Highlands County Sun ’n Lake Preserve
The 1,350-acre Sun ’n Lake Preserve is a complex mosaic of natural plant communities that vary from the dry upland flatwood to the seasonally wet cypress dome. The Preserve was acquired in the 1990s with the purpose of preserving the natural resources through responsible management and to provide passive recreation for the public. The Highlands County Natural Resources division actively manages this important piece of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
The Sun ’n Lake Preserve neighbors the Sun ’n Lake Improvement District. The main parking lot entrance is at the corner of Sun ’n Lake Boulevard and Balboa Avenue its address is 5510 Balboa Blvd, Sebring, FL 33872. From here, grab a map at the Preserve kiosk and hike or bike the roughly 15 miles of trails throughout the Preserve. 
These trails cover a wide variety of critical habitat that the Preserve protects. These habitats include mesic hammocks, cutthroat seeps, mixed hardwood forests, and wet prairies and are home to a variety of endemic and endangered species, including the Florida panther, Florida black bear, crested caracara, wood stork, American alligator, eastern indigo snake, Sherman’s fox squirrel, and more! If hiking or biking isn’t for you, grab a rod and reel and enjoy one of the three catch-and-release ponds within a short walking distance from the main parking lot.
If you’re planning on visiting, please plan – don’t forget to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated along with mosquito repellant and sunscreen. A hat might be a good idea too. If you plan on having a nice picnic, please do not feed the wildlife. Trash receptacles are available.
Remember, take only photographs and leave only footprints.