Heartland Chapter Florida Trail Association

 
 
 

This is a Heartland Chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) hiking activity open to the public. FTA membership is not required to participate. Membership in the Florida Trail Association helps us in our efforts to build, protect and promote the Florida National Scenic Trail. For FTA membership information please visit https://www.floridatrail.org/make-a-difference/become-a-member/

LOCATION: Circle B Bar Reserve; 4399 Winter Lake Road (SR 540); Lakeland, FL 33803. For Google maps use Polk’s Nature Discovery Center, Discovery Drive, Lakeland, FL. Meet in the Nature Center parking lot.

DESCRIPTION: This is a moderately paced hike (not a walk!) with lots of opportunity to observe wildlife. Approximately 4 miles in length but route depends on conditions of trails and any closures.

PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT THIS LOCATION.

Please, no children under 10.

Info including link to trail map and info on trail closures:
http://polknature.com/explore/circle-b-bar-reserve#panel1

BRING OR WEAR: Hiking shoes, brimmed hat, water, sun, and insect
protection. Cameras and binoculars are welcomed.

 
 
 

This is a Heartland Chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) hiking activity opened to the public. FTA membership is not required to participate.

DESCRIPTION: This will be a moderately paced hike of about 7 miles; we will be hiking the Buster Island Loop trail. We will meet at the Flatwood parking lot where the marina, restrooms and camp store are located. Park admission is $5.00 per car or $4.00 for one person. The hiking area is about 1.5 to 2 miles from the entrance; you will pass the campground and the Cow Camp roads. Stay on the main park road until you make a right turn into the Flatwoods parking lot. Approximate hiking time will be 3-4 hours.

***This hike is limited to 25 hikers. Please be courteous and change your reservation to "Not going" if you change your mind or cannot attend so those on the waiting list may be moved to "Going".

We will begin sign-in at 8:30 A.M. and start hiking at 9:00 A.M. The park is rich in history with living demonstrations of the early Florida "cow hunters" in an 1876-era cow camp. On the way back from our hike, we will visit the cow camp if it is open.

*Please bring a sack lunch to eat in the picnic area after the hike if you would like to have lunch with some of your fellow hikers.

Lake Kissimmee State Park is located off State Road 60, 15 miles east of Lake Wales on the shores of Lakes Kissimmee, Tiger and Rosalie. This beautiful park opened to the public in 1977 and consists of nearly 6000 acres. The area is abundant with plant diversity and wildlife; white tailed deer, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, turkeys and bobcats have been spotted in the park.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum 2 liters of water per person mandatory.
No bare feet, flip flops, or open-toed footwear.
Insect protection.
Snacks/Food