Bike Trails
All seven of Orlando's bike trails run past a lake. The similarities end there, though. Cady Way trail, for example, begins in a shopping center and weaves, protected, through commercial areas that give visitors a taste of the city without having to stop. The Lake Eola Heights and Lake Lawsona Historic Districts bicycle trail goes through historic neighborhoods lined with 100-year-old trees. The city publishes a list of bicycle trails. City buses and even some airport shuttles have bike racks built in.
Orlando City Hall
400 S Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32801-3360
(407) 246-2121
cityoforlando.net
Kayaking and Canoeing
Wekiwa Springs State Park, less than 15 miles north of Orlando, consists of 7,000 acres of wild-land at the head of the Wekiva River. Each day, 42,000 gallons of fresh water bubble up from the Wekiwa Springs to feed the river. The consistent 72 F temperature of the water has made this a popular destination for swimmers and sportsmen since the mid 1900s.
The river moves slowly, allowing paddlers to relax and go with the flow, or even to race one another. Camping is available, and two of the campsites can only be accessed by canoe or kayak. Wild turkeys, egrets and even Florida Black Bears frequent the area. There are 13 miles of hiking and biking trails, too.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
1800 Wekiwa Cir
Apopka, FL 32712
Park: (407) 880-2144
Canoe Rental: (407) 884 4311
floridastateparks.org/WekiwaSprings
Hiking, Disney Style
If you're visiting Walt Disney World, be sure to visit Fort Wilderness. They have 2.3 miles of rugged hiking trails that loop around the Fort Wilderness theme park and a bicycle trail. If your legs are tired from walking but you still want to soak up the natural world, rent a Segway from the bicycle rental tent or participate in a group Segway adventure.
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
3520 N. Fort Wilderness Trail
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 934-7639
disneyworld.com
Article Written By Lisa Russell
Lisa Russell has been a freelance writer since 1998. She's been published in "Rethinking Everything Magazine," "Playdate" and "Home Educator's Family Times." She has a professional background in education, cosmetology and the restaurant industry. Russell studied early childhood education at Antelope Valley College, and is pursuing a degree in law.
