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| Photo courtesy of visitcentralflorida.com |
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| Photo courtesy of www.opalcollection.com |
Best Trails in Central Florida
1. West Orange Trail in Winter Garden
The West Orange Trail spans 22 miles and is a bikers favorite! The bike trail encompasses rolling hills and scenic views of rural and urban areas along the way.
I always recommend starting and ending your bike ride in downtown Winter Garden on Plant Street.
According to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit that supports the development of trails across the U.S., this is one of Florida's most popular rail-trails!
It's 15-minutes northwest of downtown Orlando and takes you through tree-lined Oakland before heading into downtown Winter Garden. It then has 10 miles of thinly wooded areas and the occasional orange grove before you hit the stretch that rolls through Apopka.
Trail start and stop points: Killarney Station at Old Country Road 50 and Lake Boulevard a the Oakland, Orange County Line and East Welch Road and Rock Springs Road/State Road 435 in Apopka.
2. Cross Seminole Bike Trail in Orlando
This trail stretches to 23 miles from Oviedo to Longwood. If you want to ride in the best part of the bike trail, it will be between Big Tree Park East to State Road 434. The path takes you through an undeveloped area along Soldiers Creek and then south to State Road 434.
Trail start and stop points: Seminole/Orange County border and Lake Mary (Greenway Boulevard). There are four trailheads you can take: The southern section starts at the northeast corner of the intersection of Aloma Avenue and Howell Branch Road. The Black Hammock trailhead is located westbound on State Road 434/Sanford Oviedo Road. Take the first left into the well-marked parking lot, or go 4 miles more and you can hit the Layer Elementary School trailhead right of SR 419. To reach the Lake Mary trailhead, take I-4 East to the Lake Mary Boulevard exit, head east 1 mile to Reinhard Road and the trailhead is on the northeast corner.
See the Location on Google Maps
3. Van Fleet State Trail in Orlando
Cycling is very popular at the General James A. Van Fleet State Trail where visitors ride to forget their worries and escape into nature. This destination is ideal for single riders or a family bike ride!
With little incline, one slight curve and only three crossroads, this trail is enjoyed by beginner and experienced cyclists alike.
This 29-mile bike trail is noted for being one of Florida's most rural trails. Along this state trail are many beautiful vistas including open cattle land, protected forests and wetlands.
Trail start: 7683 Berkley Road Polk City, Florida
4. Little Econ Greenway Trail in East Orlando
If you just started cycling, this shorter course may be for you! It's just under 8 miles long with great scenery of the Florida wildlife. From deer to osprey to alligators and a neat butterfly garden!
Trail start and stop points: North Forsyth Road (near Partridge Lane) and North Alafaya Trail and Science Drive in Orlando.
5. Seminole Wekiva Trail
This trail is 14 - 17 miles of smooth flat trail. It's one of the nicer trails around for a longer ride. The artwork on the fences is a must-see, and the entire length is shaded.
You can stop along Lake Mary Boulevard, and have lunch or a smoothie.
Trail start and stop points: Markham Road near County Road 46A Longwood and State Road 436 near Laurel Street in Altamonte Springs. If you begin in Altamonte Springs, you will go across a wooden bridge a the San Sebastian Prado trailhead and then winds along residential neighborhoods and wooded areas draped in Spanish moss. You will then hit a section of shopping areas where you can get food, water, or take a restroom break. Just past mile marker 9, you will head east to a pedestrian bridge over I-4 before joining the Cross-Seminole Trail. Many who have left reviews, compliment the beautiful scenery and nicely paved wide trail.
6. Mount Dora Bike Trail
A great trail for beginners with a handful of options for those looking for more of a challenge.
Along this route, there are several very small roots, some nice climbs, and a few really fun downhill sections. It's very shaded and there are some amazing trees throughout.
There is a bike wash, air pump, tools, etc located at the trailhead. Parking is just past the dog park.
Trail start: If you go to the Lincoln community park and go to the dog park the trail entrance is on the far end.
7. Orlando Mountain Bike Park
This small urban mountain bike park has been built at Lake Druid Park in a neighborhood close to downtown Orlando.
The park includes a mountain bike area with a pump track, skills area with skinnies and wall ride, junior pump track and single track trail through the woods of approximately 1 mile of tight, twisty, but fairly easy trail.
Beginner rated and great for kids, those getting started in the sport, and locals looking for some dirt.
Trail start: From State Rd 50 (Colonial Dr.) in Downtown Orlando, turn north on Coy Dr. The entrance to Lake Druid Park is a the end of the street. The Mountain Bike Park pump tracks and single-track loops are in the northeast corner of the park. 899 Coy Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
8. Cady Way Trail
The Cady Way Trail is 7.5 miles in length and is located four miles northeast of Downtown Orlando. The trail extends northeast from the Fashion Square Mall through Orange County, connecting to the Cross Seminole Trail.
Cady Way Trail features long shaded segments, perfect for both spring and fall riding. This trail is one of the most heavily used trails during weekends and early evenings.
The Cady Way Trail provides an excellent way for cyclists and pedestrians to link neighborhoods with shopping business districts. The trail includes mirrors at blind corners and bridges over busy road crossings.
Neighborhoods: Audubon Park, Baldwin Park, Colonial Town Center, Coytown
Trail end points: Aloma Ave, and Howell Branch Road/Hall Road (Winter Park) and Coy Drive (Orlando)
9. Lake Eola Loop
This is a paved, city loop around Lake Eola Park located right in Orlando, Florida. Generally considered an easy route, this 1.1 mile loop takes an average of 19 minutes to complete. This is a very popular area for people who live in the area as a way to get outside and recreate with family, friends, or pets.
The trail is open year round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. There are great sculptures to check out around the park, as well!
Lake Eola Park Address: 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
10. Shingle Creek Trail North
Enjoy this 2.6 mile hidden gem nestled between the urban neighborhoods of southwest Orlando. Generally considered and easy route, it takes an average of 44 minutes to complete.
If you want extra mileage, you can loop around the Eagle Nest Park wetlands or take the connector along Metrowest Blvd to the trail system on S. Kirkman Rd.
Neighborhoods: Eagles Nest, Florida Center, Florida Center North, Kirkman North, Kirkman South.
Trail start: The trail starts at Eagle Nest Park, north of The Mall at Millenia, and runs south to Oak Ridge Road, east of the Orlando International Premium Outlets.
As you can see, when it comes to biking trails in Central Florida, the choices are plenty! Do you have a favorite trail or place you like to ride that didn't make this list? Let me know in the comments below!
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