While Orlando may not be within a stone’s throw of any of Florida’s beautiful beaches, Orlandoans do have the benefit of being close to a number of hiking and biking trails — from the Orlando Urban Trail, snaking through the city and surrounding areas, to the 7-mile beaut of a trail at Black Bear Wilderness Area in Sanford, just a short drive away.
Orlando, and its surrounding areas in the Central Florida region, feature both short and long trails. Trails that are paved, and those that aren’t, and some trails that are more remote and can therefore offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Many of the various lakes throughout the region, for instance, also offer paved sidewalks, not to mention one hell of a view for sunrise and sunset. Who you enjoy these sights and fresh air with — or if you want to enjoy the outdoors on your own — is your decision. Bring the fam, friends, a date, or maybe even a pet, if pets are permitted. (Check park/trail rules: There are some that specifically prohibit horses, for instance.)
Suffice it to say, there are a number of ways to enjoy the outdoors — when the heat isn’t stifling, that is. Some of the area’s trails can also be found near local springs, so when it gets too hot to take another step on a trail, you can hop into the water instead.
Here are some of our favorite trails in the area for local cyclists and those trekking on foot:
For the bikers:
Orlando Urban Trail
Length: 3 miles (or up to 5.5 miles, according to BikeOrlando)
Location: Runs from Lake Highland through Loch Haven Park to Mead Garden
Lake Apopka Loop Trail
Length: 14.6 to 18 miles
Location: Trail starts at Magnolia Park (2929 S. Binion Road, Apopka)
Cady Way Trail
Length: 7.2 miles
Location: 821 Herndon Ave.
Lake Baldwin Park Loop
Length: 2.5 miles
Location: 2000 S. Lakemont Ave., Winter Park
West Orange Trail
Length: 22 miles
Location: 501 Crown Point Cross Road, Winter Garden
Little Econ Greenway
Length: 7.5 miles
Location: 2451 N. Dean Road
For hiking:
Black Bear Wilderness Area
Length: 7.1 miles
Location: 5298 Michigan Ave., Sanford
Wekiwa Springs Hiking Trail
Length: Approximately 10 miles
Location: 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka
Orlando Wetlands Park
Length: Nearly 20 miles of trails with 3.7-mile loop, 2-mile loop and 5-mile loop options
Location: 25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas
Lake Louisa State Park
Length: 4 miles
Location: U.S. 27 Highway 27, Clermont
Disney Wilderness Preserve
Length: Trails ranging from 0.5 miles to 5.3 miles long
Location: 2700 Scrub Jay Trail, Poinciana
Black Hammock Wilderness Area
Length: 4.5 miles
Location: 3276 Howard Ave., Oviedo
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This article appears in City Guide 2025 and City Guide (2025).