Circle B Bar Reserve: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, Circle B Bar Reserve is a stunning 1,267-acre nature preserve that offers an incredible opportunity to explore the region’s diverse ecosystems. Known for its rich wildlife and scenic landscapes, the reserve is a favourite destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This must be the best kept nature secret in Florida and to top it all, it’s FREE!

Arriving at Circle B Bar

Circle B Bar Reserve is easily accessible by car and is located in Lakeland, Florida. Upon arrival, head to the Nature Discovery Centre to explore the local area and learn about the diverse wildlife that inhabits the reserve. Just outside the centre, you can grab a trail map to guide your adventure. Select the trails that pique your interest, and then set off to discover the beauty of the reserve!

Trails at Circle B Bar Reserve

Exploring the trails at Circle B Bar Reserve is a fantastic way to connect with nature and appreciate the unique beauty of Central Florida’s wildlife and landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a more immersive hiking experience, there’s a trail waiting for you!

Alligator Alley Trail

Alligator Alley is a notable trail renowned for its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife. This trail is particularly famous for its alligator sightings, offering visitors a thrilling opportunity to observe these remarkable reptiles in their natural habitat.

Distance: Approximately 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This popular trail runs alongside the reserve’s wetlands, providing excellent opportunities to see alligators basking in the sun. The trail is shaded by lush vegetation, and you’ll often spot a variety of bird species along the way.

Alligator Alley is bordered by a serene lake on one side and a dense swamp on the other, creating a beautiful and diverse natural landscape. The contrasting environments provide a rich habitat for various wildlife and offer plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and observing the local ecosystem.

Amid the thick foliage, we caught glimpses of wildlife, with the occasional alligator watching us keenly from the water’s edge. This dynamic setting added an element of excitement to our hike, as we remained aware of the creatures that share this habitat.

The shores of Lake Hancock were bustling with birds searching for food, primarily Ibis, Great Herons, and Anhingas.

We watched as an Anhinga caught its lunch—a meal that turned out to be too large for it to swallow. After struggling with the catch for a while, the bird accidentally dropped it back into the lake. The Anhinga quickly dove in after it, but we lost sight of where it resurfaced, leaving us unsure if it managed to recover its meal.

The Anhinga, often referred to as the “snakebird” due to its long neck and slender body, is a unique water bird commonly found in freshwater and coastal habitats throughout the southeastern United States, Central America, and parts of South America. Anhingas are skilled divers, primarily feeding on fish but also consuming amphibians and crustaceans.

Unlike ducks, their feathers are not waterproof, which allows them to dive efficiently but requires them to dry their wings after swimming. A distinctive behaviour of the anhinga is its tendency to perch with its wings spread wide to dry in the sun, creating an eye-catching silhouette. They typically nest in colonies near water, using twigs to construct their nests in trees or shrubs. With a wingspan of about 3 to 4 feet, anhingas are a captivating sight in their natural habitats, where they play an important role in the ecosystem as indicators of water quality and health.

I took this video but unfortunately I missed the bit where he dropped his lunch; It would have been a great You Tube moment!

Further along Alligator Alley, we were fortunate to encounter both an eagle’s nest and a heron’s nest, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of the area. Nestled in the tall trees, the eagle’s nest was impressive in size, constructed from large branches and twigs. These nests are often built high up to provide safety and a broad view of the surroundings, allowing eagles to spot potential prey and keep an eye on their territory.

As we observed the heron’s nest nearby, we spotted one of the adult herons standing gracefully within it. The heron, with its long legs and elegant neck, appeared poised and attentive, embodying the serene beauty of the wetlands. These nests are typically built close to water sources, providing easy access to food such as fish, frogs, and small crustaceans. The heron’s choice of nesting site reflects its adaptability and keen instinct for survival.

Watching these magnificent birds in their natural habitat was a thrilling experience, reminding us of the importance of preserving such ecosystems. The contrasting nesting behaviours and habitats of the eagles and herons exemplify the diverse avian community that flourishes here in Florida.

Herons Hideout Trail

Herons Hideout Trail is a scenic hiking path offering visitors an immersive experience in the region’s stunning wetlands.

Distance: Approximately 0.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: A short, flat well-maintained trail ideal for observing Florida wildlife. It runs through wetland habitat, making it a hotspot for spotting herons, egrets, limpkins, alligators, and turtles. The trail offers great photography opportunities and connects with others like Wading Bird Way for extended exploration. It’s an accessible route perfect for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

As the name suggests, the trail is a prime spot for birdwatching, particularly for observing various species of herons, such as Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets, along with other wading birds, alligators, and turtles that inhabit the area. Scenic views of marshes, ponds, and Lake Hancock enhance the experience, while informative signage along the route provides insights into the local flora and fauna, enriching visitors’ understanding of the ecosystem. With convenient amenities such as restrooms and picnic areas, Herons Hideout Trail is a perfect destination for nature lovers seeking a memorable outdoor adventure.

Limpkins like the one above, can be found all around the reserve. They make the strangest of sounds which is similar to that of a a crying baby! They like to eat snails, so you will often find large empty snail shells littered around the reserve.

This trail is a short walk back to the car park or can be used to connect up to Marsh Rabbit Run. We found a  number of water birds here, including Herons, Egrets and some Whistling Ducks.

Marsh Rabbit Run

Distance: Approximately 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This trail is perfect for those looking to get up close with Florida’s marsh ecosystems. As the name suggests, you might spot marsh rabbits darting through the vegetation. It runs close to the water, offering a chance to see alligators, wading birds, and other native wildlife, all framed by scenic wetland views.

Marsh Rabbit Run winds alongside Banana Creek Marsh, and it was here that we spotted even more incredible birds, including a majestic Great Egret. I was truly amazed—everywhere I turned, there was another bird going about its day, each one adding to the incredible vibrancy of this habitat. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed such a dense gathering of wildlife in one place before.

The trail itself offered partial shade, which was a welcome relief from the intense Florida sun that grew stronger by mid-afternoon. We had heard rumours of baby alligators along the way, and sure enough, we eventually found four of them, each about 25 centimetres long. They were so tiny and well-camouflaged that many other hikers were completely unaware of these adorable little creatures hiding just out of sight!

Shady Oak Trail

Distance: About 0.7 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This short but beautiful trail runs through a dense oak hammock, providing a cool, shaded walk, which is a nice escape during hot days. It’s ideal for those seeking a quieter, more intimate nature walk. Along the trail, you’ll find Spanish moss-draped trees and perhaps see some deer or armadillos roaming through the underbrush.

Wading Bird Way

Distance: About 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Wading Bird Way offers excellent birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities. The path runs alongside wetlands, where visitors can observe a variety of wading birds like herons, egrets, and spoonbills, as well as other wildlife, including alligators and raptors. The trail features a mix of open views and shaded sections, making it a comfortable walk with great opportunities for nature photography. It also connects with other trails in the reserve, allowing for extended exploration of the diverse ecosystems in the area.

As we turned into Wading Bird way, we were lucky to spot this Osprey in a tree in-front of us. He had just caught his dinner, which you can just see between his feet. He stayed long enough to kindly allow me to take a couple of shots, before he flew away to enjoy his feast.

We were also fortunate to encounter this Snowy Egret and an Anhinga drying itself off in the tree.

We had heard rumours of a massive alligator, measuring approximately 12 feet, residing at Circle B Bar Reserve. As we gazed out across the lake, we spotted a large alligator’s head above the water. Suddenly, it submerged, leaving a trail of bubbles moving toward us. At that point, we decided it was best to continue on our way!

Since then, I’ve come across YouTube footage of this colossal alligator, and it’s truly frightening to see how huge it really is!

Eagle Roost Trail

This was our final trail of the day, and as we strolled along Eagle Roost Trail, the area around us felt quite open and barren.

Distance: About 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: The Eagle Roost Trail leads to an elevated area known for being a prime spot to observe bald eagles, especially during nesting season. This trail provides panoramic views over the marshlands, making it a great spot for both birdwatching and catching a stunning Florida sunset.

Although we were too far from the water’s edge to spot wading birds, we were pleasantly surprised to see a gopher tortoise! It was a delightful moment that added a unique touch to our hike. We respectful and lawfully kept our distance from the protected gopher tortoise hole, whilst this guy kindly let me take a quick photo of his butt before he disappeared at speed indoors!

A Fun Armadillo Encounter

We returned to the car park, and my excitement grew when I spotted this adorable armadillo foraging for food. It was such a delight to watch him scuttle around, using his snout to dig through the ground in search of tasty morsels. His small, round body and curious demeanor made him absolutely charming. Isn’t he just the cutest little creature? I couldn’t resist taking a moment to enjoy this unexpected encounter with nature.

As we were driving out of the reserve, we spotted a family of wild boar making quite a commotion as they foraged for food. This was the first time I had ever seen wild boar in their natural habitat, and it was an incredible sight! Their lively movements and vocalisations added an exciting touch to our visit, making it a memorable experience.

Final Thoughts

Since 2000, I’ve made countless trips to Florida, yet it amazes me that I only recently stumbled upon this incredible gem. We visited after two unusually cold days, and as a result, the reserve was bustling with wildlife. Circle B Bar Reserve turned out to be one of the most enjoyable nature experiences I’ve had in this area. The combination of diverse wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and well-maintained trails made for a memorable day. Whether you’re a dedicated birdwatcher, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, this reserve has something for everyone. I would wholeheartedly recommend visiting Circle B Bar Reserve to anyone looking to experience Florida’s natural beauty up close.

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