Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park protects more than 8,000 acres along the Lake Wales Ridge near Haines City. Scrub, sandhill and flatwoods habitats support rare plants and wildlife, including Florida scrub-jays and gopher tortoises. Official visitor information describes six miles of hiking trails and seven miles of equestrian trails. The sandy ridge terrain can be demanding: routes pass through deep, loose sand, with exposed sections and limited shade. This is a natural preserve rather than a paved urban walking park. The main preserve address is 4335 Firetower Road, not simply the park's name. Check official access and trail information before setting out, and plan for the conditions of an undeveloped scrub landscape instead of assuming that every route is an easy walk.