Orlando United States Hiking Areas

Best Hiking Areas in Orlando, United States

Orlando, Florida is renowned for its theme parks, but it also offers a variety of scenic trails and natural habitats perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking areas to explore:

  1. Wekiwa Springs State Park 🌳🏞️

    • Located just north of Orlando, Wekiwa Springs offers a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty levels. The park is home to diverse wildlife, crystal-clear springs, and beautiful forests.
    • Don’t miss: The Boiling Springs Trail, a 3.5-mile loop trail that takes you past the historic Boiling Springs and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing.

  2. Lake Louisa State Park 🌲🐾

    • About an hour west of Orlando, Lake Louisa State Park boasts beautiful lakes, hiking trails, and campgrounds. The park is a haven for wildlife, including alligators, bald eagles, and black bears.
    • Don’t miss: The 12-mile perimeter trail offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests.

  3. Seminole State Forest 🐾🌲

    • Situated east of Orlando, Seminole State Forest is a vast wilderness area with over 25 miles of hiking trails. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife and offers opportunities for camping and horseback riding.
    • Don’t miss: The Big Scrub Trail, a 4-mile loop trail that takes you through the unique Big Scrub ecosystem, one of the few remaining habitats of the endangered Florida scrub jay.

  4. Jonesville Trail 🌳🐾

    • Located northwest of Orlando, the Jonesville Trail is a 10-mile trail that winds through the forests and wetlands of the Wekiva River Basin. The trail offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
    • Don’t miss: The scenic overlooks along the trail offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

  5. Black Hammock Wilderness Area 🐊🌳

    • Just a short drive southeast of Orlando, Black Hammock Wilderness Area offers over 12 miles of hiking trails through swamps and forests. The area is known for its alligator population and offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking as well.
    • Don’t miss: The Boardwalk Trail, a short, easy trail that takes you through the heart of the swamp and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing.