While the changing seasons in northern states are marked by the changing vibrant reds, burnt oranges and golden yellow leaves, Florida’s fall season is noted by temperatures that are actually bearable for spending time outside.
Now that the days of highs in the 90s and sweltering humidity seem mostly behind us, take the opportunity to explore one of Central Florida’s trail systems that meander through one of Florida’s unique habitats, including pine flatwoods, wetlands, hydric hammocks, scrubs and open prairies.
While Florida doesn’t offer the mountaintop vistas and waterfalls found in other states, there are so many trails worth exploring with myriad flora and fauna to encounter along the way.
When hiking, always head out with a buddy, a plan, a map, bug repellent, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, snacks and plenty of water. And remember the basic principle of Leave No Trace: Take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time and leave nothing but footprints.
Sand Lake is a focal point for hikers away from the main spring boil at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Seminole County. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Wekiwa Springs State Park
While known as a hotspot for summertime swimming, Wekiwa Springs also provides a network of trails from half a mile to 13 miles. The Wet to Dry Trail takes hikers on a quick and easy jaunt on a scenic boardwalk that connects the spring boil to a shady wooded trail that’s part of both the white-blazed trail system and the orange-blazed Volksmarch Trail.
The latter takes visitors on a 5.3-mile loop that starts and ends at the main spring. The system of main hiking trails spans more than 13.5 miles into a dense forest near Rock Springs Run and an upland sandhill habitat with longleaf pines as far as the eye can see. Equestrian and off-road bicycle trails are also available.
White-tailed deer, gopher tortoises, turkeys, Sherman’s fox squirrels and a variety of birds can be seen from Wekiwa’s trails. Occasionally, a bobcat or Florida black bear can be spotted. The park is pet-friendly and offers swimming and kayaking options in addition to hiking trails. Admission is $6 per vehicle.
Address: 1800 Wekiwa Circle in Apopka
More information: floridastateparks.org
Nearby: Hiking and tubing at Rock Springs/Kelly Park and paddling options at nearby King’s Landing
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
Boardwalks take hikers over wet sections of Black Bear Wilderness Area in Seminole County. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Black Bear Wilderness Area
Trails and boardwalks wind through 1,600 acres of hydric hammock, cypress swamps and wet prairie habitats near the St. Johns River. This Sanford-area public land is a prime spot for viewing white-tailed deer, wood storks and the Florida black bear. A 7.1-mile loop trail follows the St. Johns River, and it’s not an easy hike. Slippery and uneven terrain might force hikers to go slow or bring a hiking stick. It’s also not advisable to hike when the St. Johns River is in flood stage — and be mindful of wild hogs. The site has no amenities at the trailhead except for a porta-potty; leashed pets are allowed.
Address: 5301 Michigan Ave. in Sanford
More information: seminolecountyfl.gov
Benches were installed on the new Lake Jesup boardwalk at Spring Hammock Preserve in Longwood. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Spring Hammock Preserve
Another one of Seminole County’s natural areas got a facelift this year in the form of a paved trail and boardwalk leading out to Lake Jesup. Accessibility was front of mind when planning the upgrades to the natural outdoor space. During a 2-mile round trip on the Osprey Trail out to the lake and back, stop to see an ancient cypress tree or pause on bridges that cross the tannic Soldiers Creek. The trail is open to hiking, cycling, bird watching, fishing, photography and picnicking; leashed pets are allowed.
Address: 2985 Osprey Trail in Longwood
More information: seminolecountyfl.gov
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
More than 20 miles of multi-use trails are ripe for exploration on foot, bike or horseback at Lake Louisa State Park in Lake County. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Lake Louisa State Park
Visit the scenic rolling hills of southern Lake County to discover a 4,500-acre outdoor playground that offers more than 20 miles of trails, glamping sites, horseback riding, paddling and more. Take a short nature walk of a mile or two, or connect hiking loops for a full day of 10-15 miles, navigating the park’s 11 distinct natural communities. Look out for gopher tortoises, fox squirrels and birds of prey. An entry fee of $5 per vehicle is required; leashed pets are allowed in most areas of the park.
Address: 7305 U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont
More information: floridastateparks.org
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
The Florida Trail runs through parts of Little Big Econ State Forest in Seminole County. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Little Big Econ State Forest
More than 10,000 acres of protected forest await hikers, mountain bikers and paddlers in Seminole County. The area derives its name from the fact that the Little Econlockhatchee and larger Econlockhatchee rivers meet just south of the forest. Little Big Econ contains 15 miles of hiking trails, including 9 miles of the Florida Trail. A popular hike is the 5.2-mile Kolokee Trail, which forms a loop from the Barr Street trailhead. Other activities include primitive camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and paddling on 17 miles of the winding Econlockhatchee River that runs through the forest. Leashed pets are permitted on the trails.
Trail access: 951 Barr St. in Oviedo or 2050 Snow Hill Road in Chuluota
More information: fdacs.gov
A roseate spoonbill seems to pose for the camera at Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmas. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando Wetlands Park
This city-managed park is actually located in Christmas, about 40 minutes east of Orlando, and features opportunities for photography, hiking, biking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The 1,650-acre swath of land looks pristine but was first created to provide advanced treatment of reclaimed wastewater. What was originally designed as an experiment has succeeded and transformed the land into a birding destination featuring more than 220 bird species and 63 butterfly species.
