Is Colt Creek State Park Work Visiting?

If you are searching for a peaceful Florida park without the crowds, you found it here.

This place is the opposite of Disney World. It is not about dramatic views or bucket-list landmarks, it is where you come for quiet trails, wildlife, and a slower kind of adventure.

Quick Facts

Location: Lakeland, FL between Orlando and Tampa

Time Needed: Half day

Best For: Hiking, Biking, Horseback Ricing, solitude

Don’t Miss: The multi-use trails and quiet lakes

Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring

Official Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/colt-creek-state-park

Overview Of Colt Creek State Park

This quiet state park includes 5,067 acres of pine flatwoods, wetlands, and prairie within the Green Swamp Wilderness area. Unlike more famous state parks, this one flies under the radar.

There are no springs, waterfalls, or geologic features to see here. Instead, you’ll find small lakes, open landscapes, and miles of trails that feel remote.

Remote? That’s the appeal. This is where you come to disconnect and try to find wildlife, in a place where few venture.

Best Things to Do at Colt Creek State Park

Here are some activities that you can enjoy:

• Hiking/Trail Running
• Wildlife Viewing
• Biking
• Horseback Riding
• Fishing on multiple lakes
• Kayaking, especially on Mac Lake
• Camping

Best Hikes

The park’s biggest draw is its well-maintained trail system. Hiking here is more about distance and immersion rather than elevation or mountain views.

There are two major trails: The Yellow Trail and the Red/Cross Trail (may also be referred to as the Orange Trail, this is the main loop around the park).

The Yellow Trail is a 5.4-mile loop around the south end of the park. It is the least traveled part, where you are most likely to see wildlife. I would recommend this for a 2-hour loop.

The Orange Trail (referred to as the Red and Cross Trail on AllTrails) is a longer, 8-mile loop around the lakes, north, and central areas of the park. It takes you through pine flatwoods and hammock hardwoods, and has connectors to shorten it as needed.

Key Areas In Colt Creek State Park

The Lakes are in the central part of the park, and this is where you want to go to birdwatch, kayak, and see alligators and fish.

The Open Prairie sections feel expansive and remote, and they are best for sunrise and sunset.

The Shaded Forest trails are where you want to be mid-day when the sun is intense.

Our Experience At Colt Creek State Park

We came here for the Florida Run event. My wife ran the 5k and I ran the half marathon on the trail systems through the park.

We showed up early, parked, signed in, and started the race. The half marathon route started me on the Orange Trail, which I ran in its entirety. The trail was very well maintained – there were few roots and the whole thing was runnable.

The trail took me over Colt Creek, which was very low during April.

The Orange Trail connected to the Yellow Trail, which seemed to have a different ecosystem. The yellow trail felt more remote, and it was still entirely runnable.

The Yellow Trail connected back to the Orange Trail and I completed the Orange Trail by taking the southwestern leg back to the finish line, at Mac Lake. I finished strong once the finish line was in sight.

To stretch out and recover before driving home, we walked around the lakes and went on the boardwalk at Mac lake. We saw people kayaking as well as many alligators. I really did not expect to see as many alligators as we did, there were at least a dozen visible from the boardwalk.

Don’t Make Our Mistake

I ran out of carbs on my run. If you plan to run or hike both the Orange Trail and the Yellow Trail (i.e. the whole trail system in the park), make sure you bring snacks.

What We Would Do Differently

The next time we come to Colt Creek State Park, we will bring kayaks or a canoe and wet a line after hiking. I would love to catch a bass on Mac Lake.

How To Visit In Half a Day

• Start at Mac Lake and hike the Orange Trail (known as Red and Cross Trail on AllTrails)
• Eat a picnic at the lake
• Go kayaking if you brought them
• Leave before the afternoon sun

If You Only Do One Thing

Hike one of the two main loop trails first thing in the morning.

Wildlife is more active in the morning, it is cooler out, and the park is the most peaceful.

Full-Day Itinerary

For a full day at Colt Creek State Park, you will be able to complete the entire trail system, while stopping for a picnic lunch and going fishing.

Here’s how I would do it:

• Arrive at opening
• Be the first person on the 5.4-mile Yellow Loop Trail
• Eat a picnic lunch at Mac Lake, watching the alligators
• Catch a bass at Mac Lake
• Hike the 8-mile Orange Trail, making sure to stay hydrated, especially in the heat

Another option would be to just run one or both trails, this would be ideal, but you need to be in decent shape and bring a lot of water. If you are new to running, click here for a complete guide to get started.

Where To Eat Near Colt Creek State Park

The park is fairly remote I the Green Swamp Wilderness, my strong recommendation would be to bring your own lunch.

The closest restaurant I could find is the Red Top Pit Stop, which honestly looks pretty good. I would stop here for breakfast at 7AM on your way into the park.

Where To Stay Near Colt Creek State Park

You didn’t travel to Florida for Colt Creek State Park, which means that you are either a local or you are taking a day trip here as part of a broader trip. I would stay close to other attractions, making a day trip out of Colt Creek State Park.

Camping is available within the park, which would be a solid option.

Tips For Visiting Colt Creek State Park

• Arrive early to avoid the heat
• Bring lots of water
• Bring sunscreen
• Download your maps ahead of time as there is little cell service

When To Visit Colt Creek State Park

Colt Creek State Park is open from 8am to sunset.

We recommend visiting in the fall through spring, when the heat is more bearable.

Always check the Colt Creek State Park website or call for the most up-to-date information.

What To Bring To Colt Creek State Park

• Lots and lots of water
• Food – snacks and lunch
• Bug spray, especially in summer
• Sunscreen
• Running or hiking shoes
• Kayak (with lifejacket, paddle, etc)
• Phone with maps downloaded

Fees & Reservations

There is a fee of $4 per vehicle, with no reservations required.

Conclusion

Is Colt Creek State Park worth visiting? Yes, if you know what you are getting into. This is a remote park with few amenities, fit for hiking, running, and moderate fishing.

Come here for quiet trails, gators, and deer, but skip this park if you want dramatic views.

This is off the beaten path, and an excellent park for reflection.

Other Sights Near Colt Creek State Park

Withlacoochee State Trail – one of Florida’s best bike rides

Lake Louisa State Park – kayaking, fishing, hiking, horseback riding

Hillsborough River State Park – great for kayaking and hiking

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park – must see for the history lovers, good for picnics and reenactments

Circle B Bar Reserve – hiking and bird watching

Bok Tower Gardens – 250 acres of gardens with massive carillon