Dog walking in Zolfo Springs

Peace River

One of the largest rivers in Florida stretches across the central part of the state and runs through Hardee County.  This body of water, known as Peace River, can be accessed through the Peace River RV Park in Wauchula, Florida, just five miles down the road from Zolfo Springs.  Although it's an RV park, it is open for public use, so you and Fido can visit and enjoy the amenities available there, or use the open trails to go canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, or fossil hunting while you look for wildlife and explore the natural beauty of the area.  There's also a Fido-friendly chain restaurant nearby so you can grab a quick bite.

Hammock Road

While you are in central Florida, be sure to visit Highlands Hammock State Park, approximately a twenty-minute drive from Zolfo Springs.  This state park is a nature preserve consisting of 9,000 acres of land set aside for wildlife preservation and public nature exploration. There is a small fee to enter the park, but once you enter, you can stay in the pavilion area or drive through the park. Throughout the park, you'll find a number of other trails that spread across the preserve. To access the trails, simply park near the trail of choice, leash Fido up, and go explore the gorgeous natural outdoors found only in Florida.

Avion Palms HOA

Ten miles from Zolfo Springs and right outside of Bowling Green, on Lake Branch Road, is the beautiful glory of Paynes Creek History State Park.  It was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places due to the Payne's Creek Massacre-Fort Chokonika Site.  As one of Florida's state parks, it is open between 8 am and sundown every day of the year, including holidays.  You and Fido can enjoy nature watching, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking, but bring plenty of water as it gets very hot and humid.  When you are ready to relax, there are three pavilions to sit in the shade and eat your lunch!

Ona

Horse Creek Nature Trail in Ona, less than ten miles from Zolfo Springs, is a pawesome spot that you won't want to miss.  Ona is known for its famous landmark, Solomon's Castle, a castle built from aluminum that showcases art from recycled items. While the castle itself is not pet-friendly, there is a restaurant on the grounds, Boat in the Moat, where leashed pets are welcome at the outdoor patio seating.  Oak trees provide shade while you indulge in their homemade menu.  Solomon's Castle also offers a private nature trail, Horse Creek Nature Trail, that is free for you and Fido to walk during operating hours.

Sun 'n Lake

If you are ready for a little bit of extra shopping and dining than Hardee County offers, take a short 25-mile drive to Sebring, where there are seven pet-friendly restaurants. You and Fido will enjoy your meals and a lazy stroll through Sun 'n Lake, a neighborhood surrounded by wilderness and set aside from the busyness of the rest of the city.  Set off of 27, the Sun 'n Lake Preserve is a 1,350-acre wildlife preserve that is designated for hiking and biking.  Along the trail here, you and Fido can explore the natural freshwater marsh, cypress swamp, flatwoods, and more that are found only in this area of Florida.  There are no public facilities, however, so bring lots of water!