10 Hiking Trails in Orlando Florida Region

Top 10 Best Hiking Trails in Orlando, Florida

1. The Seminole-Wekiva Trail

The 14-mile Seminole Wekiva Trail is one of Seminole County’s Showcase Trails. It’s because of how big, pretty, and many people it can hold. The trail is hard to figure out and is often used for running, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cycling. This trail is accessible to dogs but must be on a leash. The Seminole-final Wekiva’s 4 miles mirror the quiet wooded areas where the path started. At the trail’s end, the Markham Road trailhead has plenty of parking and restrooms.    

2. Disney Wilderness Preserve

Even if you aren’t a big fan of amusement parks, Disney offers nature lovers more than its theme parks. The Disney Wilderness Preserve is a rare outdoor curiosity. It has more than 1,000 kinds of native plants and animals. You will feel satisfied with your stay, as you will not see anything related to Disney. The Disney Wilderness Preserve Loop and Interpretive Trails offer the natural Florida experience. It is close to Kissimmee, Florida, and has a 5.8-mile loop trail with a lake that is good for people of all skill levels. The course is open all year and is famous for climbing, running, nature trips, and bird watching.    

3. Bear Creek Nature Trail

The name of the Bear Creek Nature Trail sounds scary. But it is a regular trail where you will meet friendly walkers, hikers, and bikers. It’s a short trail, but the stunning scenery makes you feel like heaven. The beautiful palm trees along the track line do the same thing that the stately palms in Florida do. This story appeals to a lot of people.    

4. Black Hammock Trail

This trailhead is at the end of a short road that leads nowhere in an old neighborhood of Black Hammock. The Black Hammock Trail is a little more isolated than most other city trails, which adds to its appeal! The trailhead for Black Hammock is in Oviedo, about 30 minutes from downtown Orlando. It’s a long way from any city noise. The 4.5-mile trail is in the shade, so you won’t feel the Florida sun as you walk.  

5. Split Oak Forest Wildlife & Environmental Area

A split oak inspired the name of the Split Oak Forest Wildlife & Environmental Area. People cut the 200-year-old tree in half, but it lived. Now the area around it has some of the best hiking in Orlando. Like many other places in Central Florida, the Split Oak Forest surrounds wetlands. You might see some of the region’s wildlife if you’re lucky. The Split Oak Forest WEA has eight miles of trails to discover, so come prepared to hike! Families with small children might consider the length when choosing this path.    

Video Credit: @thearchersjourney

6. Little Big Econ State Forest

Orlando’s Little Big Econ State Forest offers excellent hiking across a beautiful river. Hidden trails go along the stunning principal tributary of the St. Johns River, named Outstanding Florida Water. The riverfront route has elevation shifts. This path is possible since Econ is a slow-moving, tan river with bluffs. There are two significant exits with plenty of parking and good trail maps. The trails total 16.3 miles. Many locals enjoy an occasional hike on these trails. They attract repeat hikers.    

7. Bill Frederick Park

Centrally located in Orlando, Bill Frederick Park is a must-see. There are more than two kilometers of trails to explore its wild side. The paths wind through stubby forests and along Turkey Lake. It may become your favorite so that you can bring your pet with you. The park itself is a 187-acre paradise with boating and camping options. Yet, the hiking trail is just about two miles long. Many campgrounds are available for camping trips and rest in this family-friendly location. A sign that says “Nature Trail” points you in the direction of the tree line at the top of the slope.    

8. Kelly Park Loop Trail

9. Wekiwa Springs Hiking Trail

Wekiwa Springs State Park, located outside Orlando, is a little-known treasure. During the summer, tourists and outdoor-loving families crowd the springs. Water sports, like canoe and kayak rentals, are the primary draw to Wekiwa Springs. But the hiking in this marshy area is also delightful. Wekiwa Springs is one of Florida’s busiest and most famous state parks. Deer and Florida black bears roam this massive route system. Repeat hikers like discovering new things on this pathway.    

10. Brevard Zoo Linear Park

At the Brevard Zoo, Linear Park is a trail network that winds through the marshy areas. Visitors can take a 3-mile ride from the zoo to the marshes and pine and oak islands under the park. The boardwalks are a great way to see the native plants and animals of the swamp up close and personal. Along the route, there are no bathrooms or water fountains. It would help if you got your vacation ready in the right way.  

FAQs