Circle Bar B Reserve

Ready for a hike?  Then head on over to the Circle Bar B Reserve in Lakeland.  This county run reserve is located on Winter Lake Rd. near the intersection of US 98 and the Polk Parkway.  The park has several different trails, and each are marked with their difficulty and their length.  We opted for the Shady Oak, Alligator Alley, and Heron Hideout. 

Shady Oak Trail

The trails were very well taken care of and we were able to view plenty of wildlife on them. 

A crane that we saw on the Alligator Alley trail.

I would not suggest the Alligator Alley and Heron Hideout trail for those with a stroller or unsteady walkers.  The trail was rather bumpy with exposed tree roots.  I would also suggest bringing sunscreen and bug spray.  We used deep woods Off and did not have any issues, but I did notice several others on the trail smacking bugs.   The trails we picked were rather shady, but there were spots where the trail was not covered and lets face it, the Florida sun is brutal. 

Alligator in the lake that we spotted on the Alligator Alley trail

There were plenty of place in the parking lot to picnic, with several covered areas with tables and a grill.  There is also a discovery center onsite that teaches kids and adults about the local wildlife and environment.  The kids really enjoyed the tree house and fox den that they could crawl in.  There was also a video running that discussed ways to help conserve our natural resources.  

The park allows for horseback riding, bikes, and of course hiking.  There is no playground, but the indoors discovery center makes up for it.  They offer several different events through out the year, so be sure to check it out if you are ever in the area.  I know we will be back soon to try some of the other trails.  

For more information, check out their website: Circle Bar B Reserve

A turtle sunning itself on Alligator Alley trail.

Hontoon Island State Park-Great Park for a Picnic & a Hike!

Hontoon Island State Park is located just outside of Deland, Florida at 2309 River Ridge Road, Deland, Florida 32720.  Located in a residential area, it can be rather difficult to find, but is well worth it.
Entrance to the park is free, as well as the ferry back and forth to the island. There is a small playground located on the island that the little ones will love, along with a small one room exhibit on the history of the park.  There as several picnic tables around the dock and the playground for picnics and a small store that sells limited food items at a reasonable price.  The park is clean, and there are two restrooms, although they are located in the front of the island. 

The campground is further inland, and the park does provide transportation for gear (if requested) via van, truck or golf cart.  The campground includes primitive camping and several cabins for rent (please see their website to book a space or cabin).

There is a good hiking trail, but it does have a tendency to flood or become muddy during the rainy season.  Mosquitoes can also be a problem during certain times of the year, so bring bug spray!  The trail is not stroller accessible, so this park is for age 5+. 

My family and I thoroughly enjoy this park, and will continue to come back.

A little Critter that we met on the hiking trail.