Fort Fraser Trail facts for kids
The Fort Fraser Trail is a cool paved path, about 7.75 miles (12.5 km) long, perfect for walking, biking, and skating! It connects the towns of Bartow and Lakeland in Florida. This trail used to be a railroad track, but now it's a fun place for people to enjoy the outdoors.
Quick facts for kids Fort Fraser Trail |
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|---|---|
| Length | 7.75 mi (12.47 km) |
| Location | Bartow, Florida, United States |
| Trailheads | Lake Myrtle, Florida Van Fleet Trail Polk City, Florida trailhead |
| Elevation change | 9 feet |
| Season | Year round |
| Surface | Asphalt |
Contents
Where Does the Trail Go?
The Fort Fraser Trail stretches for about 7.75 miles (12.5 kilometers). It starts in Bartow and ends in Lakeland.
Starting Points
You can begin your adventure from different spots along the trail:
- Bartow Start: The southern end of the trail is in Bartow. You can find it on North Wilson Avenue, just north of a store called Tractor Supply Company.
- Lakeland End: The northern end of the trail is in Lakeland. It's right at the entrance of the Polk State College campus in Lakeland.
Connecting to Nature
The trail also has a special connection! A paved path, about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) long, links the Fort Fraser Trail to the Circle B Bar Reserve.
Circle B Bar Reserve
The Circle B Bar Reserve is a large park managed by Polk County and the State of Florida. It's a great place to explore nature.
- Inside the reserve, you'll find more trails. These are unpaved and stretch for about 3.5 miles (5.6 km).
- These trails let you explore the property and get close to Lake Hancock. It's a perfect spot for bird watching or just enjoying the quiet outdoors.
What Can You See and Do?
The Fort Fraser Trail is designed for everyone to enjoy. It runs mostly next to US Highway 98.
Trail Features
As you travel along the trail, you'll find many helpful things:
- Resting Spots: There are benches where you can take a break.
- Shelters: You'll find shelters if you need to get out of the sun or a sudden rain shower.
- Water: Water fountains are available to keep you hydrated during your walk or ride.
- Smooth Surface: The entire trail is paved with asphalt, making it smooth for bikes, rollerblades, and strollers.
Activities
The trail is great for many activities, including:
- Biking
- Walking
- Running
- Skating
History of the Trail
The Fort Fraser Trail wasn't always a path for people to enjoy. It has an interesting past!
From Railroad to Trail
This trail used to be a busy railroad line. It was part of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. This railway once connected Lakeland all the way to Naples. Over time, the railroad line was no longer used, and it was transformed into the multi-use trail we have today. This is a common way for old railway lines to be reused, giving communities new green spaces.
Images for kids
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The entrance to the Circle B Bar Reserve from the connector trail.
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The Bartow trailhead of the Fort Fraser Trail.
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The Highlands City trailhead of the Fort Fraser Trail.
