Dog walking in Frostproof

Hickory Lake

Hickory Lake Estates is a neighborhood in Frostproof where you will be able to take Fido to explore the 57-acre Lake Wales Ancient Scrub System, full of open scrub and lake views.  While you stroll along the multiple short loop trails, Fido will have a pawesome time stopping and smelling all of the lichen, scrub morning glory, blazing star, and other unique and colorful plants, and many animals! A lot of these plants and animals are endangered or threatened, so this is definitely an experience you don't want to miss.  Be sure to bring lots of water and a picnic lunch so that you can spend the day here.  There are picnic shelters, but no other listed facilities, so plan accordingly.

Crooked Lake

Another, completely different, way to see Crooked Lake is by visiting Crooked Lake Sandhill, a different park with a self-guided trail into the endangered sandhill ecosystem.  In these trails, you will see the unique savanna and airy pine forest, getting as far as 215 feet above sea level to see Crooked Lake from a truly different perspective. You can also explore the depression of an old sinkhole, going deep into the ground after you've gone as high as you can go.  Fido will love seeing the wildflowers and exotic animal life.  There are picnic tables, but no other listed facilities, so bring lots of water and plan ahead!

Lake Wales Ridge

You can spend the day in the beautiful Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, where you can choose from four different tracts to explore, each with their own unique ecosystem, or explore them all!  Leashed pets are allowed, and you can picnic and grill, camp, hike, fish, and paddle boat in this beautiful scenic area.  Check out Florida's State Forest Trailwalker Program Guide if you are looking to hike this area, as some of the entrances are miles down the road. While you are here, check out their rare and endangered or threatened plant and animal wildlife.  The scrub ecosystem that this area is famous for has been around for thousands of years, and is the only place that some of these animals and plants call home.  

Indian Lake Estates

About 20 miles down the road is another beautiful natural park that you won't want to miss, located near Indian Lake Estates in Lake Wales.  Here, you'll find the scenic park, SUMICA, known as the largest of Polk County's environmental lands.  You and Fido can explore, take pictures, and play while you check out the 12 species of rare plants and animals only found here in the 4,031-acre park.  SUMICA used to be an old lumbering and turpentine town -- now it's a modern-day ghost town, so you can still see remnants of the history from when it vanished in 1927. The picnic shelter is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is located near the Lake Marion Creek shoreline.  Bring lots of water and snacks, and plan ahead for other facilities!