The best running trails in Polk County

Polk County offers a diverse range of running trails, from paved loops around scenic lakes to unpaved paths through wetlands, pine flatwoods, and scrub habitats. You can find easy, moderate, and challenging routes, catering to various fitness levels. For example, the Big Bradley Falls Base Trail offers a moderate 4.4-mile run, while the Lake Summit – Old Bridge loop from Green River provides a more difficult 9.8-mile challenge.

Yes, Polk County has several easy and family-friendly options. The Lake Hollingsworth Trail features an approximately 3-mile paved loop, perfect for a relaxed run with scenic water views and birdwatching. Another great option is the Osprey Overlook Trail loop at Marshall Hampton Reserve, an easy 2.3-mile route with flat terrain and views of Florida's natural wetlands.

For longer runs, consider the Circle B Bar Reserve Loop, which is about 5.0 miles and known for its diverse wildlife. The Fort Frasier Trail is another excellent choice, extending 10 miles between Bartow and Lakeland, offering varied scenery including tree canopies and wetlands. Additionally, the Auburndale TECO Trail provides a 7.3-mile paved option for a smoother, longer run.

While Polk County is more known for its lakes and wetlands, you can find scenic views along many trails. The Big Bradley Falls Base Trail offers a moderate run with a waterfall highlight. For other natural beauty, the Circle B Bar Reserve and Colt Creek State Park trails provide picturesque marsh and flatwood views, often with abundant wildlife.

The Circle B Bar Reserve is highly recommended for wildlife enthusiasts, named one of '51 Great Places to See Wildlife' by USA Today. You might spot alligators, various bird species, and other animals along its trails, including the 5.0-mile Circle B Bar Reserve Loop and the 2.4-mile Alligator Alley Loop. Colt Creek State Park also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings through its woods and wetlands.

Yes, Lakeland offers Holloway Park, an urban nature preserve with unique trail running experiences. It features various distances (3k, 5k, 8k, and 10k) on unpaved, grassy trails, many with partial to full shade and some elevation changes. Bonnet Springs Park, a 168-acre urban-nature park, also provides scenic trails and gardens for a pleasant run.

Many of Polk County's popular running spots feature circular routes. The Lake Hollingsworth Trail is a well-known 3-mile paved loop. The Circle B Bar Reserve offers a 5.0-mile loop, and the Osprey Overlook Trail at Marshall Hampton Reserve is an easy 2.3-mile loop. The Lake Lanier – Lake Lanier loop from Blue Wall Preserve is another popular circular option.

Polk County's trails traverse unique ecosystems. You can run along ancient sand ridges, through extensive freshwater lakeshores, and across pine flatwoods. Some areas feature desert-like scrub habitats with prickly pear cacti, while others lead through scenic wetlands and floodplain swamps, offering a diverse and interesting backdrop for your run.

For a smoother, paved surface, the Lake Hollingsworth Trail offers an approximately 3-mile loop. Another excellent paved option is the Auburndale TECO Trail, which runs for 7.3 miles between Polk City and Auburndale, providing a consistent surface for running.

The komoot community frequently explores Polk County's diverse terrain, with over 50 runners having used komoot to discover the area. Users often praise the variety of landscapes, from serene lake loops to challenging trails through natural preserves, and the opportunities for wildlife observation.

Many trails in Polk County offer a good mix. Holloway Park in Lakeland, for instance, provides trails with partial to full shade, interspersed with open grassy sections. Trails in Colt Creek State Park and along the Fort Frasier Trail also wind through tree canopies and open pastures, offering varied sun exposure.

For comprehensive information on parks, trails, and recreational opportunities managed by the county, you can visit the official Polk County website: polkfl.gov. This resource provides details on the county's extensive network of parks and preserves.