Orlando, Florida is known for its exciting theme parks and unique shopping experiences. However, Orlando’s natural side is something to take advantage of, especially because of the many closures due to the COVID-19 virus. Thankfully, there are still many parks and trails that are open, making it easy to enjoy nature in Orlando.
Walking in Orlando
Currently, all state parks near Orlando are closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t exercise or enjoy some Orlando nature. According to Orlando’s COVID-19 information update, all city parks are open. It is still necessary to practice social distancing around Orlando, though.
Located in the heart of downtown Orlando is Lake Eola Park. This beautiful park is perfect for walking; it even has a 0.9-mile-long sidewalk that circles the lake. While walking, you may even see the iconic swans that are known to live there.
About 10 minutes east of Downtown Orlando is Lake Underhill Park. With a 1.3-mile loop trail around the lake, it’s perfect for walking in Orlando. It’s also one of the most picturesque places to watch the sunset in Orlando.
If you have a furry canine companion, why not head over to Park of the Americas? This park is located just 15 minutes east of Downtown Orlando and has separate fenced areas for small and large dogs to run free. In the center of the park, there is also a 0.5-mile long and 12-foot-wide path for humans to walk and get their exercise.
Hiking in Orlando
If you’re looking for a slightly more vigorous workout, there are a few options for hiking in Orlando. Tibet-Butler Preserve has 3.6 miles of hiking trails that loop through trees, flowers, and ferns. Part of the trail is a boardwalk that leads to an observation deck that looks over the marsh on the edge of Lake Tibet.
Bill Frederick Park, along Turkey Lake, has 183 acres of land, making it Orlando’s largest park. The beautiful lake is perfect for nature lovers, and hikers will enjoy the two-mile hiking trail loop. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially birds.
Stretching from Orlando to Kissimmee, Shingle Creek Regional Park is made up of four areas spanning 1,000 acres. Shingle Creek itself has the northernmost headwaters of the Florida Everglades, and its waters eventually travel over 350 miles through the Everglades and out to the Gulf of Mexico or Florida Bay. Steffee Landing is one of the more popular access points to the park, and from here you can set off on multiple hiking trails.
Biking in Orlando
There are a lot of bike trails in Orlando! The city has over 265 miles of bicycle lanes as well as over 45 miles of off-street trails. A very popular section of the Orlando Trail Network is the Orlando Urban Trail, located near Downtown Orlando. This scenic trail is about three miles long and 10 feet wide.
Another popular Orlando biking trail is the Cady Way Trail. Part of the trail has a 2.5-mile trail loop that circles around Lake Baldwin. Another part of the trail has a 1.5-mile trail spur around the west side of Lake Susannah. The Cady Way Trail is about four miles northeast of Downtown Orlando.
About 15 minutes northwest of Downtown Orlando is another popular bike trail: West Orange Trail. West Orange Trail Spans a total of about 22 miles and runs through both communities and wooded areas.
Conclusion
There are still many ways to enjoy nature in Orlando, even during the coronavirus. Although state parks near Orlando are closed, there are city parks, preserves, and trails where you can get outside and surround yourself with trees, flowers, water, and wildlife. Whether you’re walking, hiking, or biking, you’ll be sure to find the outdoor experience you’re craving.
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