While it is best known for its amusement parks and entertainment choices, Orlando also has some beautiful green spaces and natural areas to explore.
There are some breathtaking preserves, state parks, and conservation areas that claim some of the prettiest scenery in the area, even though these places frequently get overshadowed by everything else that is happening in Orlando.
To assist you in organizing your upcoming outdoor excursion, we put together this list of hiking trails in Orlando. On most hiking paths near Orlando, you won’t find a lot of elevation gain (after all, it is Florida), but you will find a variety of terrain, lovely water views, and cool places for wildlife and plant watching.
Taking on one of these breathtaking hiking trails is the best way to experience the Orlando region while getting some fresh air.
Orlando Urban Trail
The Orlando Urban Trail runs through and around the city of Orlando. It is regarded as serving as the primary node of Orlando’s trail system. The length of the path is about three miles, and it is 12 feet wide. Off-street paths constructed of concrete and asphalt make up the majority of the trail.
Due to its closeness to downtown, it is one of the best hiking trails in new Orlando. From Lake Highland, the path travels through Loch Haven Park and on to Mead Garden in Winter Park. Highlights include links to Orlando Cultural Park and six waterways. The Gaston Edwards Trail is also connected to it.
Split Oak Forest Path
East of Orlando, in the neighbouring county of Osceola, is where you can find the Split Oak Forest path. The full area offers a variety of trails for hiking and exploring. Many wildlife species call the habitat of the grassland and scrub home.
During your walk along the trails, look out for gopher tortoises, fox squirrels, woodpeckers, butterflies, sandhill cranes, kestrels, eastern indigo snakes, and different songbirds. These animals and many others have a natural home in Split Oak Forest. Throughout this hike, you’ll appreciate the sense of natural beauty.
Lake Lizzie Marsh Loop
The Lake Lizzie Conservation Area, which provides a range of hiking and equestrian activities, is well-known to most locals. A 1.7-mile trail has recently been added as one of the best hiking trails in Orlando.
The trail is not truly marshy, despite its name. But make sure to pack some closed-toed footwear and bug repellent. Access to this path is free, but you will need to buy a permit if you want to camp nearby. From dawn until dusk, the park is accessible. Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed.
Mead Botanical Gardens
A boardwalk, an amphitheatre, a butterfly garden, and a variety of displays of Florida’s ecosystems are all found in the beautiful Mead Botanical Gardens. With family, friends, and pets, you can enjoy a lovely hike along its one-mile path. Ensure that they are leashed only.
The 48 acres of trails offer fantastic chances for bird watching, geocaching, and identifying various plant species. There are several grassy, shaded spaces with benches where people can relax or have a picnic. This is a pleasant day hike made possible by free entry and convenient on-site parking.
Black Bear Wilderness
A rustic, natural hiking location is the Black Bear Wilderness location. Near the St. Johns River, there are 1600 acres of trails and boardwalks that meander through wetland habitats. The white-tailed deer, swallow-tailed kite, and even the Florida black bear can all be spotted on this public property.
The St. Johns River is followed by a 7+ mile loop path. This is not a short, beautiful walk. You will encounter slick, uneven terrain; therefore, hikers must proceed carefully.
Additionally, if the St. John’s River is at flood level, you might not want to go. Leashed animals are allowed to accompany their owners. Be ready for the fact that there are no restrooms.
Three Lakes Loop
This path is the one for you if you want a relaxing walk that circles a lake. The view is one reason why the Three Lakes Loop is frequently included on lists of the best hiking trails in Orlando.
This path surrounds several bodies of water, like the majority of well-travelled trails in the Orlando region, making it possible to see wildlife all year round.
Beginners and kids alike will love this 5.3-mile looping path. Dogs are not allowed on the path, though.
This route is special because it is a sandy path that gives you the impression that you are hiking to the beach while remaining close to Orlando. You might be moved to explore one of the many beaches in and around Orlando as a result.
The Black Hammock Trail
The Black Hammock Trail in Oviedo, about 30 minutes from central Orlando, feels a little more isolated than some of the nearby rivals, but that adds to its allure.
The 4.5-mile (7-kilometre) section of the boardwalk, which follows Lake Jesup’s shores, is simple to follow and will lead you past quaint scenes of locals growing strawberries as if the 20th century never happened.
Additionally, it is completely covered in tree canopies, so as you go further, you won’t notice the Florida humidity.
Seminole-Wekiva Trail
One of the most iconic trekking trails near Orlando is the Seminole-Wekiva Trail. It provides practically everything you could ever want in a path for an urban hike: chances to see wildlife, lots of trees and tropical plants, paved and unpaved parts, and different amounts of sun and shade.
