Circle B Bar Reserve
At first entry of Circle B Bar Reserve from the Polk Parkway I seen a feral pig which was amazing. I didnt think I would see any wildlife that soon. He was making a mess rutting for bugs in the mud off the paved roadway. Parking here is not a big deal usually, but it just so happened that on the day I chose to visit there was a scavenger hunt going on with tons of people in attendance. You’d think that with the large presence of people the wildlife viewing would be scarce but no shortage of wildlife viewing whatsoever.
Entrance to park from Polk Parkway Take exit No. 10, then turn south on U.S. 98 (Bartow Road). From U.S. 98, turn east on Winter Lake Road (State Road 540) it is about 2 miles to the reserve's entrance on the south side of the road.)
I was told there is a huge population of alligator at this park, so I made my way down trail to the lake. Just before the lake I already started seeing Osprey, Cormorants, and Anhinga which for me was exciting. My excitement quickly took a turn when walking along the waters edge and not seeing any alligator activity. While I love all wildlife, I purposely planned my visit to see these prehistoric water dragons. So, it was waterbird after waterbird until suddenly seeing a dock going out into the lake some with an end view. There it was! My first alligator of the day. Exciting but still just a floater and in the opposite direction of me. While continuing forward on the path trying to get ahead of this floating Alligator to take a few snaps of its face, I seen another! Right at the bank of the lake. Laying still half in half out of the water with the business end facing me, how perfect?! From that point on it was just more and more sightings right up to my closest encounter which was on a small strip of land between two lakes no wider that 9 feet there was the biggest alligator I would see that day! (about a 12 footer) Laying there perfectly still with eyes closed right until you made your way just a little too close and just like a child trying to get a glimpse of Santa delivering presents under the tree his/her eyes would open for a peek.
Some tips I will share for this park is to bring water (at least 2 liters but I’d go as far as 3 liters if you plan on doing all of the trails) and snacks (I brought cereal bars and heart-healthy assorted nut pouches from Publix Supermarket) (***clean up after yourself though don’t be trash and leave your trash also do not feed the wildlife! For their safety more so than yours”) wear a brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellant, and very very comfortable sneakers. I thought mine were comfortable running shoes, but they were not. Test them at home walking on rocks and roots, there are a lot of both on the trails, and after miles of walking just short runs of that becomes very uncomfortable. I suggest a lightweight hiking bag 20-35 liters in size with a hydration pouch to carry your items as well as a first aid kit with more than just a boo-boo kit. I suggest to everyone to take a Stop the Bleed course wherever offered and keep the necessary items to control a heavy bleed with you IE: a tourniquet, compression gauze, Israeli bandage, chest seals, and quick clot. Freak accidents happen and while miles out and minutes counting you need to be your own first responder. Also, if your cell phone is compatible and you have the maps app I also suggest you drop a location pin on your starting point/parking spot. It was very helpful to me especially when trying to gauge how much further my final walk up to the car was.
The link to purchase medical gear from a source I trust is below 👇🏻
Medical gear outfitters for first aid supply: www.medicalgearoutfitters.com
Here are the trail maps as well as trail descriptions **credit for this section goes completely to https://polknature.com/explore/circle-b-bar-reserve
Shady Oak Trail — (1.3 miles, Easy, Shaded)
This trail takes you through an oak hammock, where you can watch for cabbage palms wrapped in trumpet vines, live oak branches covered with resurrection ferns, Spanish moss and the butterfly orchid. The hammock provides food and shelter to many types of animals and birds.
Lost Bridge Trail — (0.5 miles, Easy, Mostly Shaded)
This trail leads you through an oak canopy to a long boardwalk that gives you a feeling of 'walking on water' through the swamp. The trail ends by taking you past the old cattle pens, a reminder of the past uses of this site.
Alligator Alley — (1 mile, Easy, Mostly Shaded)
This trail leads you through an oak canopy to a long boardwalk that gives you a feeling of 'walking on water' through the swamp. The trail ends by taking you past the old cattle pens, a reminder of the past uses of this site.
Marsh Rabbit Run — (0.7 miles, Easy, Partially Shaded)
This trail takes you past a shallow marsh where you may see many types of wading birds including spoonbills and white ibis. Several dead trees bear the chisel marks of red-bellied woodpeckers. Watch for otters and turtles using the fallen logs to bask in the sun. The former Banana Creek Canal runs along the south side of this trail.
Heron Hideout — (0.5 miles, Easy, Little Shade)
This trail crosses the marsh and can either return you to the Discovery Center or provide the shortest way to the marsh, where you can see birds like sandhill cranes, moorhens and black-necked stilts.
Eagle Roost — (0.7 miles, Moderate, No Shade)
This trail takes you through an uphill habitat under restoration with planted longleaf pines and wiregrass. Reptiles and birds such as bobwhite quails, eastern meadowlarks and American kestrels are commonly seen. Be sure to take water on this trail on hot summer days.
Wading Bird Way — (0.7 miles, Moderate, No Shade)
This trail runs along the deepest waters of the marsh system and boasts some of the best wildlife observations. Watch for great blue herons, great egrets and large groups of migratory wading birds such as the American white pelican.
Windmill Whisper — (0.4 miles, Moderate, Some Shade)
This trail takes you through an oak hammock that connects to Wading Bird Way and Shady Oak.
Otter Trail — (0.2 miles, Easy, Shaded)
This trail connects the Otter parking lot to the main parking lot at the Discovery Center.