Circle B Bar Reserve — Attraction in Lakeland

A good place to see a range of landscapes and wildlife. The alligators are the clear reason many go here. They are abundant.

It is a large reserve and the walking trails have been in good shape each time we visit. There is a mix of surfaces from shell or dirt, paved and some boardwalks.

Near the parking area there are a few buildings. An educational center, bathrooms, etc. There are a good many picnic pavilions and tables. We almost always take a lunch so we can hike some of the trails, eat, and go back out.

There are no animals allowed in the park and if I had a young child, I would be very aware that there can often be large alligators along the trails. Yesterday we had no less than 10 around us at one point while walking one of the strips of land with water on each side. These large alligators cross these areas so you may come face to face to one. Yesterday we got to see a large female with her newly hatched little ones all along the shore.

When visiting you can expect to see eagles, herons, osprey and other waterfowl. There are rabbits, racoons, turtles, wildflowers, butterflies. It is full of life.

There is a central part of the boardwalk along Lake Hancock that has not been open on any visit we have had. They also close sections when it is not safe for pedestrians due to certain alligator activities. Check the website before you go to see what trails are open.

All bathrooms are near the parking areas.

Obvious things are needed if hiking, water, bug spray, etc.

The fact that you can walk along the shore of a large lake, or through a swampy area, an upland, an area filled with large oaks, these things make a visit quite nice. It has a range of environments to enjoy.

Again, be mindful of the alligators. We spotted two yesterday that were so well camouflaged that many didn't notice that they were passing within a very short distance of what were clearly...

Circle B is my new happy place. Despite being only feet away at times from large alligators (whether you see them or not), the trail by the lake is incredibly peaceful.

This is a great spot to get some steps in on the trails, spot and photograph wildlife in their natural habitat, or just take a break from your hectic life to reflect and appreciate nature.

Yes, there are a ton of alligators sometimes on the trail itself, but as long as you give them the respect they deserve they won’t bother you. There are plenty along the “alligator alley” trail but if you keep going on the marsh rabbit run trail you can see many more LARGE gators sunning themselves on the beach just on the other side of the canal. The whole park is full of different types of birds but I highly recommend the boardwalk with a gazebo on the lake that affords an excellent opportunity to see large ospreys and eagles grabbing a meal.

I gave the trail 5 stars but keep the following in mind:

There are no water stations along the trail so bring a full bottle before you start your hike.

parking can get crowded at the entrance. Even when the lot is full however the trails themselves never seem crowded.

certain trails can be closed due to a variety of reasons. This is especially true during alligator mating and hatching seasons (typically in the spring and summer) when alligators are known to be aggressive (as I said outside of these periods they’re incredibly chill as long as they’re not provoked).

Overall this place is truly a hidden gem and one of the best places in the state to see Florida in all its...

This is serenity, zen, adventure and thrilling all in one place. You can sit surrounded by nature and read a book, walk or ride your bike on trails where alligators can and have crossed at any given moment. They kinda have the right of way so you either wait or turn around.

The plethora of birds is quite astounding even for those that are not “birdies” I have seen, gators birds, raccoons, lizards, spiders, one mammoth spider, turtles, fish, a bob cat, wild boars, butterflies, dragon flies, tiny baby gators, armadillos , turtle eggs and so much more!

This place is beautiful! The people, locals or tourists are friendly.

This is not a zoo, wild animals are everywhere. I have counted up to 25 gators in one part and they sink just as fast as they surface and with murky waters you never know what is beneath or how close. There is a reason they say no dogs. Please please please don’t let your small kids wander. I see this every time I am out there. It only takes a second. I have turned around many times from growling gators or gators right next to the road. It’s thrilling to see them and I love seeing them outside a cage, I know they are faster than me though! Haha

I do highly recommend this place for those that love nature with out the feeling of a zoo. This is one of my happy places!! Go...