Lakeland Highlands, a region in Polk County, Florida, is characterized by its unique rolling hills and lush landscapes, part of the Lakeland Ridge. This elevated terrain provides a varied backdrop for outdoor pursuits, featuring diverse habitats such as sandy scrub, pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and numerous freshwater lakes. These natural features make the area suitable for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, and touring cycling.
The Lakeland Highlands region offers a route for…
33
Routes
3.8
(14)
Average rating
525
People visited

4.3
(3)
36
hikers
3.80km
00:57
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
4.38km
01:07
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

14.3km
03:38
30m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

8.05km
02:02
10m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(2)
65
runners
4.90km
00:30
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
8.06km
00:51
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(2)
63
runners
4.64km
00:29
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

41
runners
14.4km
01:30
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4
riders
42.3km
01:52
80m
80m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

1
riders
36.3km
02:07
50m
50m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

109km
04:09
260m
260m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

6
riders
7.64km
00:20
40m
40m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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8
riders
31.4km
01:51
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
9.15km
00:32
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
4
riders
5.55km
00:20
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Lakeland Highlands provides opportunities for various outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, road cycling, and touring cycling. The region features diverse natural settings such as scrub, pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and freshwater lakes. These activities are supported by a network of trails and scenic routes.
The Lakeland Highlands Scrub offers two main trails: the 2.2-mile (3.5 km) Tortoise Trail and the 0.6-mile (1 km) Shady Oak Trail. A perimeter loop at the Scrub covers 2.8 miles (4.5 km). Lake Hollingsworth also features a 3-mile (4.8 km) paved path suitable for walking. For more hiking options, refer to the Hiking around Lakeland Highlands guide.
Yes, easy hiking options are available. The Shady Oak Trail at Lakeland Highlands Scrub is 0.6 miles (1 km) long and offers a less strenuous experience. The paved path around Lake Hollingsworth is also suitable for easy walks. Additional easy routes can be found in the Easy hikes around Lakeland Highlands guide.
The Lakeland Highlands area is suitable for both road and touring cycling due to its generally flat terrain and paved paths. Lake Hollingsworth features an approximately 3-mile (4.8 km) paved loop. The Lake John Loop is another popular route, measuring 5.7 miles (9.2 km). For more options, consult the Cycling around Lakeland Highlands guide.
Lakeland Highlands is part of the Lakeland Ridge, characterized by rolling hills and elevations up to 250 feet (76 meters) above sea level. The Lakeland Highlands Scrub preserves diverse habitats including sandy scrub, pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and basin swamps. Numerous freshwater lakes, such as Lake Hollingsworth and Lake John, are also prominent natural features.
The paved path around Lake Hollingsworth is suitable for families due to its consistent surface and scenic views. Shorter trails like the Shady Oak Trail at Lakeland Highlands Scrub also offer accessible options for families. These areas provide opportunities for nature observation in a safe environment.
Information regarding dog policies for specific trails in Lakeland Highlands is not universally provided. Visitors should check local regulations for individual parks and conservation areas, such as Lakeland Highlands Scrub or Lake Hollingsworth, before bringing pets. Adherence to leash laws and waste disposal guidelines is generally required.
Parking is typically available at major outdoor recreation sites. For example, Lakeland Highlands Scrub has designated parking areas for visitors accessing its trails. Parking facilities are also present near Lake Hollingsworth for those utilizing the lake's paved path.
The Lakeland Highlands Scrub is a 551-acre conservation area located atop the Lakeland Ridge. It protects diverse habitats including open dry prairie, pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and basin swamps. The Scrub is home to wildlife such as gopher tortoises and various bird species, offering trails for hiking and nature observation.
Lakeland Highlands has seen more than 700 visitors explore its outdoor offerings on komoot. The region's routes have an average rating of 4.15 out of 5 stars. This indicates a positive reception from the outdoor community for its diverse activities.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for Lakeland Highlands. These include Hiking around Lakeland Highlands, Easy hikes around Lakeland Highlands, Running Trails around Lakeland Highlands, and Cycling around Lakeland Highlands. These guides provide detailed information and route suggestions for various sports.
For inquiries regarding the Lakeland Highlands Scrub, the contact number is 863-534-7377. For general information about parks, recreation, and cultural arts in the City of Lakeland, the phone number is 863-834-6035. These contacts can provide details on facilities and regulations.

