Orlando is a great city for all types of cyclists, whether it be competitive, casual, or even a family outing with the children. Being part of the rails to trails project, Orlando has already begun converting a multitude of old railroads into cycling paths. In the general Orlando area there are a handful of trails that stand out as the best in the area, and arguably the best in the State. Here’s our pick for the best cycling trails in and around Orlando.
5. Seminole Wekiva Trail
Overview: This is an absolutely gorgeous trail with a handful of surprises in store along the way. It runs along the former line of the Orange Belt Railway and offers a peaceful, well-marked option for cyclists.
Notable Features: This trail is unlike others in many ways. Most notably, the trail art spread along the first half of the trail. Local artists have been given the approval to paint the trail view section of residential fences. Throughout your ride, you will see a variety of art ranging from comic strips to movie poster renditions and more.
Via cloudfront.traillink.com
Via cloudfront.traillink.com
Overview: This is an absolutely gorgeous trail with a handful of surprises in store along the way. It runs along the former line of the Orange Belt Railway and offers a peaceful, well-marked option for cyclists.
Notable Features: This trail is unlike others in many ways. Most notably, the trail art spread along the first half of the trail. Local artists have been given the approval to paint the trail view section of residential fences. Throughout your ride, you will see a variety of art ranging from comic strips to movie poster renditions and more.
Length: 14 Miles
Trail Access: The San Sebastian Trailhead is currently the best place to start this trail if you plan on traveling North to South. This trailhead is not technically the start of the trail, but all sections before it are either still under construction or have scant options for parking.
You can access the trailhead from 436/Semoran Boulevard. The entrance is roughly 1.5 miles off of I4 and is well marked. There is shaded parking and benches if you are planning to have lunch before or after your ride.
4. General James A Van Fleet
Overview: This scenic rural trail is on the outskirts of what would be considered the greater Orlando area, but due to its charismatic appeal, it makes it onto this list. The James A. Van Fleet State Trail runs 29 miles through Central Florida’s rural wetlands. This trail has a lot to look at, without very many intersections. This being said, it’s nearly all nature. There isn’t much change in scenery but you are almost guaranteed to see a variety of birds, tortoises, snakes, bore and even the occasional alligator.
Notable Features: This straight-line trail is great for those looking hop on their bike, clip their shoes in, tune out the world and just go. It is on the boundary of the Green Swamp, Florida’s protected wetland wildlife areas. Thanks to its remote setting, it is a lesser traveled trail and you will see significantly fewer cyclists here than on other trails in the area.
Via cloudfront.traillink.com
Via cloudfront.traillink.com
Length: 29 Miles
Trail Access: There are multiple trailheads, all providing sufficient parking. Depending on where you are coming from, the best trailhead with vary.The Polk City trailhead can be accessed from Lakeland. This is a bit of a trek for those traveling from Orlando but is an option.
The Green Pond Trailhead can be accessed from Clermont off of Route 33.The Mabel Trailhead is the best trailhead for those cyclists coming from the city center of Orlando. It is located just off of state road 50 but has multiple route access options.
3. Cross Seminole
Overview: One of the longer Orlando area trails, the Cross Seminole Trail stretches from some of Orlando’s most densely populated areas all the way up to beautiful rural/residential Oviedo. This is a fairly popular trail due to its ease of access and convenient path to much of the greater Orlando area’s popular destinations.
Notable Features: The length and quality of this trail is its main winning feature. You can use this trail as a commuter path or, if you ride it there and back, a great way to easily knock out a 50-mile cycling trip.
Via cloudfront.traillink.com
Via cloudfront.traillink.com
Length: 22.8
Trail Access: There are multiple trailheads, but the most popular is the Aloma Avenue trailhead. It can be accessed from SR 436/Semoran and Aloma.
Other trailheads are Black Hammock Trailhead (Located near Sanford Oviedo), the Layer Elementary Trailhead (West Sanford), and the Lake Mary Trailhead located near Reinhart Road.
2. Cady Way/Lake Baldwin
Overview: The Cady Way’s claim to fame is its convenience for cyclists and pedestrians who are looking for a trail that links popular neighborhoods and shopping areas. It runs from the start of the Cross Seminole Trail’s Aloma trailhead to the Fashion Square Mall.
Notable Features: This is a great commuter trail. It gives a handful of residential areas, including Baldwin Park access to a safe route towards downtown. It is also right on Cady Way Park, which hosts soccer, softball, and football games for local leagues.
Via cloudfront.traillink.com
Via cloudfront.traillink.com
Length: 6.5
Trail Access: Parking for this trail is available in 3 main places. One of the most popular parking areas is at Cady Way Park. This can be accessed off of Semoran and Aloma.
The Fashion Square Mall entrance is located near the post office near the mall on SR 50.
The Winter Pines Golf Course entrance can be accessed off of South Ranger Boulevard in Winter Park.
1. West Orange Trail
Overview: The West Orange Trail is a favorite amongst local cyclists. It is arguably one of the most popular trails in Florida. There are a variety of “stations” scattered amongst the trail that marks different sections and gives riders the chance to take a break, refill water, and have a snack.
Notable Features: This trail is known for its variety of trail scenery. The trail ranges from busy downtown Winter Garden where you can stop on the trail for shopping, ice cream, food, among many other things. Other sections of the trail include Orange groves, heavily wooded areas where you can see a variety of wildlife, as well as through residential areas.
Via cloudfront.traillink.com
Via cloudfront.traillink.com
Length: 22
Trail Access: The main trailhead is Killarney Station. It is near exit 272 on the Turnpike and has ample parking. There is even a small bike shop here where you can fill your tires for free and pick up last minute supplies for your ride.
Other trailheads include the Northern Trailhead which is located at the intersection of Route 435 and East Welch Road. Note: There is no parking at this trailhead, but you can find parking along the route.
Orlando is by far one of the best cities in Florida for cyclists. The trails options are plentiful and well maintained. Any of these trails are a great option if you are looking for a cycling path in the greater Orlando Area.