The land of 10,000 lakes may technically be Minnesota, but I would make an argument that Central Florida can be considered the land of 10,001.
Lake Eola Park
Orlando’s crown jewel, this downtown park is my go-to for walks. I’ve had countless conversations diving into the depths of life walking around Lake Eola with a Deeply Coffee in hand. I’ve spent many “chilly” nights running around the lake in my beanie and mittens blasting Carly Rae Jepsen in my AirPods. I’ve abandoned many farmer’s markets after losing my dignity being chased by the needlessly aggressive swans who call the lake home.
Regardless of its quirks, the sparkling skyline reflected in the downtown waters of Lake Eola is unmatched. The paved trail around the lake is about a mile and has two sets of public bathrooms. Restaurants separate some of the park from the road, making a snack break easy. There’s even a Publix a block away. While strolling, be sure to check out the art displays.
Wildlife includes the “majestic” swans and turtles swimming. On nice days, the park even has swan boats you can rent, $15/30 minutes. Street parking is around the perimeter of the park for $2.75/hour.
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
This park is so close to the Magic Kingdom, you can hear the horn from the ferry boat! Sitting just under three miles away from Cinderella Castle, the secluded wetlands are home to a number of Florida critters. With an interpretive center and almost four miles of trails, this is one of the best ways for Disney-goers to see some of the “real Florida.” One of the trails leads to an elevated platform overlooking a pond filled with lily pads. Gators sometimes pop up for air between the green blobs. Another winds through a forest of tall pines. The visitor center is pretty small, but has a few nice exhibits.
Shingle Creek Trail
The Shingle Creek Trail follows the small creek bearing the same name, and cutting through Orlando. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cohesive trail that continues the whole way. The longest stretch barely crawls a few miles. Each part of the trail is different. I’ve seen alligators, river otters and deer (all in different sections of course).
I think the city is eventually planning to link them all together, but until then we’re forced to turn around and drive to the next, unless trespassing on Universal’s land is on your bucket list.
~SIDE NOTE: There IS technically a trail extension, but the one time I tired to go running on it, a Universal Orlando security officer caught up with me eerily fast. I wouldn’t recommend it…~
Mead Botanical Gardens
These free gardens in Winter Park are a hidden gem! Literally in the middle of the city, it’s 47 acres provide a break from the craziness of the city. The gardens opened in 1940, as a place to permanently display Theodore Mead’s extensive plan collection. The acclaimed naturalist was very involved with the nearby Rollins College.
The park features, according to their site, hiking trails, creeks, boardwalks, tall pine trees, a greenhouse, a butterfly garden and a pond (oh my). They host a number of events, ranging from athletic activities (Tai Chi and yoga), to candlelight Mozart concerts. As of writing, the boardwalk was twisted from Hurricane Ian, but hopefully it’ll be fixed soon! If the few trails inside the park aren’t enough, the surrounding neighborhoods have some gorgeous houses.
Disney Wilderness Preserve
Disney’s fifth theme park has opened, without any rides, attractions, food or life-size cartoon characters! Only kidding. The preserve isn’t technically affiliated with the Walt Disney Company, but its preservation and monitoring efforts are funded by them. It, in part, is a model for offsetting development with preservation. Aside from TWDC, the Orlando Aviation Authority also contributed land to balance their airport expansion.
The preserve is one of four campus preserves under The Nature Conservancy’s Florida Center for Conservation Initiatives. A mouth-full, but it basically describes the area as one for restoration and preservation of Florida wildlife. Inside, over 1,000 species of plants and animals can be found. The nine miles of trails wind around wetlands and to the undeveloped Lake Russell (seen above). Some of their conservation efforts can be outlined here, but include animals like the Florida Scrub-Jay. They do frequent burns at the park to maintain the brush, which lends some pretty cool scenes:
West Orange Trail
While better suited with a bike, this trail is still a great place to take a walk! This monstrosity of a trail starts at the Lake County border, swinging around Lake Apopka, terminating a bit north of Apopka, 22 miles later. The section passing through downtown Winter Garden is arguably the prettiest part of the trail, especially with the glimpses of Lake Apopka.
Bike rental stations are found along the trail if you’d prefer to bike. The entirety of it is paved. Supplement a ride/walk/stroll with a trip to Downtown Winter Garden, one of the cutest small towns in Central Florida. Personally, I would recommend starting in here, walking the 2.5 miles to the small community of Oakland and grabbing a coffee at Prairie House Coffee for the return trip.
Little Econ Greenway
This 7.4 mile trail is eventually looking to expand to 10 miles. It follows the Little Econlockhatchee Rive, or the Econ. The river flows through the city and into a wilderness preserve east of town. The paved trail tracks the river as it winds through its developed parts. I usually park at Blanchard Park which has a mile of the trail. There are some tennis courts and a number of parking spaces, as well as restroom facilities and a YMCA. The park, and trail, are up by UCF, which is about 25 minutes east of downtown.
Lake Louisa State Park
The theme to this post seems to be “only __ miles from Disney World!” That’s only because some of the greatest Central Florida escapes are JUST out of the mouse’s reach. This state park is just 10 miles northwest of Magic Kingdom, but feels a lifetime away!
Nestled in the “hills” of Lake County, you can see the spires of the castle peeking over the treetops below. It’s a great place to watch the fireworks. The park sits on the south shore of the namesake Lake Louisa, and bolsters about twenty miles of hiking trails to choose.
Black Bear Wilderness Area
This park is technically in Sanford, but I’d still consider it the Orlando area. There is a seven mile loop trail that brushes the St. John’s River. Along the way, you’ll see a ton of alligators:
The elevated boardwalks along the river are gorgeous, as are the treks through the swamps. Make it past the foreboding signs warning of the bears and you’ll be treated to a lovely walk! Be sure to bring water, seven miles is a long way.
Orlando Wetlands Park
I’m quite a big fan of this park, check out this article all about it. There are quite a few trails, many of which grant incredible gator viewing.
Be sure to bookmark this page for time you’re looking to go for a walk in ‘The City Beautiful’! If you’re coming to see our theme parks, remember that some of the best treasures are just outside the paywall.
Turquoise Skies 