It is also quite long (13.6 miles from beginning to finish), but you can always customize the length of your hike. The Seminole-Wekiva path is popular on weekends for runners, hikers, and bikers. If you go early in the day, you might see some local wildlife as well.
Lake Baldwin Loop
This is yet another best hiking trails in Orlando. Locals frequently choose the 2.5-mile Lake Baldwin Loop for their hikes along the lake. This paved path winds around dense foliage filled with various species of flora and fauna.
Similar to the Orlando Urban Trail, Baldwin Park offers food options if you get hungry after your walk. This trail is accessible to wheelchair users and is appropriate for strollers as well. Leashed dogs are permitted on this path.
Wekiwa Springs
Wekiwa Springs State Park, popular for swimming and paddling, has some fantastic waterways and shady paths for hiking close to Orlando.
Wekiwa Springs is home to numerous local bird species, and if you are fortunate, you might even see a deer or a snake. This is one of the more peaceful trails in the area, particularly early in the morning when there is still fog in the gaps between the trees.
We love the picturesque wooden boardwalks that wind through luxuriant areas of tropical plants and trees.
Disney Wilderness Preserve
Disney has a complete wilderness preserve that’s ideal for a day of hiking in Orland. It’s not just a collection of theme parks and entertainment areas.
The red trail, the yellow trail, and the nature path are the three trails at the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Numerous native animals, including birds and snakes, are visible here.
The refuge, which is home to a variety of native plant species, has a slightly eerie appearance that makes it ideal for photographs. After a lot of rain or other wet weather, we advise against using this path because many of its parts may become very muddy or washed out.
Hal Scott Preserve Yellow Blaze Trail
In the centre of Orlando is this 8.9-mile path loop. This hike is rated as being easy to fairly difficult. On average, it takes just over three hours to finish.
The path is excellent for camping, fishing, and bird-watching. You won’t likely run into many other walkers while there. This trail is open all year long, and any month you come will typically have excellent weather.
Kolokee Loop
One of the most well-liked hiking trails in Orlando is Little Big Econ State Forest, and the Kolokee Loop is one of two paths there that made our list of the best hiking trails in Orlando.
Even though The Kolokee Loop is longer than most of the easy paths on our list, it’s still appropriate for novices and families looking for a little bit of a longer outdoor experience.
You’ll pass by the Econ River and through the neighborhood forests as you travel this path. One of the most sought-after local species that tourists want to see in the region is the alligator, so you’ll also have a rare chance to see them in the wild along the river.
Pine Island East Trail Group
Look no further if you are searching for a Central Florida trail favourite. This 3.4-mile path is ideal for a Florida outing because it is relatively flat and is located south of Downtown Orlando. This lovely loop is a wonderful place to stroll around before getting in a kayak or watching wildlife while fishing.
If you want to get close to Florida’s wildlife, Pine Island is one of the best hiking trails in Orlando. The ecosystem has been partially restored, and the path is now one of the top Everglades trails.
Daily trail hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but parking is scarce during the workweek. Among the amenities is a paddle boat ramp. Both cyclists and pedestrians are welcome to use this path for free. Dogs on leashes are permitted.
Shingle Creek Trail
Shingle Creek is a well-liked choice if you are looking for a laid-back, suburban hiking area that’s excellent for hikers of all experience levels. This is more of a network of trails that follow the named creek and the nearby forests and marshlands rather than a singular trail.
There is a lot of lovely scenery along the path, and you can see local wildlife like alligators and wetland birds. This is a well-liked local path that is both dogs- and family-friendly, so if you want to beat the crowds, we suggest going early.
Lake Lizzie Conservation Area
Locals may be aware of the Lake Lizzie Conservation Area, which has in the past provided a variety of hiking and equestrian activities, but as of late, a 1.7-mile path has been added that makes our list of the best hiking trails in Orlando.
Although the Marsh trail is not truly marshy, despite its name, we still advise bringing some bug spray and closed-toed shoes. The Lake Lizzie Marsh Loop is a fantastic family-friendly path and an excellent spot to observe the local flora and fauna and birds.
While you are not required to pay to use this path for camping, you must. From dawn until dusk, the park is accessible. Pets on a leash are allowed. One of the entertaining activities to do in Orlando with kids is this.
Conclusion
Whether you reside in the area or plan to come soon, you won’t be disappointed by any of these hiking trails in Orlando. In all honesty, it makes Orlando even more alluring! Any excellent vacation must have options.
Everyone of all ages can easily appreciate hiking because it is a fun, family-friendly, and healthy activity. In reality, a lot of them allow pets and offer additional activities in addition to the hiking portion, making them ideal for a day trip. And you can try rucking some of these paths for a tug if you want to improve your strength and endurance.