Walking is one of the simplest things you can do for your heart, blood sugar, mood and joints. The CDC recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, and brisk walking counts. That works out to about 30 minutes, five days a week. The hard part is finding a place you enjoy enough to keep going back to. Here are real parks and trails in and near Davenport, from a quarter-mile lake loop to a 29-mile paved rail trail, with the official page for each.
The Parks
Lake Eva Community Park
Best for: Long, flat, paved loops
Haines City's big lakefront park has 2 miles of concrete walking paths and sidewalks with 3 exercise stations along the way. It is an easy place to build up distance on a smooth surface, with plenty of places to stop and rest.
- 555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City
- 2 miles of paved paths
- Playgrounds, pavilions, 240-foot fishing pier
Northeast Regional Park
Best for: Four Corners residents
Polk County's park in the Four Corners area has an exercise trail alongside its sports fields. It also has a dog park, picnic shelters and fishing, so it works well if you want to bring the family or the dog.
- 50901 U.S. 27, Davenport
- Exercise trail and dog park
- Playground, picnic shelters, pier fishing
Lake Play Park
Best for: Short walks in town
This City of Davenport park has a scenic quarter-mile trail that circles the lake, plus shaded pavilions and a playground. A quarter mile is a good starting point if you are new to walking or coming back after an illness: do one lap, then add a lap each week.
- 101-199 Williams St, Davenport
- Quarter-mile loop around the lake
- Shaded pavilions with picnic tables
Sherwood L. Stokes Preserve
Best for: Quiet nature walks
This 225-acre Polk County preserve protects the headwaters of Lake Marion Creek. Its natural walkways pass through forest, marsh, scrub and hammock, and the county lists more than 70 species of birds. Expect sandy, unpaved trails, so wear closed shoes.
- 8649 Lake Marion Creek Rd, Haines City
- More than 70 bird species
- Natural, unpaved walkways
Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area
Best for: Longer hikes
More than 8,000 acres of protected land east of Haines City, managed by the South Florida Water Management District with Polk County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Huckleberry Island trail runs through flatwoods and shady swamp, with picnic tables at the two-mile mark. Hunting is allowed in season, so check FWC dates before you go.
- Trailheads between Haines City and Poinciana
- Huckleberry Island and Snell Creek trailheads on Cypress Parkway
- Picnic tables at the 2-mile mark
Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Best for: Lake views and amenities
The City of Kissimmee's park on Lake Tohopekaliga has paved walking trails, restrooms, water fountains and a fishing pier. The city lists it as open daily from 7am to 10pm, which makes an early walk before the heat easy to fit in.
- 201 Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee
- Paved walking trails
- Open daily 7am to 10pm
General James A. Van Fleet State Trail
Best for: Out-and-back walks of any length
A 29.2-mile paved rail trail from Polk City to Mabel, managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. You do not need to go far: walk out 15 or 20 minutes and turn around. The flat, smooth surface is easy on the knees.
- Polk City Trailhead, 7683 Berkley Road, Polk City
- 29.2 miles, fully paved
- Also popular with cyclists, so keep right
Walking Safely in Florida Heat
Heat is the main hazard for walkers in Central Florida, and it is not just a summer problem. Walk early in the morning or near sunset, bring water and sip it along the way, and wear a hat, light-colored clothing and sunscreen. If you take water pills or manage a heart or kidney condition, ask your doctor how much to drink and when to skip a hot-weather walk.
Know the warning signs the CDC lists:
- Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, cold, pale and clammy skin, a fast weak pulse, nausea, muscle cramps, dizziness or fainting. Stop, move somewhere cool, loosen your clothes and sip water. Get medical help right away if you are vomiting, symptoms get worse, or they last longer than an hour.
- Heat stroke: a body temperature of 103°F or higher, hot red skin, a fast strong pulse, confusion or passing out. Call 911 right away. Move the person somewhere cooler and cool them with wet cloths. Do not give them anything to drink.
Shoes and Feet, Especially With Diabetes
Wear supportive walking shoes and socks, and save flip-flops for the beach. If you have diabetes, your feet need extra care. The CDC advises checking your feet every day for cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, corns or calluses, wearing shoes and socks at all times, and never going barefoot. Check your feet after every walk, especially on sandy nature trails. For more ideas on staying active with diabetes, see our list of the best exercises for type 2 diabetes.
If you have heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or joint problems, or have been inactive for a while, talk with your doctor before you start. Chest pain, pressure or unusual shortness of breath while walking is a reason to stop and call 911.
Get a Checkup Before You Start
A physical exam is a good time to talk about how much activity is right for you and to check your blood pressure, blood sugar and feet. Elon Health Primary Care is a family medicine practice at 43378 US Highway 27, Suite B, in Davenport, led by Dr. Sandeep Pandya. The practice is accepting new patients, by appointment, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Call 352-508-5254 or request an appointment. You can also compare options in our list of the best primary care doctors in Davenport.