For hikers or cyclists, there are many routes and loops that can be created from the park’s trails. One birding loop is 2 miles, while another easy loop trail is 3.9 miles. Parking is available at the entrance of the park, which offers free admission. Note that the park is closed on Monday. Motorized vehicles and pets are prohibited at Orlando Wetlands Park, but horses and bikes are welcome.
Address: 25155 Wheeler Road in Christmas
More information: orlando.gov
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
A network of short trails takes visitors around Oakland Nature Preserve. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Oakland Nature Preserve
Winter Garden’s Oakland Nature Preserve has an outdoor classroom, an education center and interpretive signs throughout a short network of trails. A network of color-coded trails, ranging in length from 0.2-0.7 miles, takes guests around the preserve. Along the green trail, hikers can find a dedicated birdwatching area and outdoor classroom. The white trail leads to a sinkhole, while the orange trail provides outdoor exercise stations. It’s worth walking the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk out to Lake Apopka. Bikes, roller skates and skateboards aren’t allowed on the trails of ONP, nor are pets.
Location: 747 Machette Trail in Oakland
More information: oaklandnaturepreserve.org
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
A Florida scrub-jay is perched next to a trail in Blue Spring State Park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Blue Spring State Park
Just 45 minutes north of Orlando, a wintertime oasis for manatees and humans alike beckons visitors for a hike and some peace of mind. On a chilly day, stroll along the park’s boardwalk to view hundreds of manatees congregating in the 72-degree spring waters, something the marine mammals depend upon for survival. Or make a short walk to the spring boil to see more than 70 million gallons of water being pumped out daily.
The 3.5-mile Pine Island Trail is an out-and-back trip (7 miles total) that takes hikers to the St. Johns River. The half-mile Scrub Jay Loop is a prime place for spotting the state’s only endemic bird, which is threatened due to habitat loss. Leashed pets are welcome. Admission is $6 per vehicle.
Address: 2100 W. French Ave. in Orange City
More information: floridastateparks.org
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
Longleaf pines and oak trees tower over visitors at Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Mead Botanical Gardens
This 47-acre Winter Park oasis includes an amphitheater, butterfly garden, boardwalk and a diverse collection of Florida ecosystems. It’s a place that makes for an ideal mile-long stroll with friends, family or a leashed pet. The trails are a great opportunity for bird watching, identifying plants or geocaching. Shaded benches and patches of grass can also provide places to sit for a bit or have a picnic. Admission is free, and parking is available on-site for this urban escape. Leashed dogs are allowed.
Address: 1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park
More information: meadgarden.org
Pristine wetlands are found on the western side of the Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Split Oak Forest
The 2,000-acre Split Oak Forest, located about 40 minutes southeast of Orlando, contains a 200-year-old live oak that split down the middle and survived, the namesake of the forest. The natural land is currently threatened by a planned toll road, even after a ballot measure that won 86% of Orange County votes cast in November 2020. A 6.4-mile trail takes hikers around the perimeter of the preserve, but shorter trails are available while still taking visitors past the famous split oak. Restrooms aren’t available at the trailhead, but they are available at nearby Moss Park. Leashed dogs are allowed.
Address: 12175 Clapp Simms Duda Road in Orlando
More information: myfwc.com
Hikers enjoy the newly opened D Ranch Preserve in Osteen, which presents 476 acres of protected land, including scrub habitat and wetlands. The land is open for hiking, wildlife viewing and nature photography. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
D Ranch Preserve
Earlier this year, nonprofit Conservation Florida opened the 476-acre D Ranch Preserve to the public to showcase wetland, flatwoods, scrub and open pasture habitats on former ranch land. Explore 3.5 miles of scenic trails while keeping an eye out for bald eagles, gopher tortoises and cattle that still graze on the property. Pets are not permitted except for service animals.
Address: 2655 Reed Ellis Road in Osteen
More information: conservationfla.org
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
Cyclists take advantage of a mild fall day on the West Orange Trail. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Urban Gems
The Cady Way Trail is a 7.2-mile paved corridor linking Orlando and Winter Park that connects to the Cross Seminole Trail. Access the trail at multiple locations, including Cady Way Park or a trailhead near the Fashion Square Mall. Take a detour to explore the 2.5-mile paved loop around Lake Baldwin. More information: orangecountyfl.net
The Cross Seminole Trail picks up where the Cady Way Trail leaves off at the intersection of Aloma Avenue and Howell Branch Road in Winter Park. From there, the trail takes a 23-mile journey through Oviedo and Winter Springs before it passes through Spring Hammock Preserve and Big Tree Park. The trail then heads northward toward Sanford and has a bridge across I-4, connecting it with the Seminole Wekiva Trail. There’s also an option to cross the St. Johns River into DeBary and connect with the paved Spring-to-Spring Trail. More information: seminolecountyfl.gov
The Seminole Wekiva Trail spans nearly 14 miles from the southwestern corner of Seminole County, heading northward and passing by the Markham Woods trail system along the way. The route’s northern terminus ends near Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park. The Florida Trail shares several miles in common with the Seminole Wekiva Trail. More information: seminolecountyfl.gov
The West Orange Trail spans 22 miles in between Apopka and Killarney Station, just east of the Lake County Line. Stop in downtown Winter Garden along the way or take a stroll at Oakland Nature Preserve, which sits along the trail. Extend the ride by connecting to the South Lake Trail, which runs through Clermont and near Lake Minneola. More information: orangecountyfl.net