Last Updated on March 10, 2023
If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, look no further than a part of Florida’s Ancient Islands, The Nature Conservancy’s Tiger Creek Preserve in Lake Wales (located in Polk County).
This Central Florida preserve is known throughout the United States as a national hotspot of biological diversity due to its large selection of endangered plants and wildlife.
The preserve is a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors can enjoy beautiful hikes and biking trails, as well as incredible bird-watching opportunities.
Tiger Creek Preserve
Tiger Creek Preserve consists of high-quality blackwater streams that drain wetlands. The first piece of the almost 5,000 acres preserve was protected in 1971 by conserving the ancient island chain shaped by water (known as the Lake Wales Ridge).
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the preserve, which provides a critical link in a network of preserves and protected areas.
Florida’s Ancient Islands, specifically Tiger Creek Preserve, play a significant role in the Northern Everglades. Its sandy landscape allows water to recharge the Floridian aquifer and head south via the blackwater stream.
Although it has been around for five decades, it’s still a hidden gem in many respects and truly adds such a unique experience to any Central Florida adventure.
Tiger Creek got its name because the vegetation that falls into the creek colors the water and gives it the appearance of tiger stripes.
The preserve protects various Florida habitats: hardwood swamps and hammocks, pine flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, and sandhills.
The preserve is also home to rare animals and plants including swallow-tailed kites, bald eagles, gopher tortoises, Lewton’s polygala and Carter’s mustard.
On our last trip, we spotted gopher tortoises, eastern indigo snakes, and Sherman’s fox squirrels.
If you’ve never been to Tiger Creek Preserve, this is the perfect time to visit! And even if you have been before, it’s always worth another visit.
Tiger Creek Preserve is open 365 days a year during daylight areas (dusk to dawn). Admission is free for everyone.
Dogs and pets are prohibited on hiking trails.
Tiger Creek Preserve Trail Guide
Pfundstein Trail
This trail is the gateway to all the loop trails. As a short hike, it provides a nice introduction to the preserve. This is a good hike for beginners.
Patrick Creek Loop Trail
Currently closed beyond the footbridge over Patrick Creek due to high water.
Heron Pond Loop Trail
The trail around Heron Pond provides wildlife watching opportunities and scenic views from ridge tops; 4.2 miles roundtrip from Pfundstein parking area.
Highlands Loop Trail
This scenic trail crosses hill and swale topography, creating diverse habitats to enjoy.
Creek Bluffs Loop Trail
This new loop follows high bluffs along Tiger Creek and traverses the highest quality longleaf pine sandhill in the preserve, 2.6 miles round trip from the Wakeford parking area.
George Cooley Trail
Access from Pfundstein Road
The well-marked half-mile trail is an easy 30-minute hike through various natural habitats.
Tiger Creek Preserve Trail Map:
Tiger Creek Preserve Tips from the Nature Conservancy:
- Look for blazes! Always look ahead to the next paint blaze. If you don’t see a blaze soon, retrace your steps until you find the last one.
- Each trail is blazed with different color paint. Refer to the color guide on the map. The trails may change direction abruptly. Notice double blazes! They indicate that the trail changes direction. Pay Attention!
- Don’t try to navigate your way on the Preserve service roads. (They rarely go where you think they should.)
- If you get lost, call 863-443-0630.
- During the rainy season, parts of the trails may be underwater.
If you enjoyed reading about Florida’s Ancient Islands, here are other Authentic Florida articles you may enjoy:
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- Exploring the Extraordinary Florida Everglades
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- A Visit to Florida’s Sanctuary: Bok Tower Gardens
- 5 Top Things to Do in the Florida Everglades