Lesser known of the two loop trails at the park, the Yellow Trail is more popular with equestrians, being located adjacent to the equestrian campground.
A half mile of this trail travels alongside channelized sections of Gator Creek, a tributary of the park’s namesake, Colt Creek.
This trail is accessible by walking south 0.4 miles on the main park drive from the South Parking Area.
Along the Yellow TrailResources
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Overview
Location: Lakeland
Length: 6.8 miles
Trailhead: 28.281944, -82.032833
Address: 16000 SR 471, Lakeland
Fees: $4 per vehicle
Restrooms: No
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 863-815-6761
Open 8 AM until sunset daily. Leashed dogs welcome. Trail maps showing the Yellow Trail are available at the ranger station.
Except where posted otherwise, trails may be walked, bicycled, or ridden on horseback.
Equestrians must have proof of a negative Coggins test before bringing horses into the park.
Directions
From the exit for US 98 in Lakeland off Interstate 4, head north on US 98 N for 13 miles before turning right onto SR 471. In 3.9 miles, turn right at the entrance to the park. Continue on the main park drive for 2.9 miles to the South Parking Area.
Hike
Starting at the parking area, head south alongside the paved main park drive for 0.4 mile until it curves to the right onto a dirt road.
Immediately after the bend, turn to the right, following yellow blazes onto a berm high above channelized sections of Gator Creek.
Gator Creek bermA thick canopy of oaks shades the wide trail as it parallels the rocky channel for a half mile before turning westward into pine flatwoods habitat.
An array of wildflowers bloom along the edges of the wide mowed pathway flanked by dense scrub and pine tree saplings.
Pine flatwoodsAt 1.7 miles, a blue blazed cross trail intersects the Yellow Trail, allowing for a shorter hike.
Continue along the main loop. Oak trees become more prevalent for a short section before the trail returns to the pine forest.
Blue blazed cross trailSeveral benches sit along the trail, often accompanied by a numbered post that corresponds with points on the paper map.
In the late summer and fall months, tall stalks of yellow goldenrod and purple vanilla leaf flowers lean into the trail, bending from the weight of their inflorescence.
Trailside benchPassing the group campsite at 3.5 miles, the path then follows dirt roads towards the southern edge of the park and then turns east.
Cypress domes rise in the distance as wetter soils support lush vegetation and bright yellow sunflowers that bloom in abundance towards the end of the year.
Narrowleaf sunflowersWhere the trail approaches the edge of a floodplain forest surrounding Gator Creek, exposed limestone reveals the unique karst topography of this region.
Reaching the end of the yellow blazes at the dirt road, retrace your steps along the paved park road to conclude the hike at the South Parking Area.
Exposed limestoneTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Colt Creek State Park
Colt Creek State Park For a getaway from the busy bustle of the Interstate 4 corridor between Lakeland and Tampa, wander an extensive trail system and camp beneath the twinkling stars at Colt Creek State Park.Video
A walk through the Yellow Trail
Nearby Adventures
Colt Creek Flatwoods Trail Miles of beautifully managed pine forests and cypress domes are on display alongside large areas of habitat restoration on the Colt Creek State Park Flatwoods Trail. 
Mac Lake Nature Trail An easy excursion into a dense hardwood forest along a natural floodplain, the Mac Lake Nature Trail at Colt Creek State Park is an interpretive walk in the woods
Florida Trail, Green Swamp West Traversing scenic oak hammock, sandhills, and pine flatwood habitats, the southernmost six miles of the Florida Trail in Green Swamp West offers spectacular day hike and backpacking experiences. 
Upper Hillsborough River Hiking Trail Following the north side of a blackwater river toward its headwaters, the Upper Hillsborough River Hiking Trail meanders though pine flatwoods, shady hammocks, and forested wetlands. 
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