25 beautiful hikes in the Orlando area everyone should explore

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/Instagram

Tibet-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/Instagram

Wekiwa 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/Instagram

Florida 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/Flickr

Split 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/Instagram

Disney 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_/Instagram

Spring 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/Instagram

Twin 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/Instagram

Trimble 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/Instagram

Econ 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/Instagram

Orlando 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/Instagram

Oakland 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/Instagram

Green 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/Instagram

Lake 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/Instagram

Lyonia 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/Instagram

Florida 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/Instagram

Lake 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/Instagram

Hal 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/Instagram

Sabal 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/Instagram

Lake 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/Flickr