Home › Florida › Winter Haven › South Lake Howard Nature Park
South Lake Howard Nature Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,090 Google reviews · Running trail in Winter Haven, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from South Lake Howard Nature Park'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.
Wooded place with picnic tables and a boardwalk over a swampy area, for fishing and hiking.
What runners say about South Lake Howard Nature Park
“It is well maintained and we truly enjoyed the walk seeing turtles fish squirrels and birds.”
“A beautiful blend of nature and stunning scenery that invites you to slow down and breathe.”
“Great place to walk and with friendly squirrels and wildlife I can’t wait till they get done with adding more trails and a park for the kids it’s very nice and shaded place to walk”
“Whether you are a local looking for a peaceful escape or a visitor wanting to experience Florida's natural beauty, this park delivers exactly that.”
I really enjoyed this park. I walked the trails several times. Very peaceful. It was a nice cool day in March. Nice nature walk Bridges. Beautiful wild Lane. I got there real early at 7:30 a.m. plenty of parking right up time. I left at 10:30 a.m. parking was pretty full. So I need to get there early.
I went on a pretty hot day. My daughter and I walk often while helping her heal from a serious car accident. There were multiple benches throughout and covered picnic tables for shade. It is well maintained and we truly enjoyed the walk seeing turtles fish squirrels and birds.
Wonderful place to go and walk the trail it is exactly what the name of the park says a nature park. Saw a baby alligator and rabbits,birds to name a few things that can be seen. A short walk with benches trees for shade and a restroom. A nice place to relax and get some walking in.
Nice little park. Was actually surprised. Had a small walk trail. Good for kiddos to run, but must keep an eye out. Only supervised due to wild life. Baby crocodiles may greet. Keep your distance. But felt nice to walk around and for free. Walking very slow a good 45 mins to an hour.
Trail conditions & character
“Across the main road is another dock overlooking Lake Howard, where I have spotted a gator sunbathing, and various larger and smaller birds that prefer the larger lake section.”
“A short walk with benches trees for shade and a restroom.”
“Great place to walk and with friendly squirrels and wildlife I can’t wait till they get done with adding more trails and a park for the kids it’s very nice and shaded place to walk”
“Whether you are a local looking for a peaceful escape or a visitor wanting to experience Florida's natural beauty, this park delivers exactly that.”
“For dog lovers, there are provided bags for cleanup near the restrooms.”
“There are boardwalk /bridges over the water providing a lovely walk.”
“There is always plenty of parking and has restrooms.”
Plan your run at South Lake Howard Nature Park
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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Phone(863) 291-5656
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Winter Haven
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lake Howard Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 173 reviews
Park with a community center, wooden boardwalk, picnic areas, fishing, and a trail.
Trailhead Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 86 reviews
Public park with play structures, swings, and slides, as well as a splash pad.
Lake Hartridge Nature Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 549 reviews
Park offering a fishing lake, a children's playground, picnic pavilions, and a walking path.
Lake Maude Nature Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 93 reviews
Park with a public restroom and picnic tables, a spot for cookouts, and alligator sightings.
