With warm temperatures year-round, Orlando, Florida, is a perfect place to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine.
Here are five of the most stunning trails in Central Florida. You can’t go wrong hiking on any of them during your next Orlando vacation.
Orlando’s Top Hiking Trails
Lake Eola Loop
Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola is a sparkling lake with gorgeous views of the city.
The Lake Eola trail loops a scenic 0.9 miles around the lake’s perimeter and through Lake Eola Park. While you hike, feed the local swans, bird-watch, take in the skyline, and grab a bite to eat.
Hal Scott Preserve
For those wanting to get deeper into nature, the 9,000-acre Hal Scott Preserve offers 17 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The preserve is home to various wildlife, including bald eagles, gopher tortoises, and river otters. The park operates from sunrise to sunset, so feel free to plan an all-day hike.
Mead Botanical Garden
Just north of Orlando in Winter Park lies Mead Botanical Garden, a 47-acre park with a greenhouse, butterfly garden, and hiking trails.
Learn how to spot local birds through a guided hike with the Orange Audubon Society. Then hit the trails on your own, exploring the lush gardens. They are open from 8 a.m. until dusk, and admission is free.
Bill Frederick Park
At 183 acres, Bill Frederick Park is the largest park in Orlando city limits. A 2.4-mile hiking trail loops around the park.
The first mile of the loop is a rugged natural-surface trail. It connects with a paved bicycle path that allows for smooth walking for the other 1.4 miles. When done hiking, you can relax at the picnic grounds or play a round of disc golf.
Shingle Creek Trail
The wide Shingle Creek Trail winds through suburban and rural landscapes in Orange and Osceola counties.
The trail is currently 17 miles long but will eventually run for 32 miles, connecting Orlando and Kissimmee. A recent expansion connects the trail to Sand Lake Road, making it accessible to those visiting the Orange County Convention Center.
Relax at Rosen Shingle Creek
When planning your hike to Orlando, book at room at our hotel, which is conveniently located near International Drive, minutes away from SeaWorld Orlando and many of the area’s top attractions and restaurants. And it’s home to the Shingle Creek Trail.
