Home of Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, and other theme parks that attract many, many millions of visitors each year, Orlando is also one of Florida’s best places to get outdoors and play. With riverside strolls, dense forests, open prairies, and wetlands, it’s a diverse region to explore. The following hikes are within an easy drive of Orlando. Some can be reached via public transportation.
When I started researching Five Star Trails Orlando, I revisited many Orlando area hikes that I’d done before and found a bunch more than were new to me, thanks to purchases of natural lands in the region over the past decade. These locations are based on my personal exploration of the region.
Download a list of hikes around Orlando with GPS coordinates for trailheads
See all Florida Trail hikes in the Orlando area for backpacking and day hiking
In the list below, trail lengths are based on hikes I’ve done or written about on this website. You may always opt to hike a shorter route. If a “+” is shown, longer routes are available. Hikes shown in italics are on public lands that permit hunting certain times of year. Always check ahead regards hunting season (links provided on hike pages) and wear a bright orange shirt or vest if hiking during hunting season on these public lands, which include Florida State Forests and Wildlife Management Areas.
Need a hiking partner? Go on a guided hike in the Orlando area with the Florida Trail Association or check in at our Facebook page or on the forum to ask around!
