Circle B is my new happy place. Despite being only feet away at times from large alligators (whether you see them or not), the trail by the lake is incredibly peaceful. This is a great spot to get some steps in on the trails, spot and photograph wildlife in their natural habitat, or just take a break from your hectic life to reflect and appreciate nature. Yes, there are a ton of alligators sometimes on the trail itself, but as long as you give them the respect they deserve they won’t bother you. There are plenty along the “alligator alley” trail but if you keep going on the marsh rabbit run trail you can see many more LARGE gators sunning themselves on the beach just on the other side of the canal. The whole park is full of different types of birds but I highly recommend the boardwalk with a gazebo on the lake that affords an excellent opportunity to see large ospreys and eagles grabbing a meal. I gave the trail 5 stars but keep the following in mind: - There are no water stations along the trail so bring a full bottle before you start your hike. - parking can get crowded at the entrance. Even when the lot is full however the trails themselves never seem crowded. - certain trails can be closed due to a variety of reasons. This is especially true during alligator mating and hatching seasons (typically in the spring and summer) when alligators are known to be aggressive (as I said outside of these periods they’re incredibly chill as long as they’re not provoked). Overall this place is truly a hidden gem and one of the best places in the state to see Florida in all its natural beauty.

When I moved to Polk County, I fell in love with the parks & the lakes. The nature walks are awesome. Circle B is one of my favorites I enjoy it to the max every time I go. There are beautiful birds, turtles, alligators, squirrels, raccoons and the peace you feel inside is the greatest. Enjoy walks with friends, family & kids Highly recommend if your in the area

The reserve is full of rich history, efforts towards conservation of natural resources and a beautiful place to get in some extra steps or have family time on budget. Would definitely recommend the Circle B Bar Reserve for any nature lover, photographer, etc. There’s plenty of regular and accessible parking. They do have an accessible trolley tour so be sure to tell them when booking. Hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes and your hypervigilence when walking paths. The wildlife lives here and we are guests. Follow rules and don’t harass the wildlife. It’s a beautiful spot and photographers can get a permit to take photos here. Staff is friendly and helpful. Volunteer opportunities are always available if you are looking for something to do. Put this on your list of “places to go”—definitely worth it.

A good place to see a range of landscapes and wildlife. The alligators are the clear reason many go here. They are abundant. It is a large reserve and the walking trails have been in good shape each time we visit. There is a mix of surfaces from shell or dirt, paved and some boardwalks. Near the parking area there are a few buildings. An educational center, bathrooms, etc. There are a good many picnic pavilions and tables. We almost always take a lunch so we can hike some of the trails, eat, and go back out. There are no animals allowed in the park and if I had a young child, I would be very aware that there can often be large alligators along the trails. Yesterday we had no less than 10 around us at one point while walking one of the strips of land with water on each side. These large alligators cross these areas so you may come face to face to one. Yesterday we got to see a large female with her newly hatched little ones all along the shore. When visiting you can expect to see eagles, herons, osprey and other waterfowl. There are rabbits, racoons, turtles, wildflowers, butterflies. It is full of life. There is a central part of the boardwalk along Lake Hancock that has not been open on any visit we have had. They also close sections when it is not safe for pedestrians due to certain alligator activities. Check the website before you go to see what trails are open. All bathrooms are near the parking areas. Obvious things are needed if hiking, water, bug spray, etc. The fact that you can walk along the shore of a large lake, or through a swampy area, an upland, an area filled with large oaks, these things make a visit quite nice. It has a range of environments to enjoy. Again, be mindful of the alligators. We spotted two yesterday that were so well camouflaged that many didn't notice that they were passing within a very short distance of what were clearly large animals.

What an amazing place. Photographer’s dream! Nature enthusiasts will love it here! The paths have water on each side and now and then alligators will cross in front of you. Tons of birds, raccoons, wild boar, and bobcats if you are lucky enough to spot one.

Great hiking park. Taken family here on visits many times. It has a nice indoor visitors center, it could use a water stand. The trails are nice, when they aren’t closed. Hit or miss. And as for the animals, it’s nice to see them living their life in the wild not zoos. In total. It’s im fun once or twice :)

Such a great place to see wildlife!! No cost to get in. We have visited twice and both time we saw an armadillo, a wild hog and many many alligators. The alligator alley path is narrow and you can see wildlife on both sides of you. Also there is a bald eagle nest in one of the trees you can see. If its sunny bring lots of water!!

