HomeFloridaLake Wales › Barbara B. Pedersen Wildlife Preserve

Barbara B. Pedersen Wildlife Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Running trail in Lake Wales, Florida · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Barbara B. Pedersen Wildlife Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ShadedScenicTrailhead parkingMile markers

Wooded wildlife preservation area of about 40 acres with hiking trails and lake views.

What runners say about Barbara B. Pedersen Wildlife Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (36 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“Beautiful lakeview with bench Be careful if first one through on trail for the day.”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“I would say that they are good beginner trails as the paths are well marked and the terrain is fairly easy to traverse.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Easy trails to the water.”

Loved the trail! Easy to follow. Lots to see. Beautiful scenery. The paths are loops. The larger path, only 0.75 a mile, takes you right up to the lake with a bench to sit on.

★★★★★ — Jared , Jan 2023

It's a very nice Forest preserve. Nothing but nature. I does have a really long trail that circles you back to start.

★★★★★ — Insaiyan , Aug 2022

Cute little hike for beginners! Nice quiet lake views. I've driven past it for 20 years and never knew it was there! Worth a visit..maybe. Unless you're used to much more strenuous hikes. Uneven ground but full tree cover..

★★★★★ — Cheftimp , Mar 2020

Really nice hiking trails. I would say that they are good beginner trails as the paths are well marked and the terrain is fairly easy to traverse. Small kids might have a harder time but is still doable. Definitely wear bug spray 👍🏽 but other than that very beautiful.

★★★★★ — Helbin , Mar 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 36 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 9 mentions

“Beautiful lakeview with bench Be careful if first one through on trail for the day.”

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🌳 Shaded / tree cover 4 mentions

“We walked around the wooded area-all the way to Lake Annie.”

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📏 Mile markers 2 mentions

“Good place to recollect and get a piece of mind 🧘🏾‍♀️👏🏾, there was Markers which is a plus, and some of the wood piles could be kepts neater and close by lake Annie”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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Plan your run at Barbara B. Pedersen Wildlife Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websitegreenhorizon.org
  • Phone(863) 678-1237

Where to find Barbara B. Pedersen Wildlife Preserve

6609 N Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales, FL 33898

Get directions

Running trails near Lake Wales

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Pine Ridge Trail

5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews

Lake Wales, FL

Scenic

4.2 miles away

Michael V. Lewis Arboretum and Parrott Trail

4.3 ★★★★☆ 52 reviews

Winter Haven, FL

1.4 miLoopNatural surfaceShaded

Hiking spot featuring kid-friendly trails.

4.7 miles away

Sunrise Trail Loop

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Lake Wales, FL

Loop

5.2 miles away

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 154 reviews

Haines City, FL

BoardwalkShadedScenicDog-friendly

Stunning 8000-acre state park known for its pristine landscape, native wildlife & hiking trails.

6.0 miles away

Kiwanis Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 551 reviews

Lake Wales, FL

Scenic

Clean park featuring a skate park, baseball field and playground, plus covered seating and pavilions.

6.1 miles away

Lake Wailes Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 211 reviews

Lake Wales, FL

PavedShadedScenic

Relaxed park featuring basketball courts and playgrounds, as well as a long paved trail around a lake .

6.2 miles away

All running trails in Lake Wales, FL →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.