Circle B Bar Reserve: Pristine Wilderness in Polk County
Hi everyone! I’m still in Florida, and yesterday I visited the Circle B Bar Reserve in Polk County with my cousin, Robin.
The Circle B Bar Reserve is a nature preserve located along the northwest shore of Lake Hancock, near Winter Haven. The former cattle ranch covers 1,267 acres and boasts several distinct ecosystems, including freshwater marshes, hardwood swamps, and oak hammocks.
Visiting Circle B is a bit like taking a trip to an open-air zoo as animals such as (HUGE!) alligators, eagles, herons, and even wild hogs surround you. Indeed the preserve has been restored to its original natural state, and is considered one of the most impressive bird habitats in Central Florida.
The trails at Circle B are wide, and there were several other visitors there when Robin and I visited on Saturday afternoon. Indeed, this is a place you can easily hike alone or bring along your entire family (there were lots of kids there on Saturday). I made Robin promise to bring me back on another weekend so we can try out all of the trails available. Note, no pets (i.e., gator bait) are allowed on the reserve. That said, biking, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and picnicking are all encouraged, and best of all…did I mention the free admission? Enjoy the pics!
