Hiking Trails

Lakeland Highlands is a  551 acre conservation area. There are trails measuring as long as 2.2 miles or a for a shorter stroll there is a 0.6 mile trail. Be sure to check out the boardwalk especially during the rainy season to see more wildlife in the wetlands area. The trails are great for spotting wildlife such as alligators, gopher tortoise, red shouldered Hawk and much more! If you are into birds, we recommend download The Merlin Birding app and you can find out more about the birds surrounding you!  Look for the Lichen Loop to safely walk further into the wooded area. Lakeland Highlands Scrub is 230 feet above sea level which is surprising since it all used to be underwater.  If you would like to extend your hike, you can walk into Sevens Wetlands to walk a couple more miles.

6988 Lakeland Highlands Road

Lakeland, Florida 33813

Itchepackesassa Creek is a 16 mile creek that ends up flowing into the Hillsborough River. The wetlands were created to help prevent flooding of Itchepackesassa and Blackwater Creeks. Luckily for everyone, they made sure to cultivate it with native plants to aid in filtering the water and creating a beautiful habitat for native creatures. The trail loop through the wetlands is raised above the 'wet' areas and is about 1.5 miles long. There is not a lot of shade, so be sure to bring water and brace for the Florida sun! There is a playground/baseball field where there are bathrooms and water fountains, however the bathrooms are closed on holidays such as Labor Day (found that tidbit out today) so plan accordingly. The water is incredibly deep, there was a post in the water with the waterline at almost 118' deep!

1285 Walker Road, Lakeland, Florida

Gator creek reserve is one of the most beautiful reserves I have been to in Florida. It is exactly what I want when I go for a hike in Florida. Most of the paths are under a canopy of Florida trees where you can enjoy the breeze and occasional spot of sunshine. It has over 5 miles of trails, including a half mile nicely paved loop, where you can bring your strollers or wheelchairs for an easy ride. They break the different loops up so you can walk as little or as much as you want.

Gator creek reserve is in the same area as the Green swamp wilderness reserve, so you get to see all the wildlife and birds that you ordinarily see there. The only bathrooms here are portapotties, but that's ok because this place is worth it, regardless of bathrooms. Part of the reason that they made this reserve is because the county received multiple requests for equestrian trails in the area. Making this trail the perfect place to ride your horse for a few miles. Dogs are also welcome here, so you can pack up all your best friends and enjoy your hike!

9725 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 

We do guided, educational hikes here. Hit the link below to sign up!

Blackwater Creek offers a total of 6.4 miles of trails through the pinewood flat woods of the Green swamp. The trail is moderate but an excellent way to see what Florida is supposed to look like. The beauty that surrounds this Preserve is can only be described by experiencing it first hand. It is hard to find such large pine trees in untouched areas. The preserve is located at
2469 Patrinostro Road
Plant City, FL 33565

Pets are welcome, just make sure you clean up after them!

We do guided, educational hikes here. Hit the link below to sign up!