Lakeland Highlands Scrub
Discover serene, shaded trails and abundant wildlife at Lakeland Highlands Scrub, a vital Florida nature reserve.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime time for wildlife sightings
Lakeland Highlands Scrub
Best Time
Prime time for wildlife sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover serene, shaded trails and abundant wildlife at Lakeland Highlands Scrub, a vital Florida nature reserve.
"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."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great spot for furry friends to enjoy nature!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes, as facilities are minimal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boardwalk Over Wetlands
Se7en Wetlands Access
Stroll over marshes on a scenic boardwalk, perfect for observing aquatic life and birds.
Shaded Nature Trails
Various trailheads
Explore diverse Florida habitats, from oak hammocks to sand pine scrub, in the cool shade.
Wildlife Viewing Gazebo
Wetlands boardwalk
Take a break in a covered hut with benches, ideal for spotting gopher tortoises and other creatures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: What to Know Before You Go
Timing Your Visit for Wildlife Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great spot for furry friends to enjoy nature!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes, as facilities are minimal.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for the trails; the shaded paths are great for a comfortable walk.
📸 Wildlife Photography
Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises, snakes, and birds – great photo opportunities!
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great spot for furry friends to enjoy nature!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes, as facilities are minimal.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for the trails; the shaded paths are great for a comfortable walk.
📸 Wildlife Photography
Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises, snakes, and birds – great photo opportunities!
🗺️ Access Se7en Wetlands
Use the Wood Stork Entrance for Se7en Wetlands, accessible via a connector trail.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lakeland Highlands Scrub for its beautiful, well-maintained, and secluded trails, offering a peaceful escape into nature. The shaded paths are a significant advantage, allowing for comfortable exploration even in heat. Wildlife sightings are a common highlight, adding to the immersive experience.
"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."
Cassie
"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."
Melinda Clark
"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."
Dave D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lakeland Highlands Scrub is located south of Lakeland, Florida. Access is often mentioned in conjunction with Se7en Wetlands, with one entrance being the Wood Stork Entrance on Lakeland Highlands Scrub. 
Yes, there is a small parking lot available, including one or two handicapped spots.
While specific GPS coordinates can be tricky, searching for 'Lakeland Highlands Scrub' or 'Se7en Wetlands Wood Stork Entrance' should guide you.
The trails are generally well-maintained, with a boardwalk over wetlands and clear paths through scrub habitats.
Lakeland is situated between Tampa and Orlando, making it a convenient stop if you're traveling between these major Florida cities. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Lakeland Highlands Scrub is a Florida State Reserve and is generally free to enter.
As a natural reserve, it's typically open during daylight hours. It's best to check local listings or park advisories for specific times.
There is no admission fee to explore the trails and natural areas of Lakeland Highlands Scrub.
Guided tours are not commonly advertised, but the natural signage and community information can help you explore independently.
Pets are welcome on a leash. However, Se7en Wetlands, which can be accessed from here, does not allow pets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors have reported seeing Gopher tortoises, black racers, lizards, squirrels, terrapin turtles, small gators, bull frogs, rabbits, bobcats, and Great-Horned owls. While Florida Scrub Jays were once present, they are sadly no longer there.
There is a Porta-potty available at the trailhead. Other facilities are minimal, so plan accordingly.
Yes, there are covered picnic tables with grills available at the trailhead, making it a nice spot for a picnic.
The boardwalk is generally flat and provides a smooth surface, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
The terrain varies from shaded oak hammocks and sand pine scrub to a boardwalk over wetlands.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk over the wetlands offers scenic views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The diverse plant life and potential wildlife sightings also provide great photographic opportunities.
Absolutely! The varied ecosystems and wildlife make it a fantastic location for nature photographers.
Yes, the natural beauty provides a lovely backdrop for photoshoots, including best friend sessions.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and are prime times for wildlife activity, enhancing photographic potential.
Look for unique scrub habitat plants, gopher tortoises, various bird species, and the scenic wetland views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The shaded trails provide a comfortable environment for little ones, especially on warmer Florida days. Bring snacks and enjoy a picnic at the provided tables, or keep an eye out for wildlife sightings like gopher tortoises and lizards, which can be a thrilling experience for kids.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. While dogs are welcome here, note that the adjacent Se7en Wetlands does not permit pets.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
The boardwalk provides a unique perspective over the wetlands, and the gazebos offer perfect spots to rest and observe the surroundings. It's an ideal location for a relaxing nature escape without a strenuous climb.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Diverse Ecosystems
The scrub habitat itself is a specialized environment, adapted to sandy soils and fire. While the endangered Florida Scrub Jay is no longer present, the area still supports a variety of plant and animal life adapted to these conditions. Visitors can learn about these ecosystems through observation and the natural beauty of the reserve.
Beyond the scrub, the reserve includes a wet weather pond and a boardwalk that traverses marshy areas, offering a different perspective on the local flora and fauna. This variety makes for an engaging exploration for nature enthusiasts and casual walkers alike.
Wildlife Encounters and Conservation
Birdwatchers will also find plenty to observe, with reports of Great-Horned owls and other avian species. The wetlands area is particularly good for spotting bull frogs and even small alligators. While a bobcat sighting is rare, it's a possibility in these wilder areas.
This reserve plays a crucial role in conservation efforts for Florida's scrub habitats. By preserving these areas, we help protect the unique species that depend on them. Visitors are encouraged to observe wildlife respectfully and avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.
Accessing Se7en Wetlands
Se7en Wetlands is known for its extensive boardwalks and opportunities to see a significant number of alligators. One Reddit user reported counting 34 gators on a single loop!
Due to recent storms, other entrances to Se7en Wetlands, like the one through Loyce E. Harper Park, may remain closed. Always check for the latest updates on park access and conditions before your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit