Circle B Bar Reserve

Popular with nature lovers is the Circle B Bar Reserve. Named after a cattle ranch that once existed on the property, this 1,275-acre preserve provides the only public access to Lake Hancock, Polk’s fourth-largest lake. From the site entrance on Winter Lake Road east of U.S. 98, it is a leisurely 1.25 mile walk to the shoreline of lake through an oak hammock and a former pasture.

A side trail also runs through a marsh where numerous wading birds, waterfowl and bald eagles are likely to be seen. Near the lakeside, beautiful and stately cabbage palms dot the landscape. The trail continues in the shade of cypress, hackberry and red maples growing along the edge of Lake Hancock. As the trail eventually opens up, visitors have a view across the historic Banana Creek marsh system.

In November, 2008, construction was completed on the Polk County Nature Discovery Center, $7.7 million interpretive site. It offers a variety of classes to children and adults. Managed by the Polk County Natural Resources Department, the center provides educational opportunities for Polk County public schools and is open to the public. There are exhibits in the center that display environmental and hydrologic functions of Florida’s natural resources. Nature trail, pavilion and information signs are available for public use on the grounds adjacent to the center. The park is open from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during standard time, and 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during daylight savings time.

Located two miles east of U.S. Hwy. 98 on the south side of S.R. 540, southeast of Lakeland,          863-534-7377, www.polk-county.net

For a printable brochure of the Circle B Bar Reserve, visit www.friendsoftheparks.net or click here. Circle B Bar Reserve is part of Polk Leisure Services' Trek Ten Trails 2010. You can sign up at the Friends of the Parks site for "geocaching" at the reserve.