22 beautiful and easy hikes in the Orlando area

Florida Trail, Wheeler Road to Joshua Creek

Hatbill Road, Mims
With a $2-per-person fee at Joshua Creek Trailhead, this dog-friendly trail runs through Seminole Ranch and features ancient oaks and shaded hammocks. Hikers traveling along this 9.4-mile trail have plenty to view as the trail routes out of Orlando Wetlands Park and closer to the St. Johns River.

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Twin Oaks Conservation Area

2001 Macy Island Road, Kissimmee
Now serving as a 370-acre conservation area in Osceola County, this area consists of trails that are open for both hikers and equestrians. The 1.9-mile area also features a canoe launch, fishing pier and overnight campsite.

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Bear Creek Nature Trail

1535 Winter Springs Blvd., Winter Springs, FL 32708
It may be smaller than other trails, but it’s this very aspect, as well as the guiding light that is its loop shape, that makes this a perfect fit for the more inexperienced hikers out there. Follow along the creek for almost a mile for a free walk encompassing you in cypress, oaks and palms.

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Big Tree Park

761 General Hutchinson Parkway, Longwood
History has been growing here for a while now. The park was once known for being the home of The Senator, the oldest big cypress in the world until it was burned down by a fire in 2012, but visitors can still trek past many trees around the thousand-year mark. Make sure to stop by and see Lady Liberty, the most notable of these oldies on the free 0.3 trail, but get out before they lock the gates at sunset.

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Disney Wilderness Preserve

2700 Scrub Jay Trail Kissimmee
The Mouse presents to you a “choose your own adventure” of sorts. Hikers can early on decide to exit onto the short 1-mile route or stretch out their day by continuing on the 2.5-mile trail. Bird enthusiasts who get there at the beginning of the day will find this to be an ideal location to spy on their feathered friends. Your time there is free, but they will hint-hint, nudge-nudge you for a $2 donation. Some areas are temporarily closed due to Hurricane Irma.

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Bill Frederick Park

3401 S. Hiawassee Road
For just $2 per individual, you and your leashed pet can explore this local two-mile treat. Signs along your way will help you understand the foliage that has taken its hold on the park while a stop at a lake in the park will present you with a temporary marshy environment. If you want to hear the calming sounds of wildlife, however, add a nature album to your phone since the trail is right next to the hustle and bustle of the turnpike.

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Florida Trail, Bronson State Park

1350 Snow Hill Road, Geneva
Anyone deciding to take it slow on this 2.2-mile trail won’t be the only one for there are gopher tortoises aplenty sludging through the area. Before you head out with your $2 entry fee in hand, check the hunting schedule, which can limit the hiking and camping options. If you’re marching into this stop on the Florida Trail during said season, make sure to wear blaze orange so some hunter doesn’t pull a Dick Cheney on you.

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Black Bear Wilderness Loop Trail

5298 Michigan Ave., Sanford
This one is for the more skilled nature lovers out there. Bathe yourself in some bug spray and grip on tight to your walking stick in preparation for this seven-mile adventure that’s sure to have you covered on leg day. If you decide to rest at one of the primitive campsites, be sure to have your bear bag or canister ready. Although dogs are allowed, it’s recommended that hikers leave them at home if they wish to see some of the boars, deer and, yes, bears that creep along the path.

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Black Hammock WIlderness Area

3276 Howard Ave., Oviedo
Located in the nostalgic folds of Old Florida, this trail immediately starts off with something a bit different than its competitors. Collect some seashells at the beginning of your free 4.5-mile hike and later cross onto the trail’s famous boardwalks that take you high above the ground for your bromeliad-viewing pleasure.

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Lake Mills Park

1301 Tropical Ave., Chuluota
You may be tempted to get out your phone and take some Instagram-worthy photos, but try your best to enjoy the park’s beauty without the distraction of technology. Lake Mills Park is only 0.8 miles long, but hikers can bring along their pooch and view all of the park’s beauty for free: tall cypresses, oaks and a lakefront for fishing or kayaking.

