Circle B Bar Reserve
A free Lakeland preserve with a trail literally named Alligator Alley: flat, easy walking along Lake Hancock's marsh edge where gators bask most of the year. Cooler mornings, fall through spring, bring the most activity and the best birding alongside the gators. The trail runs close to open water in places, so keep to the path and a real distance from any gator you spot. It's a popular family trail; do not let kids approach for photos.
Know before you go
| Fee | Free |
|---|---|
| Parking | Nature Discovery Center lot off Winter Lake Rd |
| Water | — |
| Toilets | — |
| Access | Marsh Rabbit Run and Alligator Alley trails |
| Surface | — |
| Hours | — |
| Operator | Polk County Environmental Lands Program |
| Website | polk-county.net/departments/parks-natural-resources/natural-resources/environmental-lands-conservation/circle-b-bar-reserve |
Map
Hand-curated by Gator Atlas from public park and refuge operator information, not pulled from a database.
Last verified: July 21, 2026. See our methodology for how we check listings.