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Lakeland Highlands Scrub
4.6 ★★★★★ 283 Google reviews · Running trail in Lakeland, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lakeland Highlands Scrub'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.
Nature area with a boardwalk trail over marshes, pavilions for wildlife-viewing & a picnic spot.
What runners say about Lakeland Highlands Scrub
“Absolutely beautiful place I can't believe how beautiful this place is the trails are amazing”
“Just be aware that there is not a lot of shade and there is a lot of sugar sand that can be difficult to walk through.”
“It's dog friendly, fairly large and has a very nice boardwalk that streatches across a marsh.”
Love walking here with my dog. Having an unseen handicap and unable to tolerate the direct sunlight and heat of the day for long periods of time, the shaded trails are wonderful in allowing me to still get out and enjoy nature. This is one of my favorite trails in Polk County.
Beautiful secluded and well kept up trails. We got to see Gopher tortoises, a black racer, lizards, squirrels, and a Terrapin turtle! Very nice hike, we didn't do the full loop, we crossed over the middle trail and cut our hike in half.
Great place to walk in nature. The boardwalk has a gazebo so you can take a break in the shade. There are several covered picnic tables with grills and a chemical toilet.
We love hiking here and it's only 10 mins from our home. It's so important to preserve Florida's scrub habitats. This Reserve is located on the Lakeland Highlands Ridge. A short trail winds through an oak hammock. The longer trail goes through the scrub habitat.
Trail conditions & character
“Marked trails that are accessible to bikes along with a boardwalk that offers a pavilion to observe aquatic wildlife.”
“It's dog friendly, fairly large and has a very nice boardwalk that streatches across a marsh.”
“Absolutely beautiful place I can't believe how beautiful this place is the trails are amazing”
“Just be aware that there is not a lot of shade and there is a lot of sugar sand that can be difficult to walk through.”
“Easy to get to, portapotty present, and there are two excellent picnic pavilions.”
“It's a short hike so you don't commit to a long day in the trail when you set out from the trailhead.”
Plan your run at Lakeland Highlands Scrub
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitepolk-county.net
- Phone(863) 534-7377
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–6:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–6:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–6:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–6:30 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–6:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–6:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–6:30 PM |
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