10 Best Hikes Near Orlando
Explore Orlando’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
The best Orlando hikes take you to urban rail trails where you’ll get close to stunning nature but not too far from the comforts of the city. While hiking in the Orlando area, you’ll have a chance to see Florida’s wildlife including birds, deer, turtles, otters, and more.
While your mind might immediately go to the famed amusement parks the city is known for, there is so much more to do outside the gates of Disney World and Universal Studios. The Orlando area is home to spectacular wetlands, prairie and forested habitats with networks of trails running through them ready to be hiked.
1. Wekiwa Springs Hiking Trail
Great views from the boardwalk over the spring
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
You’ll find Wekiwa Springs State Park just a short drive north of Orlando. This beautifully diverse natural space is one of the best places to hike in the Orlando area because it can accommodate nearly any style of hike you’re in the mood for. There are various trails from 1 to 22 km long.
Hiking along the Wekiwa Springs Hiking Trail, you’ll find yourself among the lush surroundings of longleaf pines, cypress and an understory of ferns. It’s important to remember that Orlando’s climate can be hot and humid. Make sure to hike with water, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Localização: 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712, USA
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm
Telefone: +1 407-553-4383
Wekiwa Springs Hiking Trail
2. Disney Wilderness Preserve
Old cattle ranch turned nature preserve, funded by the Walt Disney Company
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Disney Wilderness Preserve is like Disney World for nature lovers (though, the entertainment company is not affiliated). It’s a place to see a host of protected flora and fauna. Whether you like a more rigorous hike or prefer a milder wildlife-watching pace, you’ll find a trail that suits you here. And if you’re in the latter category, consider visiting for the monthly early-birding days.
There are 3 main trails at Disney Wilderness Preserve. The shortest, a loop of around 1 km, is the White Harden Trail. The Red Wilderness Trail is a 4-km loop that takes you past Lake Russell. The Yellow Trail, a 9.5-km loop, gives you the best look at the restored wetlands.
Localização: 2700 Scrub Jay Trail, Poinciana, FL 34759, USA
Abre: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 4.30 pm (closed on Sundays)
Telefone: +1 407-935-0002
Disney Wilderness Preserve
3. Orlando Urban Trail
Via Orlando Science Center and multiple art museums
Ideal para: Famílias, Econômico
If you’re spending time in downtown Orlando, then hiking the paved Orlando Urban Trail should be on your travel itinerary. As you pass lake after lake and cross bridges to picturesque vistas, you’ll see why it’s regarded as Orlando’s most scenic trail.
The 5-km-long trail is plenty wide, making it easy for cyclists, dog walkers and hikers to co-exist. It’s advised to hike the Orlando Urban Trail during the day as the path is not very well-lit for nighttime strolls.
Localização: N Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32804, USA
Abre: Daily from 7 am to 8 pm
Orlando Urban Trail
4. Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
Nestled between Lake Mabel and Lake Tibet
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Hiking the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve opens up a natural wonderland of dense oak forest, wild bogs and pond cypresses. Most of the trails are gentle and suitable for all abilities. The Palmetto Passage, however, is not recommended for novice hikers as it is prone to flooding and rough conditions.
Before embarking on your hike, stop at the Vera Carter Environmental Center. Inside, you can get a sneak peek at the wildlife you may or may not encounter in the surrounding preserve. Or ask your burning nature-related questions to the interpretive staff. If you prefer guided hikes, call in advance.
Localização: 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836, USA
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Telefone: +1 407-254-1940
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
5. Seminole-Wekiva Trail
A former railroad corridor turned multi-use trail
Ideal para: História, Foto
The 22 km-long Seminole-Wekiva Trail is one of the best trails near Orlando, and a gem of Seminole County. There are 5 convenient trailheads where you can join the trail. If you want to hike the whole thing, start at either of the endpoints: San Sebastian Trailhead or Markham Trailhead.
The Seminole-Wekiva Trail traverses many beautiful parks, a softball complex and even passes by Wekiwa Springs State Park. It is a fully paved trail, wide enough to comfortably host hikers, bikers and dog walkers in harmony. Take a moment to stop along the way, enjoy the scenery and read the historical markers noting information about the old railroad that used to run through the area.
