Overview

Tenoroc Fish Management Area encompasses the former site of a Coronet Phosphate rock mine just outside the city of Lakeland Most of the land was surface-mined between 1955 and 1977 by the Coronet Fertilizer Company, the Smith-Douglass Company, and Borden, Inc. Borden donated the land to the Florida Department of Natural Resources in 1982, and the Fish Management Area was created. Much of the land has been reclaimed, so good examples of natural restoration are evident. The nearly 1,000 acres of lakes created by the mining are managed for fishing by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. A large bird rookery exists along the western end of the south blue loop trail.

The south blue loop trail (Rattlesnake Ridge) shouldn’t be missed. It’s rugged and hilly, providing good vistas of lakes and forests from a steep and narrow ridge left behind by mining operations. The western part of the orange loop passes through open scrub, but the eastern part of the loop is deeply shaded by live oaks. Expect to see cattle grazing in the meadows adjoining the access trail, and many birds in the lakes created by the phosphate pits.

Map

East of Lakeland, the trail is located at 3829 Tenoroc Mine Road, off SR 659 (Combee Road), 3.5 miles north of US 92, or 2.5 miles south of I-4 in the Tenoroc Fish Management Area.

 Disclaimer: While FTA strives to maintain accurate information and is constantly updating its geodatabase, the trail and development along the trail corridor is constantly changing. The data has been collected from a variety of sources and accuracy varies. FTA provides this data for recreational purposes only and does not intend the data as a survey. 

Centerline data Florida Trail System (c) 2007 Florida Trail Association, Inc.

Trailheads

Park at the family picnic grounds parking lot at the north end. The south loops are off Saddle Creek Park Road. Park at the kiosk on the north side.

Conditions

The trail is mostly flat and dry and passes over both reclaimed and un-reclaimed mining property and the graded crest road of an abandoned earthen dam.  

Precautions

Rattlesnake Ridge is steep and narrow. The western loop and access trail is blazed light blue. The eastern main loop trail is blazed orange. Leave adequate time to exit the park before it closes. Restrooms, picnic tables and potable water are available at both trailheads.

Restrictions

 Open Fri-Mon 6-5. A per-person fee of $3 is charged by the park office for hikers ages 16-65. Senior citizens and children hike free.  

Resources

Hiker’s Guide to the Sunshine State

50 Hikes in Central Florida

Central 3 Loop Trails

Lakeland

Tenoroc Fish Management Area