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Hollis Garden Lakeland

Lakeland

With an array of parks and natural lands and a network of bike trails, Lakeland is a hub for outdoor recreation

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Munn Park Lakeland

As Polk County keeps adding to its array of natural lands and bike paths, recreation opportunities are on the rise throughout the region. Lakeland is a hub for recreation along the central Lake Wales Ridge and into the Green Swamp as well as along the nearby Hillsborough and Alafia Rivers.

Historic parks and loop trails around its major lakes provide green space in the urban downtown as well as family destinations like the splash pad at Barnett Family Park and the garden rooms at Hollis Garden, both along Lake Mirror. And, of course, Lakeland would not be what it is without its swans, which have a direct connection to the royal family in England. They are primarily seen along Lake Morton.

Bike paths connect both communities and parks and natural lands in the region. Stretching from the county seat of Bartow to Lakeland, the Fort Fraser Trail provides access to one of Florida’s best wildlife watching destinations, Circle B Bar Reserve.

Resources

Florida Trail Hikes book cover The Florida Trail Guide book cover 50 Hikes in Central Florida Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us continue to provide public information on this website.

Trails and Parks Near Lakeland

Best Trails and Parks Around Lakeland

Wetlands at Circle B Bar Reserve

Circle B Bar Reserve

For fabulous birding and more alligators than you can count, roam the marshy edge of Lake Hancock on miles of causeways through Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland

Cyclist Van Fleet Trail

Van Fleet Trail

Cruise up a wooded corridor through the Green Swamp along 29.2 miles of paved trail on an old rail corridor optimized for a long ride through the heart of rural Central Florida

Fishing pier on lake

Colt Creek State Park

Camping beneath the twinkling stars at Colt Creek State Park, enjoy a getaway from the busy bustle of the Interstate 4 corridor between Lakeland and Tampa

Lakeland Highlands Scrub

Lakeland Highlands Scrub

On more than 3 miles of trails, Lakeland Highlands Scrub offers a close-up look at the Lakeland Ridge, an ancient island when Florida was beneath the seas: parts of this 551-acre preserve are at 230 feet elevation.


Recent Additions and Updates

Picnic table under a live oak

McIntosh Preserve

McIntosh Preserve
Deeply shaded trail under sand live oaks

Florida Trail, Green Swamp West

Florida Trail, Green Swamp West
Open marshy plain with blue skies

Lower Green Swamp Preserve

Lower Green Swamp Preserve
Red blazed trail in lush riverine forest

Alderman’s Ford Trails

Alderman’s Ford Trails
Grassy mowed trail in pines

Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve

Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve
Boardwalk amid cypress trees

Mosaic Peace River Park

Mosaic Peace River Park
Sunlight dappled on Florida upland forest

Mac Lake Trail

Mac Lake Trail
Cyclist on paved Flatwoods Loop

Flatwoods Park

Flatwoods Park

More Trails More Parks

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ALL Articles

NEARBY: Auburndale, Bartow, Brandon, Clermont, Dade City, Kissimmee, Lake Wales, Orlando, Plant City, Tampa, Walt Disney World, Winter Haven, Zephyrhills | ALONG: Green Swamp, Peace River | PART OF: Central Florida

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