Localização: 753 W State Rd 436, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, USA
Abre: Daily from sunrise to sunset
Telefone: +1 407-665-0000
Seminole-Wekiva Trail
6. Cady Way Trail
A well-maintained rail trail
Ideal para: Econômico, Alimentação, Compras
When you spend a day on the Cady Way Trail you have access to not only nature but great shopping and eateries in Orlando. The 12 km paved trail is a segment of a larger regional trail and connects several high-traffic areas like Fashion Square Mall and Downtown Baldwin Park.
The Cady Way Trail is particularly popular on weekends and evenings, so if you’re looking for some solitude, make sure to visit the trail during off-peak hours. For comfort, the trail offers plenty of sheltered rest stations, benches and drinking water fountains along the way.
Localização: Cady Way Trail, Winter Park, FL 32792, USA
Abre: Daily from sunrise to sunset
Cady Way Trail
7. Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park
Trails run along the shoreline of the Econlockhatchee River
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
At the Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park, you can enjoy wide open spaces and well-groomed trails. There are 3 main trails you can hike, plus several connector trails to make the loops shorter or longer. The white blaze trail loop is the shortest at 7 km and the yellow blaze trail loop is the longest at 10 km.
Besides hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers also use the dirt trails, so be prepared to step to the side of the singletrack to accommodate each other. Camping is also allowed at Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park if you’d like to turn your hiking trip into a whole camping weekend.
Localização: 4500 Dallas Blvd, Orlando, FL 32833, USA
Abre: Daily from sunrise to sunset
Telefone: +1 386-329-4404
Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park
8. Shingle Creek Trail
Cypress trees that were once used to make shingles for early settler homes
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico
Orlando’s Shingle Creek Trail is currently one of the best places to hike in the area and will only get better in the years to come. Once fully completed it will connect Orlando to Orange County, Osceola County and the City of Kissimmee. As it stands today, the trail runs from Eagle Nest Park to Oak Ridge Road. It passes through a mix of rural and suburban scenery.
Perhaps the best segment of the trail is the scenic 3 km loop around Lake Fran. Surrounding the lake is an urban wetland habitat. Bring your binoculars to enjoy the wide variety of birds enjoying this secluded oasis.
Localização: 13400 Town Loop Blvd, Orlando, FL 32837, USA
Abre: Daily from sunrise to sunset
Shingle Creek Trail
9. Kelly Park
Strict park capacity keeps the trails from becoming too crowded
Ideal para: Famílias, Aventura
Hike among stunning scenery at Kelly Park, northwest of Orlando. As you traverse the trails you’ll walk along the crystal-clear waters of Rock Springs Run, with the likelihood of seeing turtles, fish and otters swimming by. The trail is mostly shaded and is a mix of pavement, turning to crushed gravel and dirt and back to pavement. There are plenty of places to stop for photos or sit on a bench and rest along the way.
Stick around after your hike for more fun at Kelly Park. Kayak, paddleboard, camp and visit the concession stand for a snack. There’s a small fee to enter. Cars line up to get into this popular county park, so try to arrive early.
Localização: 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712, USA
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +1 407-254-1902
Kelly Park
10. Three Lakes Loop
Meander through a pristine 2,000-acre preserve
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Three Lakes Loop is a popular and easy hiking trail about 40 minutes south of Orlando known for its panoramic prairie views. As the name suggests, the 8 km loop passes by 3 serene lakes in the Split Oak Forest. The trail is mostly sand and can often be wet, so be sure to wear sensible hiking shoes with good tread.
Be prepared to see lots of wildlife while hiking Three Lakes Loop. In fact, the surrounding forest is a popular hunting spot for deer and wild turkeys. Without much tree cover, keep the sunscreen handy.
Localização: 1702-1672 Prairie Lakes Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739, USA
Abre: Daily from sunrise to sunset
Telefone: +1 352-732-1225
Three Lakes Loop
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