Are you looking for a great way to spend your weekend? Look no further than Central Florida’s bike trails! Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a beginner, the wide variety of trails in Central Florida make it the perfect destination for bike riding.
The trails offer something for everyone; from smooth paths with little elevation change to the more challenging terrain, there is something for everyone.
Get ready to explore some of the best biking routes in Central Florida and enjoy all its beautiful scenery!
Unlock Central Florida’s Hidden Bicycle Trails
1. Chain of Lakes Trail
Beginning in Winter Haven, this 3.6-mile trail continues a few more miles into Lake Alfred after crossing over U.S. Highway 17/92. Many of the northern Chain of Lakes’ lakes, as well as nearby parks, houses, and businesses may be seen from the flat route.
Parking spots throughout downtown Winter Haven are available for trail users. Additionally, the trail is parallel to several of the city’s economic districts. Both an antique shop and a wonderful plant shop are located in Lake Alfred.
2. Cross Seminole Trail
The Cross Seminole Trail, which is supported by two historic railroad right-of-ways that originally converged in Oviedo, is the main route for accessing parks and trails throughout the county.
The two trails that branch off of Oviedo, though, are separated by a gap and do not have a common trailhead. Therefore, we discuss each segment separately.
In Oviedo, cyclists can connect them on bike lanes or sidewalks, but the majority of casual users only utilize one or the other. Locals that live close to these trails use them fairly frequently.
The northern section of the trail connects downtown Oviedo with the St. Johns River and offers a suburban corridor for the Florida National Scenic Trail.
3. Lake-To-Lake Bikeway Route
This Lakeland route is the best choice if you want to mix some sightseeing and eating with your biking.
A gorgeous ride across Lakeland’s lakes Parker, Wire, Morton, Mirror, Bonny, Hunter, Hollingsworth, and Beulah is part of this 26-mile urban cycling route.
A combination of parkland and urban areas make up the route, which is clearly marked with signs to keep you on it. Along Lake Hollingsworth Drive in Lakeland, parking is most convenient.
Lakeland has a wide variety of bike-friendly dining alternatives.
Downtown Lakeland, which lies only up the hill from Lake Mirror, offers a variety of fast food alternatives, including pizza, sandwiches, and outdoor cafes.
But the pedal-powered Lakeland adventure doesn’t end there. Along the banks of Lake Hollingsworth at Florida Southern College is the largest single-site of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright structures, offering a singular cultural experience.
4. TECO Auburndale Trail
TECO Route is a 6.6-mile, 12-foot-wide, paved multi-use trail that travels from Auburndale to Polk City. It’s one of the most interesting central Florida bike trails and joins the General James A. Van Fleet State Trail.
At the southern end of the path, be sure to stop at the bald eagle observation area because one of their nests is located there. The Lake Myrtle Road Trailhead has complete facilities.
Locate the trailhead by traveling east on Lake Myrtle Road from Polk Parkway. The Auburndale trailhead is only a short distance from the Elite Cable Park and Tantrums Lakeside Grill, a dockside restaurant.
Tantrums, the only beachfront restaurant in the city, serves up inventive seafood dishes, including the perennially well-liked gator bites.
5. SUMICA Trail
The town of SUMICA, which stands for Societe Universelle Mining Industrie, Commerce et Agriculture, was once a prominent center for the production of turpentine and lumber.
It may appear flat and open now, but that’s only because the tall pines that originally stood there served as America’s building blocks, providing wood for dwellings and a pine resin for use in turpentine and ship sealing, among other things.
The community that vanished in 1927 after all the pines had been harvested is also gone.
SUMICA offers 6.2 miles of biking paths that follow an abandoned railroad route that, mercifully, rises above the nearby damp grasslands.
Lake-Walk-in-Water, a popular spot for fishing, is also a good choice. The lake is clear due to the abundance of hydrilla. It is also shallow at an average depth of five to six feet.
The fishery is greatly aided by numerous stands of bulrush grass and eelgrass.
Boat fishing offers the best access. There are ramps nearby.
You can maneuver your boat through the hydrilla by following trails.
6. West Orange Trail
The 22-mile West Orange Trail is a paved rail trail that was finished in 1999 and is located 15 miles west of Orlando.
Apopka marks its northernmost point, and from there it meanders through rural and residential terrain around Lake Apopka, past Winter Garden, and five miles to the west.
It is smooth, 14 feet wide, and clearly marked. The most picturesque stretches pass through old cities or beneath a lovely tree cover.
7. East Central Regional Rail Trail
The 52 miles of paved, smooth East Central Regional Rail Trail is 12 feet wide and offer a variety of riding experiences. It features areas designed specifically for riders who wish to move quickly and experience minimal intersections.
It includes areas for anyone who wants to stop and take in the surroundings. Three legs are present (shaped like a Y.)
The Coast to Coast Trail, which will link this trail to others and end along the Gulf on the Pinellas Trail, is the final objective. This dream trail is amazingly already three-quarters complete.
8. Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail
Think again if you believe that the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail is only a rail trail. There are some pleasant surprises along this paved route that runs from Paynes Prairie’s border to the center of Hawthorne.
A difficult terrain, to start. The trail is everything but flat at its western terminus. For the majority of the first four miles, you’ll be shifting through the gears as well as curves.
The trail’s western end is not located on a historic railroad bed. If the hills close to La Chua weren’t enough to alert you to the need for sharp turns through The Hammock, they do.
We enjoyed discovering Paynes Prairie vistas and other natural attractions along the route, as well as trailheads for trails that can only be reached by traveling along.
Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail is operated by Florida State Parks and is accessible during daylight hours. Dogs on leashes are allowed. To the east of the Rochelle trailhead, horses are welcome.
Although the majority of visitors come to bike the path, you can expect to see people strolling along it close to the La Chua Trail and Rochelle trailheads. The La Chua Trail trailhead requires a fee for parking, although all other access sites are cost-free.
Are you looking for some of the best bike trails in Central Florida?
If so, you are in luck!
From beginner to advanced, Central Florida has a wide range of bike trails that will suit everyone’s needs. Whether your goal is to get a workout or to take in the sights, there is something for everyone.
With challenging hills and winding paths, you can find an adventure that suits your skill level and interest.