Nice place to go and get rid of your daughter's boyfriend. He will never be found. Ok in all seriousness, he is a good guy. This is a very nice place to go. Great old trees, scenery, wildlife everywhere- including gators. The trails are walkable or bikeable. No dogs due to gators! Lots of different trails to take and the indoor exhibits are well done. Good place for photos so take your camera.

I tell my husband I’m going to the ‘bird show’, when I go here, because that’s what this place feels like to me. It’s incredible- there’s so much diversity here and it’s right on display as you walk down the trails. It’s like the birds are performing just for you. I love coming here after sunrise when the birds are most active. The wildlife photography opportunities abound. You’ll see lots of other wildlife, too- not just birds, but they are the main act for me. The marsh/swamp is beautiful and the live oak and cypress trees draped in Spanish moss give this place a very enchanting allure!

What an amazing experience. I never imagined I’d get that close to so many gators! Saw at least five or six gators, some big ones only a mere feet away (a little bit of a jump scare when I first noticed one in the grass right next to me😂) but they didn’t move around at all, we were just respectful and kept a distance. lots of birds, turtles, and other wildlife too and beautiful views! Lots of walking to be done so grab a map.

This was our first visit and an absolutely spectacular time!! Naturally, a little scary considering you are so up close and personal with the gator families. However, they are so calm and respect you, as long as you show them the same respect. Just really a neat thing to see and experience! So much wildlife! We only walked 3 trails and will be back to walk more! Highly recommend!!

Amazing preserve/park. The live oaks are breathtaking. We took the Alligator Alley Trail. Lake Hancock on one side and the swamp on the other side of the trail. We saw all kinds of birds and a raccoon strolled across the path right in front of us. Saw many gators sunning. Coming back again. NO DOGS !

We had a great time! Beautiful scenery and easily walkable. We saw probably 25 alligators both large and very small! Some were camouflaged very well so keep an eye out! Saw some beautiful butterflies, majestic birds, turtles, a squirrel, a raccoon, and a friendly armadillo. The trees with Spanish are breathtaking! If you are going with a small child I would probably hold them, push them in a stroller, or at least hold their hand. Most times the path has a steep drop into marshy/brackish water with alligators.

This was an amazing place to visit if just being in town shortly and wanting to see wildlife. We saw around 20 plus alligators, Armadillos, raccoons, snakes, and countless birds. We visited here twice, first time in the p.m. around 5 to 6:30. We saw way more wildlife in the evening. When we visited in the a.m. around 8 to 9 we saw significantly less animals so I would suggest going in the p.m. if you have a choice.

Magical place for taking a stroll and enjoying wildlife 👍🏾 A photographers dream location with dozens of bird species, alligators (all chilled and used to humans), armadillos and rare sightings of bobcats. Flat and easy trails, and a lot of friendly folk out and about loving nature. Get ready for gear envy if you like to take pictures, there are some big lenses out there 😍 but everyone I met was happy to share their knowledge and help identify birds. Real cool place 👍🏾

We were bummed the first time we went as it was still closed after Hurricane Ian. It was definitely worth the wait. We stopped by spur of the moment so we didn't walk every trail. We saw 5 or 6 alligators, many different beautiful birds, turtles, raccoons and other wildlife. The trees were beautiful and the pier on the lake was so peaceful. We are already planning another trip, hopefully this weekend to do the other trails.

This park is free, great trails, maps and indications are clear and there is so much wildlife to see. We saw alligators, snakes, lots of birds, a turtle and more. No real restrooms, they have portable restrooms on site which is convenient.

This is the most lovely place! It is so peaceful and not a bad walk around the various trails around the park. This place definitely became our favorite place to go escape reality for the day.

Absolutely a must do, this nature reserve has everything, all the wildlife you could possibly see in Florida is here. Dry paths along several routes (gator alley is the best to see gators in my opinion) to walk along, with the lake on one side and the swamp on the other. We didn't believe it when they said 100% chance of seeing gators, guess what? we seen gators and the scary thing is there are no bars, perspex or fences the wildlife goes where it wants to. There are ample parking spaces at both car parks ( otter being the first you come to) and there is a wildlife centre which has aircon and great wee displays teaching you about the local wildlife. If you need the toilet and don't fancy using the blue porta cabins there are toilets available in the centre.

