that if you don't go during office hours, you're stuck using a porta-potty, which really isn't cleaned out as often as it should be.

The reserve is full of rich history, efforts towards conservation of natural resources and a beautiful place to get in some extra steps or have family time on budget. Would definitely recommend the Circle B Bar Reserve for any nature lover, photographer, etc. There’s plenty of regular and accessible parking. They do have an accessible trolley tour so be sure to tell them when booking. Hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes and your hypervigilence when walking paths. The wildlife lives here and we are guests. Follow rules and don’t harass the wildlife. It’s a beautiful spot and photographers can get a permit to take photos here. Staff is friendly and helpful. Volunteer opportunities are always available if you are looking for something to do. Put this on your list of “places to go”—definitely worth it.

It was very productive, especially capturing this American purple gallinule this past week.I added a few other captures that were fun, especially the stork.My last visit (from Indonesia two years ago) was also productive.Great conversation of wildlife! Thank you

This place was magnificent! Wildlife all around! Seen so many gators and birds! Also a racoon came right up to us! Definitely coming back. We took alligator alley trail and it didn't disappoint 😀🐊

What a beautiful place for a short visit or a day trip. Trail signs are fantastic, most trails are 1-2.5 miles each. Lots of things to see prairie, marsh, lake environments. There is a discovery center (open on Saturday) tram tours, port o lets. Of course the highlight? Gators! Tons of them! Saw them sunning themselves right on the banks we walked by, in the lake, big splashes when one gets scared of YOU! Bald eagles, osprey, herons, egrets, ducks & more. Peaceful. Thank you people of Polk County!**Leave your pets & fishing poles home. Neither are allowed & that's exactly why the gators are still fearful. If you need to fish or bring Fido everywhere, please go somewhere else**

Great park for photography! In fact, I've never been to a park where there were more photographers than anyone else. There must have been 50 guys with telephoto lenses. Was great walking with others and watching what they watched (attached is a photo with faces removed for privacy). I include a sample of some photos I took from my trip this morning.

A beautiful trail. One can easily get lost in the beauty. Enough wild life to keep us interested, especially the crocodiles.

It was odd at first to walk along the lake and to see so many alligators on your left and then to see all different size baby gators on your right. Raccoons walking and minding their own business. We took so long on this trail taking pictures and just hanging on the covered walkway on the lake watching so many alligators just floating along. There is more to the Reserve we just didn’t get to it. Many birds, and turtles.

Wonderful place to hike and experience wildlife. Not to mention, it has no entry fee. Tons of wildlife to enjoy and photograph. Would recommend for any nature lover and photographers. Make sure you bring everything you need with you.

Amazing preserve/park. The live oaks are breathtaking. We took the Alligator Alley Trail. Lake Hanco*ck on one side and the swamp on the other side of the trail. We saw all kinds of birds and a raccoon strolled across the path right in front of us. Saw many gators sunning. Coming back again. NO DOGS !

Great trails. Take an umbrella. That Florida sun is hot! Lots to see. Make sure your phone is charged so you can take photos. And bring water! We saw a lot of neat wildlife.

Always a wonderful experience at Circle B. One of the best places in Florida to visit and it’s free to enter. Such a great place to take photos, there are always so many birds, alligators and more. Pets are not welcome and for a great reason, it would be too dangerous to bring them. There are picnic tables and quite a few trails. Some trails are closed in the summer months for alligator mating season.

If you like nature walks. This is the place to be. From seeing all kinds of wildlife , eagles, gators, birds, humans near gators, all these photos were taken by me. Some old some new.

Amazing Place for Unforgettable Hikes...You WILL see gators, all kinds of birds and tons of critters. Great paths that are well maintained and breathtakingly gorgeous habitats. Best Reserve in All of FL ❤️ Keep a little ones close and bring plenty of water.