Even though Orlando is currently rated the most dangerous city in the U.S for bicyclists and pedestrians, it is indeed possible to go biking and live to tell the tale. Orlando has plenty of safe, scenic and fun bike paths that run along some of the city’s best lakes, parks, bars and restaurants. Here are a few of our favorite local bike paths to explore.
Captions by Bridgette Norris and Gabby Baquero
Bike around Lake Baldwin Park
2000 S. Lakemont Ave., Winter Park, FL, 407-599-3334
This park is perfect spot for you and your date to relax and enjoy a lazy weekend. Plus, it’s dog-friendly.
Photo via fischapryce_1354/InstagramCelebration Trail
A bike can take you anywhere in Celebration. The community was built with everything in walking distance and bike-friendly. Stop by the lakeside town center for shops and restaurants.
Photo via Celebration Bike Rental/FacebookCross Seminole Trail
This trail travels through Oviedo and Winter Springs. For a pedaling break, Spring Hammock Preserve is an off-road experience.
Photo via msealesm/InstagramOrlando Urban Trail
Located in Downtown Orlando, this 2.6 mile trail is perfect for wildlife watching as it passes by several lakes. It ends at Loch Haven Park, which has the Orlando Science Center, the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.
Photo via Orlando Weekly/InstagramEast Central Regional Rail Trail
With recently completed constructed, the East Central Regional Rail Trail extends from Green Springs Park to State Road 415. Green Springs is one of the few green sulphur springs and can be considered a hidden gem with a playground, picnic area and parking.
Photo via jorgekbção/InstagramSpring to Spring Trail
While construction is still underway for the Spring to Spring trail, the entire path is paved and 15 of the 26 miles are complete. Once complete, the path will travel from Lake Monroe to DeLeon Springs. Parking is available in Lake Beresford Park and Blue Spring State Park.
Photo via joeldpotter/InstagramSt. Cloud Lakefront Park
Riding along the south shore of Lake Tohopekaliga, St. Cloud Lakefront Park gives runners, bikers and walkers two miles of an easy path with a great view. If looking for more than a lakefront view, bikers can take advantage of the boat ramp, sand beach and volleyball court or ride through “old” St. Cloud on New York Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue.
Photo via Marc Clery/News-GazetteKewanee Trail
While the trail is just over a mile and a half long, it is connected with Kewannee Park which is six acres with a pier, pavilion, exercise stations, basketball court and more. It also has a boardwalk with views of Florida’s wetlands habitats.
Photo via Patricia Messick/FacebookSouth Lake – Minneola Scenic Trail
This scenic 13 mile trail is centered in Clermont and travels by Lake Minneola and Clermont Waterfront Park which can be stops for restrooms, picnicking, swimming and fishing. If interested in a more challenging ride, the South Lake trail is being extended to connect with the West Orange Trail to create Central Florida biking trail, which provides some of the highest elevations of any rail-trail in the state.
Photo via goodtimeunicorn/InstagramCady Way Trail
Beginning at the intersection of Aloma Avenue and Howell Branch Road, the 6.5- mile Cady Way Trail winds through various residential neighborhoods and Fashion Square Mall. It links to Cross Seminole Trail and parking is available at Cady Way Park, Fashion Square Mall and Winter Pines Golf Course.
Photo via Sunshineinmotion/InstagramCasselberry Greenway Trail
Formally known as the Wirz trail, the five mile trail connects travelers to four parks, two schools and shopping areas.
Photo via Deannaisabel/InstagramLake Nona Trail
This tree-lined trail takes cyclists through Lake Nona on both paved and unpaved paths, and will reach 44 miles of trails once construction is done. Parking is available at the YMCA, nearby Moss park and alongside a few roads.
Photo via Lake Nona FacebookLake Underhill Path
The Lake Underhill bike path stretches for 2.5 miles and links through four parks: Lake Underhill Park, Orlando Festival Park, Col, Joe Kittinger Park and Park of the Americas. Health buffs also have the option of using the fitness stations scattered throughout the path.
Photo via Tracy E / YelpLittle Econ Greenway
This scenic trail takes avid cyclists, runners and joggers alike on an 8-mile journey featuring river views, scenic bridges, wildlife viewing spots and even a butterfly garden. Future expansions will link to the University of Central Florida, Cady Way Trail and Cross Seminole Trail. Parking is available at Jay Blanchard Park, Econ Soccer Complex, Arcadia Acres and on Harrel Road.
Photo via Sunshineinmotion/InstagramSeminole Wekiva Trail
This paved recreational and commuting path is about 14 miles, linking Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary and Longwood. The path is a part of the Seminole County’s Showcase Trails due to its scenery, many users and length.
Photo via Alisonm95/InstagramWest Orange Trail
Photo via /Instagram
Over twenty miles of paved trail travels through Killarney and Oakland, Winter Garden and downtown Apopka. When riding through the town of Tildenville, there’s a butterfly garden in the Tildenville outpost. Bike rentals are available at the Killarney Station in Oakland and the Winter Garden Station.
Photo via Janetsbarth/InstagramWalt Disney World Trail
To experience Disney on the cheap, one can use the bike path that progresses through the various disney theme parks. It also has a section with an unpaved nature trail for those who prefer more of a challenge. Guest parking can be found at Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness.
Photo via jmdracing/YouTubeMaitland Bike Route
The shady 5.5 mile Maitland Bike Route starts at Maitland Community Park and ends at Lake Lily Park, passing over a short boardwalk, a residential neighborhood, behind some businesses and nearby several schools.
Photo via Google Maps
