Arguably one of the best ways to get outside and into nature is through visiting the many trails Florida has to offer.

Right here in Orlando, there are plenty of trails with varying levels of intensity, perfect for hikers of all abilities. Some are short and sweet, others are more of a journey. Some are swampy, others are prairie-like. But they all offer scenic Florida views. Here are 23 hiking trails to explore in and around Orlando.

Barr Street Trailhead

951 Barr St., Oviedo
While it’s not far off from the Orlando metro area, once you get to Barr Street Trailhead, it’s easy to forget about civilization. With miles and miles of winding trails, this trailhead has sights for hikers of all abilities to explore. There’s no bathroom, though, so make sure to fit a pre-hike facilities break into your plans. Credit: Photo via Yelp

Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

8777 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Orlando
This walking-only trail is part of a larger preserve which also houses the Vera Carter Environmental Center, home to several educational exhibits and displays. Guests can hike through miles of the walking trail and then learn more about their environment. Credit: Screengrab via Google Maps

Lake Harney Wilderness Area

2395 Osceola Fish Camp Road, Geneva
Two loops add up to more than two miles of natural beauty along this lakeside wonderland. Eagles perch in the tall pines here and wildflowers bloom along the lowlands, all of which can be viewed from the watchtower-style boardwalk. Credit: Photo via Google Maps

Wekiwa Springs Hiking Trail

1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka
Wekiwa is typically known for its crystal-clear springs, but its 10-mile hiking trail will give adventurers another take on the state park’s natural beauty. Hikers are likely to spot white-tailed deer, gopher tortoises, turkeys, bobcats and sometimes even a Florida black bear. The trails here are multi-use, so be prepared to run into the occasional cyclist or horseback rider on your walk. Credit: Photo via FloridaStateParks.org

Split Oak Forest

12175 Clapp Simms Duda Road, Orlando
You might have guessed from the name, but this forest was named for a centuries-old oak tree that was split by lightning down the middle. Hikers can spot the tree while traveling along nearly eight miles of dusty prairie terrain. This network of trails and unpaved roads also veers into land that was once used for cattle operations. Now, it’s mostly home to gopher tortoises and birds. Credit: Screengrab via Google Maps
Disney Wilderness Preserve 2700 Scrub Jay Trail, Poinciana The Disney Wilderness Preserve is an 11,500-acre nature reserve located near Kissimmee. It was originally created through an agreement between Disney, The Nature Conservancy and the state of Florida. This longleaf pine habitat offers a breezy getaway just outside the more sought-after tourist trap. Credit: Photo via Nature.org

Hike one of Orlando’s natural trails

Twin Oaks Conservation Area
Orlando is home to an abundance of hiking trails and natural paths perfect for explorers of all abilities to take on. Twin Oaks Conservation Area, for example, is perfect for the less experienced hikers, although it is geared toward all abilities. Along the 1.9-mile path, hikers are almost guaranteed to spot plenty of birds throughout the tall grasses and oak trees that line the board walk trail. Credit: Photo via osceola.org

Little Big Econ State Forest

1350 Snow Hill Road, Geneva
This trail sits on a larger wilderness conservation area and offers a chance to explore the wonders of Florida wildlife while meandering down a winding river. The spot also has plenty of pavilions, a visitors center and the chance to see sandhill cranes, deer and other fauna. Credit: Photo via fdacs.gov
Orlando Wetlands Park 25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas This park consists of a series of wetland “cells” 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. Credit: Photo via Rachel Kessler/Orlando.gov
Oakland Nature Preserve 747 Machete Trail, Oakland This trail cuts across a boardwalk along the Lake Apopka shoreline before twining into a shady oak hammock. Hikers have a good chance of spotting animals in the adjacent wildlife preserve. Largely considered a hidden gem, this 150-acre preserve and its network of trails is nestled between Clermont and Winter Garden. Credit: Photo via oaklandnaturepreserve.wildapricot.org

Green Springs State Park

994 Enterprise Osteen Road, Deltona
Known largely for its naturally occurring (that’s right) green sulfur springs, this state park also offers an extensive scenic trail system perfect for viewing the pristine waters while hiking. The preserve covers 31 acres of land with scenic overlooks and pavilions scattered across the nature trails. Credit: Photo via Yelp

