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Description
Located along the beautiful Lake Wales Ridge, Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park, covers more than 8,000 acres of scrub, sandhill and flatwoods land, in addition to 65 acres of submerged land. The preserve offers six miles of hiking trails, seven miles of equestrian trails, a covered pavilion, fishing and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The preserve is home to numerous rare plants, such as scrub morning glory, scrub plum, pygmy fringe tree and cutthroat grass and several protected animal species including Florida scrub-jays, bald eagles, gopher tortoises and Florida scrub lizards. When you visit the preserve make sure you are prepared for the rugged conditions typical of the scrub habitat. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for the challenging trails at the park. Enjoy your visit and bring back memories of one of the rarer habitats in Florida.
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park became a state park in December 1991. The 8,000-acre preserve is located in Polk County, Florida, and adjoins Lake Kissimmee State Park to the southeast.
Catfish Creek State Park lies along the rare Lake Wales Ridge ecosystem. Animal and plant species found nowhere else in the world exist in this ecosystem and within the park. The scrub habitat preserved here also represents one of Florida's oldest natural landscapes.
Catfish Creek is home to a number of protected animal species including the gopher tortoise. The gopher tortoise is an ancient species that makes its home in dry, sandy habitats ideal for burrow-digging. Gopher tortoise burrows can be 40 feet long and 10 feet deep and often house many other animals, including mice, snakes, rabbits and frogs.
The Florida scrub jay is another threatened species that calls Catfish Creek home. The scrub jay depends on the sandy soils and low-growing vegetation of the scrub, making the preservation of this park and other such habitats important in the protection of this bird.
One of the stateliest residents of the park is the American Bald Eagle. Native to North America, the bald eagle feeds on fish and other water inhabitants. Although its population is increasing, these remarkable animals are still protected by the Endangered Species Act.
Did you know that some ecosystems need regular fire to survive? While wildfire can be scary, prescribed fires are professionally conducted and contained, and are safe and important tools for maintaining and preserving the fire-dependent ecosystems at the park.
FISHING
Catfish Creeks offers fishing from ponds within the park...although there is an approximate 1 mile hike from the parking lot!
HIKING/NATURE TRAIL
Catfish Creek offers 6 miles of trails through and around the scrub, flatwoods and ponds.
HORSE/EQUESTRIAN TRAIL
There are approximately 8 miles of trails available for horseback riding.
PICNICKING
A small picnic area is available at the parking lot areas...first come, first served.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
Hikers will observe many plants and animals found in the rare Lake Wales Ridge habitat.
Getting There:
- Catfish Creek Preserve is located about 35 miles south of Orlando.
- From U.S. 27, turn east on County Road 542, through Dundee. Go about eight miles to Fire Tower Road.
Alafia River State ParkLithia FL 33547 Alafia River State Park is located in southeastern Hillsborough County, about 30 miles southeast of Tampa. It consists of 6,312 acres. Recreational opportunities include camping, fishing, canoeing, and picnicking. A network of 40 miles of trails offer horseback riding, hiking, and... Read more Anclote Key Preserve State ParkDunedin, Florida 34698Enjoy the blue-green Gulf waters that lap gently along the sandy beaches of the four islands that make up Anclote Key Preserve State Park - Anclote Key, North Anclote Bar, South Anclote Bar and Three Rooker Island. Located three miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs, Anclote Key Preserve State Park is accessible only by private boat or ferry service. Read more Cayo Costa State ParkBoca Grande, Florida 33921 Cayo Costa ("key by the coast") is one of the largest underdeveloped barrier islands remaining in Florida. It is located twelve miles west of Cape Coral in Lee County, and is part of a chain of barrier islands that shelter Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. The island contains unique tropical vegetation, and looks much as it did 500 years ago when the first Europeans arrived. Read more Collier-Seminole State ParkNaples FL 34114 Reservations are highly recommended from November through March. Camping from June through Sept. may be accompanied by biting insects and afternoon rains. Hiking & mountain bike trails are subject to flooding from June to November. Call ahead for conditions. A saltwater fishing license can be purchased at bait and tackle shops, and is required for fishing in the Blackwater River. Read more Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State ParkSt. George Island, Florida 32328White sand beaches and rolling dunes covered with sea oats make this park a favorite destination for swimmers and sunbathers. Surf fishing is another popular activity. Boardwalks from the parking lot allow visitors to access the beach without causing damage to the fragile dunes and beach vegetation. Covered picnic tables overlooking the beach provide a great place for family outings. Read more Fanning Springs State ParkFanning Springs FL 32693 Located on the Suwannee River, this inviting source of cool, clear water has attracted people for thousands of years. Fanning Springs now produces less than 65 million gallons of water daily, making it a second magnitude spring. Historically, Fanning Spring was a first-magnitude springs as recently as the 1990s. Swimming or snorkeling in the spring is a refreshing activity on a hot day. Read more Fort Cooper State ParkInverness, Florida 34450Fishing in Lake Holathlikaha is a popular activity; swimming is available only when the lake level is high enough. Private boats are not allowed on the lake, but paddleboat and canoe rentals are available. Nearly five miles of self-guided trails offer some of the best bird and wildlife viewing in Citrus County. Park visitors also can enjoy the picnic facilities, a recreation hall and primitive group campground. Read more Highlands Hammock State ParkSebring FL 33872 Highlands Hammock State Park is a 9251 acre park opened to the public in 1931. The park still preserves a scenic, virgin hardwood forest. The sharp-eyed wildlife observer can catch a glimpse of whitetail deer and alligators almost every day. For a fascinating look at various areas, the park offers nine separate nature trails, including the popular catwalk through a cypress swamp. Read more Hillsborough River State ParkThonotosassa FL 33592 The river provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking; a canoe/kayak launch is available at parking lot#4. Some of our amenities are the Spirit of the Woods Café’ which is open 9am-5pm seven days a week. This concession provides breakfast and lunch daily from 9am-4pm, camping & picnic supplies, and a variety of memorable souvenirs. Read more |