I go here to be with nature and my thoughts with God. Everything just slows down as you enter the gates (speed is 15) and gives you time to breathe, walk and think. I notice most others slowing down and enjoying the alligator and special bird/animal/plant sightings…I take photos that look professional almost because everything is so beautiful in its simplicity. As I walk, I like to imagine the original owners walking the dirt roads and what they were thinking…and when my family come from Texas and wants to see an alligator (lol), this is my “go to” place to take them.

Had a Fantastic experience touring the place. Our guides Barry and Jeff shared a wealth of information. Jeff, one of the original team members to help develop Circle B Ranch as a Reserve from an active cattle ranch. It was amazing to see how Circle B Ranch has transformed from a water deficient, overly grazed grasslands into current marsh and wetlands. There were pictures to show the amazing transformation!!! With educated transformation of the land, they've been able to bring water back! Which in turn brought birds, animals and vegetation. We were fortunate to see bald eagles nesting, an alligator, different birds including herons fishing with one having captured a long eel for lunch! There's a visitor center with numerous trails. Circle B Ranch Reserve is continuing its transformation into a beautiful natural environment for the current and future generations 🙏

If you want to see a good cross section of central Florida wildlife, this is an excellent place to start. If you want a protected environment that safely separates humans from nature, this is not the place. Keep your eyes open and attention sharp as you take in the splendors of nature, while realizing you are not quite at the top of the food chain. Loved this place, but would've hoped for more cleared foliage at the edge of the path, to make spotting potentially hazardous situations easier. Overgrown with grass, alligator alley was a little unnerving for a newcomer to the south.

This is an awesome place to view wildlife. This may be the best place to view birds that I have ever visited. We saw several alligators at the edge of the trail. You could also see alligators swimming in the lake. If you are in the area and want to view wildlife, then you need to visit this place. To see our adventures subscribe to SIMPLE LIFE BIG ADVENTURES on YouTube.

The most magical place so much to see and experience. Lots of wildlife and the live oaks with their Spanish moss is so beautiful. Nice trails. My husband has a mobility scooter so he can come along. Couple trails are a little bumpy with the roots but most everything is smooth sailing for him. We definitely are in love with this place.

A great place to see Florida countryside and nature. Very well run and maintained, with wide flat trails and a nice visitors center with washrooms. Trail maps are available at a sign near the visitors center. A few of the loops offer a nice 1 hour walk. Many sections have shade, although there are a few without. The walk from the visitors center to Alligator Alley takes you through an oak Forrest with Spanish moss. Alligator Alley takes you along a lake-side path. You'll mostly see birds of all kinds, including large cranes, but you'll also see the occasional alligator and armadillo. It's about an hours drive south of Orlando. You could combine this with a visit to Bok Tower to make a day trip. No charge for entry or parking at time of writing.

Amazing reserve well worth the drive I was surprised by the wildlife I saw sometimes you just start your hike at the right time spotted mama gator and her babies saw boar birds etc it was beautiful peaceful and nature in all it's glory

We are over from the Uk. We try to find something new each time we come over(Villa in Kissimmee usually). We found this place what an amazing place to visit on thanksgiving. Wildlife we seen alligator, birds, raccoons, woodpecker,

The Discovery Center is wonderful!! So much to learn! Lots of hikes to choose from and beautiful scenery. Slightly terrifying walking next to alligators but also awesome!

We were blown away by the natural beauty of this park. So many trails offering stunning views of the marshes and hammocks. We even saw a couple of alligators in the distance. Highly recommend this park!

This is serenity, zen, adventure and thrilling all in one place. You can sit surrounded by nature and read a book, walk or ride your bike on trails where alligators can and have crossed at any given moment. They kinda have the right of way so you either wait or turn around. The plethora of birds is quite astounding even for those that are not “birdies” I have seen, gators birds, raccoons, lizards, spiders, one mammoth spider, turtles, fish, a bob cat, wild boars, butterflies, dragon flies, tiny baby gators, armadillos , turtle eggs and so much more! This place is beautiful! The people, locals or tourists are friendly. This is not a zoo, wild animals are everywhere. I have counted up to 25 gators in one part and they sink just as fast as they surface and with murky waters you never know what is beneath or how close. There is a reason they say no dogs. Please please please don’t let your small kids wander. I see this every time I am out there. It only takes a second. I have turned around many times from growling gators or gators right next to the road. It’s thrilling to see them and I love seeing them outside a cage, I know they are faster than me though! Haha I do highly recommend this place for those that love nature with out the feeling of a zoo. This is one of my happy places!! Go check it out!