HIKING FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN ORLANDO NORTH, SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL
Celebrate Every Day as “Take a Hike Day”
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Whether you prefer an exhilarating hike or a leisurely stroll, there are 60 miles of picturesque hiking trails to suit every activity level throughout the communities of Central Florida’s Seminole County.
The Florida National Scenic Trail, a 1,300-mile trail that runs from the panhandle to the Everglades, offers visitors a perfect bird watching location. It runs across several Seminole County wilderness areas, giving visitors the chance to experience some of the world’s most enchanting birds. The trail is mostly unpaved except in Lake Mary, where it follows roadways and existing trails to cross the Seminole Wekiva Trail and the Cross Seminole Trail. These two trails have been designated as Seminole County Showcase Trails because of their length, scenic views and accommodation of many users.
At Wekiva Springs State Park, hikers can enjoy the 6,397-acre compound that also includes activities from swimming, picnics, boardwalks, nature and horseback-riding trails. With almost 6,900 acres of wild scenery, the park allows visitors to see how central Florida looked when the Timicuan Indians speared fish in the spring-fed creeks and stalked deer in the uplands.
The Geneva Wilderness Area, a 180-acre property south of Geneva, features a beautiful variety of flatwoods, ponds and lake systems all supporting an equally diverse collection of wildlife. A hike through various habitats at this site can offer visitors with sighting white-tailed deer, gopher tortoise, wild turkey, grey fox and snakes. Visitors can also be rewarded with a view of the remains of the original railroad tracks that opened Florida to tourism over a century ago. Hikers can follow the red blazes marked on the trees to experience a quick hike, or take a leisure walk and stop at the chapel and enjoy a view of the lake. Other trails mark off more challenging routes depending on the visitor’s preference.
So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your water bottle, cap and sunscreen and head out for a great day in Seminole County, “Orlando’s Natural Oasis.”
Hiking Location Details:
- Central Winds Park, 1000 Central Winds Drive, Winter Springs. 407-327-6597.
- Cross Seminole Trail, 1571 E. SR 434, Winter Springs. 407-665-2001.
- Flagler Trail, 845 Lake Markham Road, Sanford. 407-655-2001.
- Florida National Scenic Trail, Little-Big Econ State Forest, Oviedo.
- Fort Mellon Park, 600 E. 1st Street, Sanford. 407-688-5000.
- Seminole Wekiva Trail, 264 North Street, Altamonte Springs. 407-655-2001.
- Tram Bed Horse Trail, 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka. 407-884-2008.
About Orlando North, Seminole County:
Teeming with old Florida charm and young Florida vibrancy, Orlando North, Seminole County offers visitors nature-based attractions, eclectic dining, an emerging micro brew scene, plus a year round calendar of festivals and events. With over 2,000 waterways, you’ll discover a wide array of thrilling outdoor activities from paddling in clear freshwater springs and rivers to airboating among alligators, or zooming through an aerial zip line course. It also features an array of sports and training facilities for amateur tournament play, including the 102-acre Boombah Sports Complex at Seminole County. And getting here is easy via Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Orlando International Airport (MCO), aboard the Amtrak Auto Train, or via auto on I-95 and I-4; and you’ll save 30% on accommodations over Orlando hotels. All this and it’s just a short drive to area theme parks and beaches too. 1-800-800-7832 or 407-665-2900 or visit: www.DoOrlandoNorth.com