Lake Runnymede Conservation Area

4600 Rummell Road, St. Cloud
This short but sweet trail showcases some massive oak trees with limbs that snake in every direction. It’s perfect for a hiker looking for a good tree to climb or a picturesque place to snap some photos. Credit: Screengrab via Google Maps
Lake Louisa State Park U.S. 27 Highway 27, Clermont This four-mile one-way hiking trail showcases the habitats found along the shores of Lake Louisa, from scrublands to cypress groves. Credit: Photo via FloridaStateParks.org

Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park

5150 Dallas Blvd., Orlando
You’ll probably spot some planes overhead on this vast swath of prairie land located right outside Orlando International Airport. The trail is a five-mile flat path, perfect for hikers of all ages and abilities. Credit: Photo via Google Maps

Gemini Springs Park

Spring to Spring Trail, DeBary
Hikers at Gemini Springs Park can visit woodland spots once frequented by ancient civilizations who lived along the banks of these twin springs. The trails border the pristine spring pockets, granting hikers some pretty picturesque views. Credit: Photo via Google Maps

Black Hammock Wilderness Area

3276 Howard Ave., Oviedo
This 700-acre property was acquired as part of a comprehensive effort to preserve significant habitat along the shores of Lake Jesup. The hiking paths offer an approximately 4.5 miles of trails, bringing hikers through mixed hardwood swamp, sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods and more. It’s not hard to spot wildlife on this trail like barred owl, white-tailed deer, bobcats and snakes. The trails are open to hikers, bikers and any other outdoor enthusiasts. Credit: Photo via Yelp
Bill Frederick Park 3401 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando Located in the City Beautiful’s largest park, this winding nature trail is one way to escape urban life for a relaxing afternoon of exercise and outdoors. Credit: Photo via Orlando.gov

Kelly Park

400 E. Kelly Park Road, Apopka
Typically Kelly’s Parks Rock Springs are what draws the crowds to this park that shares some of its boundaries with Wekiwa State Park. However, if you’re looking for a scenic trail to hike through while staying dry, the Kelly Park Loop Trail is the way to go. Kelly Park got its start (and its name) when Dr. Howard Atwood Kelly, one of the founders of Johns Hopkins Hospital, gifted the spot to the city of Apopka in 1927 for use as a park, wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary. Credit: Photo via Yelp

Shadow Bay Park

5100 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando
Orlando’s Shadow Bay Park straddles an ancient shoreline and offers a network of trails winding through the scrub habitat and sandy footpaths. Along with the trails, this park also has a variety of recreational opportunities, like tennis pickleball, basketball, fishing and a playground. Credit: Photo via Yelp
Little Econ Greenway 2451 N. Dean Road, Orlando The Little Econ Greenway extends nearly 7.5 miles from the intersection of Alafaya Trail and Lokanotose Trail to Forsyth Road. Along the trail, hikers can find riverside recreation activities, picnicking spots, wildlife and canoe trails. Credit: Photo via Yelp

Clear Lake Park

2301 29th St., Orlando
This 1-mile loop is an ideal trail for hiking, birding, fishing and road biking. The trail is open year-round and is (leashed) dog-friendly. Credit: Photo via Yelp

Swamp Trail at Lake Griffin

3089 U.S. Highway 441-27, Fruitland Park
This trail is true to its name. Located in the swampy Central Florida woods, the nearly 1.5-mile trail is technically basin marsh, which is sometimes dry and sometimes filled with water. Either way, the trail offers its guests plenty of opportunities to see native plants and animals. Credit: Photo via FloridaStateParks.org
Greenwood Urban Wetlands 1411 Greenwood St., Orlando Greenland Urban Wetlands features a 19-acre nature park right here in Orlando. The hiking trail that surrounds the lake is a short and sweet one, but it’s filled with wildlife and scenic views. Plus, the park neighbors the historic Greenwood Cemetery, which may add a little extra thrill to your nature walk. Credit: Photo via Yelp

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