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Sabal Point Sanctuary

8300 FL-46, Sanford
If you’re up for hiking a 7-mile trail, bring your leashed dog along and take a hike at Sabal Point Sanctuary. This is more of a simple trail that leads you to the center of a protected 2,500-acre floodplain forest. But if this route is too simple for you, try some of the unmarked trails that go off into the forest.

Photo via www.floridahikes.com

Florida Trail, Mills Creek

1350 Snow Hill Road, Geneva
Surrounded by ferns, ancient oaks, Spanish moss and bayhead swamps, this free 2-mile hike may take longer than usual as you find yourself stopping to admire its beauty. Don’t get too caught up in the foliage, though. The linear hike can be quite slippery and requires concentration as you cross certain paths. This slower, more relaxing hike is dog-friendly and also features a designated campsite and a picnic area with benches, so you can truly enjoy the beauty of nature.

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Econ River Wilderness

3795 Old Lockwood Road, Oviedo,
Not every trail is defined by a difficulty to get from Point A to Point B. This regularly maintained one will steer you through a variety of sights. Gaze at wildflowers, a bayhead swamp and the Econlockhatchee River for gratis for 3.2 miles. If you ruin your clothes on the hike, never fear; there’s some strip malls right around the corner.

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Rock Springs Run Hiking Trail

30601 County Road 433, Sorrento
For the more enthusiastic hikers, this 12.3-mile trail consists of two loop trains with access to pine flatwoods and a scrub forest. This area protects more than 14,000 acres along the Wekiva River basin. Because the area is so large, it is highly suggested to bring a map or GPS so you don’t get lost. You can even bring along your leashed pup for some company.

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Geneva Wilderness Area

3485 County Road 426, Geneva
Featuring prairie ponds and pine flatwoods, Geneva Wilderness Area has two main trails that hikers can travel upon, each winding their way through the park. Red diamonds can be seen along the Loop Trail, and yellow diamonds are connected to the Flagler Trail. This may be one of Florida’s shorter trails, being 1.8 miles long, but how can you say no to a free hike where you can explore various habitats?

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Kelly Park Loop Trail, Apopka

400 E Kelly Park Road, Apopka
While most people visit Kelly Park to go tubing down Rock Springs, there is also a 2.4-mile trail that hikers can enjoy as well. A fee of $3 per carload of one or two passengers, or $5 for three to eight passengers, is applied in order to hike the trails. Keep your eyes peeled in the wildlife preserve as you may see some deer or even bears.

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Split Oaks Forest WEA

Clapp Simms Duda Road
This historic area is home to a live oak tree that is more than two centuries old and split down the middle, hence the name. Hikers can travel along more than 9 miles of marked trail on open prairie, where there are lakes, ponds, oak hammocks and sandhill cranes.

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Florida Trail, LIttle Big Econ Forest

1350 Snow Hill Road, Geneva
You are guaranteed to break a sweat after hiking a solid 10-mile journey along the Econlockhatchee River, with more than 5,000 acres of uplands and cypress swamps. The trail is dog-friendly, so don’t hesitate to bring your pup along. If you’re looking for shorter hiking options, there are markers and bridges that can serve as turn-around points. Be careful not to plan a trip when it is raining or has recently rained. If the river is too high, the trail will flood and the hike should not be attempted. Although the hike is free, you have to pay a small parking fee at Barr Street trailhead.

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Hal Scott Preserve

4500 Dallas Blvd.
As of writing, Hal Scott Preserve is closed to flooding. But when it reopens, its broad, open prairies may be just what you need to clear your mind. Located within minutes of the Orlando International Airport, this free 5.1-mile trail features wildflowers, a historic crossing of the Econlockhatchee River and a campsite under an oak canopy. The area welcomes more than hikers, so keep an eye out for bicyclists and equestrians.

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Florida Trail, Chuluota Wilderness to Joshua Creek

3895 Curryville Road, Oviedo
If walking on a decline gets your blood pumping, this newly built Florida Trail may have what you’re looking for. Habitats transition from high, dry scrub to pine forests to floodplains of Buncombe and Joshua creeks. If this 4.3-mile trail is hiked southbound, you will feel as if you are walking downhill. Along with your $2 entry fee, you may want to bring an overnight bag and visit the campsite for backpackers at Joshua Creek. And bring your dog along, too!

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