Address:
9725 U.S. 98 N
Lakeland
33809
Details:
Gator Creek Reserve is situated on 2,700 acres and has five miles of well-established trails taking hikers through marshes, cypress swamps and hardwood forests. Because of its close proximity to the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, the reserve is enjoyed by birders. Almost all of the birds found in the Green Swamp can also be found at Gator Creek. This includes summer tanager and Carolina chickadee. Hikers and runners may also see various snakes and alligators.
Gallery:
Explore the edge of the Green Swamp in one of Polk County’s most popular hiking areas. Gator Creek Reserve lets you experience a mosaic of cypress swamps, hardwood forests and marshes interspersed with slightly elevated areas. With a series of adjoining loop trails, one of which is paved, this 2,700-acre reserve offers easy short walks or longer treks through several unique habitats. Some visitors even bring their bikes to enjoy this great outdoor experience.
Polk County and the Florida Communities Trust jointly acquired this 2,700-acre Environmental Land site for the purpose of protecting important water, wildlife and wilderness resources. Gator Creek Reserve falls within the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern, a designation protecting a resource of major statewide significance. Ecologically important for its valuable water resources, the Green Swamp is the headwaters for several major river systems, including Ocklawaha, Withlacoochee, Hillsborough and Peace Rivers.
Map: