Along Saddle Creek, walk through colorful floodplain forests each fall

An urban park just on the fringe of the industrial area east of downtown Lakeland, Saddle Creek Park draws a lot of attention for its primary attraction—fishing. Like those at nearby Tenoroc Fish Management Area, the oddly shaped lakes are remnants of phosphate mine pits, filled with water and stocked with game fish like largemouth bass and speckled perch. There are always anglers here, and the campground near the back of the park keeps busy all winter. The hiking trails, however, are far enough away from the bustle of US 98 traffic that folks don’t even realize the trails are there.

There are two trails that start at the back of the park, from the farthest parking lot—a new one built by the local Florida Trail Association Heartland Chapter, that links this park and Tenoroc FMA. I haven’t had the chance to hike it yet, but have it on my to-do list. You can’t mistake this trail entrance as it has an iron ranger for payment of the fee to walk in Tenoroc. The older trail, however, established by Boy Scout Troop 123 of Winter Haven, is the original Saddle Creek Park Nature Trail, and is free. It’s part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, and an excellent place to see flocks of herons roosting early in the morning and late in the day.