Sumica Reserve
The Sumica wilderness is a 4,000 acre Polk County preserve located about 7 miles east of Lake Wales on SR 60. It is the site of the old town of Sumica, abandoned for 90 years, that produced turpentine from the local pine trees. There is a paved parking area with picnic tables where you can start your exploration of a truely wild part of Florida. Stay on the trail and carry plenty of water, because this is not a good place to get lost. However if you want to walk some new country, this is for you. Expect to find Turkey, Bachman’s Sparrow, Bluebirds, Summer Tanagers, Short-tailed Hawks, Caracara, and Sandhill Cranes. There is no entrance fee.
Photo: M Ryan
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