[Lakeland Yankee]

Circle B Bar Reserve is finally ready to reopen November 1st~ Wildlife, New Center, Family Fun Await at Circle B | theledger.com | The Ledger | Lakeland, FL. Here you can experience all the native beauty and wildlife that Polk County and Central Florida has to offer.

Last time I was there I counted over 50 alligators (some very large ones at that ) without even trying in Lake Hancock and along the marshes. I've seen wild boars, river otters, snakes, turtles and numerous species of birds.

An excellent place to experience the REAL Florida.

Polk County residents, where is your favorite place to experience the great outdoors?

[gypsychic]

I really need to visit that place, I am a huge wildlife and nature buff. I enjoy seeing all the beautiful birds, rabbits and an alligator or two even around the small in-town lakes! Wildlife and nature are the big reason I could never live in a big, concrete filled city.

[RecovringKrspyKremeAddict]

This place sounds like fun. Will have to make it out there. Also, I'm interested in any nearby biking trails around Lakeland. I've seen Fraser Trail and can't wait to ride it. Are there any others I should know about?

[Nomadicus]

I frequently pass it and remarked today as if they would ever get it open. The other place in the county I really like is Lake Kissimmee State Park east of Lake Wales. Lots of deer, turkeys, and gators in cool weather.

[Lakeland Yankee]

Originally Posted by RecovringKrspyKremeAddict

This place sounds like fun. Will have to make it out there. Also, I'm interested in any nearby biking trails around Lakeland. I've seen Fraser Trail and can't wait to ride it. Are there any others I should know about?

Depends on your kind of terrain. If you like paved trails check out the Van Fleet trail in Polk City Van Fleet Trail - Rolling With Alligators or the Auburndale Teco trail.

If you like mountain biking on the wild side check out Carter Road Park
YouTube - Carter Road Mountain Biking.. Carter Road Park, Lakeland, FL . Watch out for the gators!

Here's an old link on different trail locations. 125 Miles of Trails Wind Through County | theledger.com | The Ledger | Lakeland, FL.
Have fun .

[Lakeland Yankee]

Originally Posted by Lakeland Yankee

Last time I was there I counted over 50 alligators (some very large ones at that ) without even trying in Lake Hancock and along the marshes.

Just to clarify this poorly written statement before it is taken out of context.........
I'm not saying that everytime I go there I see 50 gators and not all of them were super large. They ranged from groups of babies to the normal Lake Hancock super-sized gator. Usually when I visit the reserve I see around 20-30 and one time I only saw 10. While the area is well known to have a tremendous alligator population, a lot depends on weather (cold, cloudy, etc) and the amount of visitors (gators are shy around people and hide).

[Nomadicus]

I'm thinking of going next Monday so maybe it will not be crowded. I will get some photos and post for those out of town it at all possible.

[Nomadicus]

Originally Posted by Lakeland Yankee

Here's a couple of pics from Circle B Bar Reserve. Part 2 will have wildlife pics (alligators, armadillos, birds, etc.~ my camera battery died so I wasn't able to get them this visit )

taken from the parking lot area and shows part of the new complex


shows the different hiking trails


inside the new info center


where Alligator Alley begins at Lake Hancock


the observation pier at Lake Hancock


marsh on the other side of the trail


a wild boar in the far distance (I zoomed the best I could)


There is a gator in the middle of the pic but the shadow makes him/her blend into the log and is not visible

Sorry no photos?

[Nomadicus]

Originally Posted by Lakeland Yankee

Thanks, I'll see what happened. They previewed fine, .

Are you using the CD albums? If so made sure your albums are public. If they are private you can see them in the post but we can't.

[Lakeland Yankee]

Here are a couple of pics from Circle B Bar Reserve. Part 2 will have wildlife pics (alligators, armadillos, birds, etc.~ (my camera battery died so I wasn't able to get them this visit)

the entrance to the new complex


shows the different hiking trails


inside the new info center


where Alligator Alley trail begins at Lake Hancock


the observation pier


marsh on the other side of the trail


a wild boar in the far distance (I zoomed the best I could)


there is a gator in the middle of the pic but the shadow makes him/her blend into the log and is not visible