Central Florida Trails and Parks To Reopen

We are excited to write that some of the Central Florida Trails and Parks To Reopen after Covid-19. Of the 67 counties Florida is made up of 10 are considered “Central Florida” We have put together a list of information and websites to help you locate parks and trails in this region to get you back out and about as restrictions following the Corona Virus pandemic begin to lift.

Polk County facilities reopening

Lakeland city leaders vote to reopen city parks, trails and boat ramps May 1, 2020

Circle B Bar Reserve and the Saddle Creek Gun range will reopen 8am, May 8.

Ball fields are also closed to all organized activities.

County recreational facilities that open Friday, May 1 include:

• All preserve trails. A complete list of these sites open on May 1 can be found at our website at www.polknature.com.

• Parks with trails for biking, disc golf, walking and nature, including Loyce Harpe Park and Northeast Regional Park, will be open. Please avoid congregating in parking areas and pavilions.

• The boat ramps located at Coleman Landing, Lake Arbuckle, Lake Rosalie and Lake Hatchineha will reopen. All other boat ramps throughout the county were not previously closed.

• Bone Valley ATV Park.

• Campgrounds will be open with limited capacity

Updated information regarding Polk County Park and Preserve openings is available on the county’s website at www.polk-county.net.

For information on the status of additional Central Florida Parks and trails by county please visit links provided below:

Marion County Parks and Recreation information can be found by visiting their website - https://www.marioncountyfl.org/departments-agencies/departments-o-z/parks-and-recreation

Lake County Florida Parks and Trails listings
https://www.lakecountyfl.gov/offices/parks_and_trails/index.aspx

Orange County Parks and Recreation website
https://www.orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/Parks.aspx?m=search#.Xqr_DWhKgdU

Osceola County Parks Website
https://www.osceola.org/agencies-departments/parks/

Okeechobee Parks and Recreation Website
https://www.co.okeechobee.fl.us/departments/parks-recreation

Highlands County Parks and Recreation Website
https://www.highlandsfl.gov/departments/parks_and_facilities/parks/parks.php

Hardee County Parks and Recreation Website
https://www.hardeecounty.net/parks.htm

Seminole County Natural Lands
https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/leisure-services/greenways-natural-lands/natural-ls/

Additional Recreation Locations in Central Florida

In addition to the county recreation opportunities you will find these state managed properties even more of an adventure brining you closer to the wild and wonderful natural environments and wildlife that central Florida is home to:

Southwest Florida Water Management District Recreation Lands (locally known as Swiftmud or SWFMD) are located throughout Central Florida. For a full listing of these properties and recreation opportunities please visit them online at https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/sites

Florida Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Management Areas (FWC WMA) Website - These remote and scenic lands are located in every corner of the state. Explore WMAs by location or name for details on things to do, wildlife and their habitats, history and more. Entry to many areas is free, a small number charge a nominal fee.
https://myfwc.com/recreation/wild-lands/

Florida Forest Service - The Florida Forest Service is able to maintain the integrity of the forest environment while providing for the state's future natural resource needs. There are currently 37 state forests, totaling over 1,154,860 acres.
https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Recreation-and-Leisure/State-Forests

Florida State Parks - There are 175 state parks and 9 state trails in Florida encompassing more than 800,000 acres providing recreational opportunities for both residents and tourists. Visit their website online to learn more.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails

National Parks in Florida – There are 11 National Park properties in Florida. Please visit their website for more information on locations and recreation opportunities.
https://www.nps.gov/state/fl/index.htm

Staying Safe as You Venture Outdoors

Click here to learn more about Hiking Responsibly and Safely to Ease the Stress of Covid-19