Here are some of our favorites hiking spots in the Orlando area. Grab your hiking shoes, a bottle of water and/or hip flask. It’s time to hit the trail.
Triple N Ranch
Callahan, FL 32011
This rugged, but well-marked path takes you through 7-miles of open pine savanna and cypress domes. But it’s also a hunting preserve, so make sure you check the website before you head out into potentially more dangerous wilderness.
Photo via steven.wood.1213/InstagramTibet-Butler Nature Preserve
8777 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32836
If you listen hard enough, you might be able to hear the whistle of the train down at Magic Kingdom among the cries of barred owls and ospreys in these natural woodlands.
Photo via coralys.nichole/InstagramWekiwa Springs Hiking Trail
1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712
Wekiwa is typically known for its crystal clear springs, but it’s 10-mile hiking trail will give adventurers another take on the state park’s natural beauty.
Photo via elainagrimewood/InstagramFlorida Trail, Mills Creek
1350 Snow Hill Road, Geneva, FL 32732
This short trail can get pretty tricky to navigate. Although it’s tempting to look up at the Spanish moss that drapes these ancient oak canopies, watch out underfoot for some prickly pear cactus.
Photo via Florida Hikes/FlickrSplit Oak Forest WEA
Clapp Simms Duda Road, Orlando, FL 32832
You might have guessed from the name, but this forest was named for a centuries-old oak tree that split down the middle. Hikers can keep their eyes peeled for the tree while traveling along nearly 8 miles of dusty prairie terrain.
Photo via kelseyosten/InstagramDisney Wilderness Preserve
2700, Scrub Jay Trail, Poinciana, FL 34759
It might come as a surprise, but there’s actually a lot of natural beauty hidden away in the theme park creations at the House of Mouse. This longleaf pine habitat offers a breezy getaway inside the usual tourist trap.
Photo via marios_bros_/InstagramSpring Hammock Preserve
2985 Osprey Trail, Longwood, FL 32750
This 1,500-acre preserve filled with massive cypresses is one of Seminole County’s shining natural stars, with trails ranging from muddy adventures to easy-breezy paved paths.
Photo via meganbee43/InstagramTwin Oaks Conservation Area
2001 Macy Island Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744
This easy grassy trail runs through reclaimed cattle land. Hikers are sure to spot some feathered wildlife in the tall grasses and huge oak trees that line the 1.9 mile path.
Photo via ddsejak/InstagramTrimble Park
5802 Trimble Park Road, Mt Dora, FL 32757
Most visitors gravitate to the picnic grove and playground at one end of this peninsula park, but hikers can beat the afternoon crowds be escaping down a looping cypress trail dotted with picnic tables and benches.
Photo via foodieandbeast/InstagramEcon River Wilderness
3795 Old Lockwood Road, Oviedo, FL 32765
Tucked away between strip malls and gated communities in the Orlando suburbs, this trail offers a chance to explore the wonders of Florida wildlife while meandering down a winding river.
Photo via ky.crate/InstagramOrlando Wetlands Park
25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas, FL 32709
This park consists of a series of wetland “cells” that the city uses to naturally filter treated wastewater. Hikers can follow their fancies here: Pick your way through the wetland marshes or explore the surrounding forest, your choice.
Photo via sarablohm/InstagramOakland Nature Preserve
747 Machette Trail, Oakland, FL 34760
This trail cuts across a boardwalk along the Lake Apopka shoreline before twining into a shady oak hammock where hikes might be able to spot some exoctic wildlife in the adjacent wildlife preserve.
Photo via madamn.q/InstagramGreen Springs Park
994 Enterprise Osteen Rd, Deltona, FL 32725
This trail might be short, but it’s well-kept and surrounded by lush foliage. Hikers won’t be able to take a dip in the murky green water here, but they can appreciate the natural ambiance.
Photo via wanderlove979/InstagramLake Runnymede Conservation Area
4600 Rummell Road, St Cloud, FL 34771
This short but sweet trail showcases some massive oak trees with limbs that snake in practically every direction: Perfect for a hiker looking for a good tree to climb.
Photo via mrjodyc/InstagramLyonia Preserve
2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona, FL 32725
You might spot a local celebrity on this high ridge trail: A small population of the rare Florida scrub-jay have been known to find perches atop inquisitive hikers.
Photo via thehazyheir/InstagramFlorida Trail, Little Big Econ State Forest
1350 Snow Hill Road, Geneva, FL 32732
This 10-mile rugged forest trail dips into a variety of different habitats along the way: It’s definitely terrain for a hiker looking for a challenge.
Photo via christiancrews/InstagramLake Louisa State Park
U.S. 27 Hwy 27, Clermont, FL 34714
This 4-mile one-way hiking trail showcases the habitats found along the shores of Lake Louisa, from scrublands to cypress groves.
Photo via destinationinfocus/InstagramHal Scott Preserve
4500 Dallas Blvd., Orlando, FL 32833
You’ll probably spot some planes overhead on this vast prairie land located right outside Orlando International Airport. Jus don’t let the jets overhead distract you from exploring 5-mile flat path.
Photo via briellecerep/InstagramSabal Point Sanctuary
8300 FL-46, Sanford, FL 32771
This seven-mile shaded corridor follows an old logging tramway right through the heart of a 2,500-acre floodplain forest.
Photo via perryfrance/InstagramLake Jesup East Tract
Sanford, FL 32773
This trail offers a path to one of the best views of Lake Jesup in Central Florida: just follow the signs to the old observation tower and climb on up for a panoramic shot.
Photo via Florida Hikes/FlickrBig Tree Park
761 General Hutchison Pkwy, Longwood, FL 32750
The original “big tree,” The Senator, might have burned down years ago, but hikers can still spot some other mammoth plant life on this trail.
Photo via stephanielizw/InstagramLake Harney Wilderness Area
2187 Osceola Fish Camp Road, Geneva, FL 32732
Two loops add up to over two miles of natural beauty along this lakeside wonderland. Eagles perch in the tall pines here and wildflowers bloom along the lowlands.
Photo via joshletchworth/InstagramGemini Springs Park
37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary, FL 32713
Hikers here can visit woodland spots once frequented by ancient civilizations who lived along the banks of these twin springs.
Photo via taniamariaphoto/InstagramBlack Hammock Wilderness Area
3276 Howard Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765
This bit of Old Florida still clinging to Lake Jesup highlights the best of Black Hammock: The leafy upland hammock, ancient cabbage palms and pine scrub.
Photo via emilymortonn/InstagramBill Frederick Park
3401 S Hiawassee Road, Orlando, FL 32835
Located in the City Beautiful’s largest park, this winding nature trail is one way to escape urban life for a relaxing afternoon.
Photo via _________seif/Instagram