Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Orlando, Florida, United States

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Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Orlando, Florida, United States

1. Wekiwa Springs State Park

Enjoy a variety of trails through lush woods and along Wekiwa River. Spot wildlife such as deer, alligators, and otters.
  • River Access: Provides opportunities for swimming and canoeing in the spring-fed Wekiwa River
  • Wildlife Viewing: Offers a chance to observe local wildlife including birds, alligators, and turtles.
  • Historic Sites: Includes historic Seminole-built rock boils and the site of a former 19th century hotel

2. Moss Park Loop Trail

Challenging hike through diverse landscapes including wetlands, hardwood forests, and sand pine scrub.
  • Difficulty Level: Considered a moderate to difficult hiking trail due to its length and steep terrain.
  • Wildlife Sanctuary: Serves as a sanctuary for various bird species like sandhill cranes, eagles, and ospreys.
  • Camping Availability: Adjacent campground allows for overnight stays to extend the hiking experience.

3. Black Bear Wilderness Area

Explore secluded trails in a vast wilderness area, home to black bears and other wildlife.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Offers a high probability of seeing black bears, along with deer, bobcats, and turkeys.
  • Primitive Camping: Provides primitive campgrounds for a true backcountry experience.
  • Remote Location: Located far from urban areas, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed hike.

4. Seminole State Forest

Experience long-distance backpacking through diverse habitats like swamps, prairies, and sandhills.
  • Backpacking Opportunities: Offers multi-day backpacking trips for a true wilderness experience.
  • Florida Scenery: Showcases unique Florida landscapes such as cypress swamps, prairies, and pine flatwoods.
  • Remote Backcountry Campsites: Provides campsites deep in the forest for an isolated camping experience.

5. Lake Louisa State Park

Hike through diverse landscapes around three interconnected lakes.
  • Scenic Lakes: Features beautiful views of Lake Louisa, Lake Beauclair, and Lake Dixie.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot alligators, otters, and a variety of bird species.
  • Historic Sites: Includes the historic Old Lake Louisa Hotel ruins.

6. Twin Oaks Conservation Area

Explore sandhill ecosystems and enjoy birdwatching opportunities.
  • Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for spotting birds like sandhill cranes, eagles, and ospreys.
  • Sandhill Ecosystems: Showcases unique sandhill ecosystems with scrub oak forests and wiregrass prairies.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Offers a chance to observe local wildlife including deer, bobcats, and turkeys.

7. Twin Rivers Greenway

Hike along the Econlockhatchee River and Wekiva River.
  • River Access: Provides opportunities for canoeing or kayaking on both rivers.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Offers chances to spot wildlife like alligators, otters, and a variety of bird species.
  • Historic Sites: Includes the historic Seminole-built rock boils along the Econlockhatchee River.

8. Greenwood State Forest

Hike through a large forest with multiple trails offering various difficulty levels.
  • Multiple Trails: Offers several trails of varying lengths and difficulties, catering to different hiking preferences.
  • Forest Exploration: Provides opportunities to explore diverse forest ecosystems including longleaf pine forests.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Offers a chance to observe wildlife such as deer, bobcats, and turkeys.

9. Ocala National Forest

Experience a vast forest with multiple trails for hiking, camping, and horseback riding.
  • Backpacking Opportunities: Offers multi-day backpacking trips in the wilderness areas.
  • Lakes and Rivers: Features numerous lakes, rivers, and springs, providing opportunities for canoeing and swimming.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Offers a chance to observe wildlife like black bears, deer, bobcats, and alligators.

10. Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Explore diverse habitats including sand pine scrub, hardwood hammocks, and tidal marshes.
  • Diverse Habitats: Offers a variety of ecosystems to explore such as sand pine scrub, hardwood hammocks, and tidal marshes.
  • Historic Sites: Includes the historic Trapper Nelson's Cabin and a Coast Guard station from World War II.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot wildlife like alligators, otters, and a variety of bird species.

11. Harry P. Leu Gardens

Enjoy a tranquil walk through beautiful gardens with native Florida plants and exotic species.
  • Beautiful Scenery: Features stunning gardens filled with native Florida plants and exotic species.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs, workshops, and guided tours about horticulture and conservation.
  • Conservation Efforts: Actively involved in conservation efforts to preserve Florida's native plant species.

12. Kelly Park (Rock Springs Run)

Enjoy a scenic hike along the Rock Springs Run leading to a refreshing swimming hole.
  • Swimming Hole: Features a crystal-clear spring-fed swimming hole at the end of the trail.
  • River Access: Provides opportunities for canoeing or kayaking on Rock Springs Run.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Offers a chance to spot wildlife like turtles, fish, and birds.

13. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

Drive through a wildlife refuge with opportunities to spot numerous bird species.
  • Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.
  • Restored Wetlands: Features restored wetlands that have brought back a diverse array of wildlife.
  • Educational Programs: Provides educational programs and guided tours about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.

14. DeLeon Springs State Park

Hike through a beautiful park with diverse landscapes and opportunities for horseback riding.
  • Horseback Riding: Allows horseback riding on designated trails.
  • Historic Sites: Includes a historic sugar mill and the site of an early Spanish settlement.
  • Scenic Views: Offers scenic views of the spring-fed Lake Woodruff and surrounding forests.

15. St. John's River State Park

Hike along the St. John's River with opportunities for canoeing or kayaking.
  • River Access: Provides opportunities for canoeing or kayaking on the St. John's River.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Offers a chance to spot wildlife like alligators, otters, and a variety of bird species.
  • Historic Sites: Includes remnants of an early 1800s settlement and a historic watermill.