Discover Orlando’s natural beauty at these tranquil parks, preserves and nature trails.

Long before Orlando made headlines as the Theme Park Capital of the World, some of the region’s most enduring attractions were lakes, woodland and scenic vistas. These days, it’s easier than ever to experience Orlando’s natural attractions thanks to nature trails, swampland boardwalk and even paved multi-use roads through some of our most picturesque parks and preserves.

Discover: Nature & Outdoors

Whether you’re looking for a tranquil reset, a closer look at Florida’s native flora and fauna, or a glimpse of Orlando as it existed 150 years ago, you won’t want to miss these quintessential hikes and nature trails throughout the Orlando area.

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Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

Just around the corner from Walt Disney World® Resort, Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve features several unique trails through wetlands, flatwoods, scrub, marsh and more native Florida ecosystems. Osprey Overlook Trail leads to a pavilion with lovely lakefront views, and there is also a short boardwalk trail near the parking lot for wheelchair and stroller friendly fun.

Palmetto Pass Loop is an excellent choice if you’re seeking something a little more rugged, though it can become impassable in heavy rain. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, bobcats and tortoises as you walk, and stop by the education center on your way out to learn more about native Central Florida wildlife.

Oakland Nature Preserve

Nestled West of Orlando along the shore of Lake Apopka, Oakland Nature Preserve is a free-to-visit, 150-acre oasis dedicated to habitat restoration, education and ecotourism. Take your pick of nine nature trails, check out the education center and museum, or let the kids run free at the nature-inspired play area.

All trails are under a mile long, including a stroller- and wheelchair-accessible boardwalk trail leading to a lakefront pavilion. You’ll spot plenty of native animals along the way, like gopher tortoises, red-wing blackbirds and our state butterfly, the elegant Zebra Longwing. Nature enthusiasts can even see restoration in action along the Red, Orange, Purple or White Trails, which pass through restored sandhill habitat.

West Orange Trail

Also nearby is the West Orange Trail, a paved 22-mile trail that’s open to walkers, bikers, horseback riders and more. It runs from Killarney to Apopka and passes through Winter Garden, with several urban access points for a quick mental reset.

Discover: Things to Do in Winter Garden

While the West Orange Trail is not your typical woodland nature walk, its scenic features and unique points of interest — like a butterfly garden, Buddhist temple and the Oakland Nature Preserve — are worth adding to your itinerary if you’re in the area. The stretch from historic Winter Garden to the nature preserve is especially lovely, with plenty of live oaks, shaded rest areas, and even an arts and heritage center.

Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park

Hal Scott Regional Preserve offers serenity in nature just 35 minutes east of our world-class entertainment districts. This getaway has a fun choose-your-own-adventure feel, with four unique hiking loops and several short connector trails set alongside the scenic Econlockhatchee River.

You’re likely to see eagles, cranes, woodpeckers and more by day, and if you want to extend your stay, primitive campsites are available along the trail. Stick around to catch the sunset and spend a night under the stars.

Split Oak Forest

Named for a 200-year-old live oak tree that was split down the middle and lived to tell the tale, Split Oak Forest boasts over nine miles of trails in the Lake Nona region. There are several scenic overlooks and two viewing platforms throughout the trails, perfect for soaking up the views and looking for native Florida wildlife.

Discover: Things to Do in Lake Nona

Split Oak Forest is one of 500+ sites on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, so keep an eye out for cranes, bluebirds, woodpeckers and non-avian creatures like deer, wild turkeys and foxes as you stroll.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs State Park is best known for its emerald springs, which have drawn visitors for over 100 years. If you continue past the spring, however, you’ll discover that Wekiwa also features equestrian, biking and hiking trails, including a 13.5-mile hike with multiple primitive campsites along Rock Springs Run.

Discover: Natural Springs

You’ll pass through diverse ecosystems like river swamp, mesic flatwood and hardwood hammock, so keep an eye out to see some of the incredible plant and animal life near the shore. When you’re all done, head back for a refreshing dip in the springs. You earned it!

Shingle Creek Regional Park

Often referred to as the headwaters of the Everglades, the Shingle Creek nature area features abundant hiking and nature trails plus opportunities for biking, kayaking and more. Hikers can get the most bang for their buck at Shingle Creek Regional Park, a 16-acre wilderness with multiple trails and a pavilion.

Other nearby sites feature bicycle and watercraft rentals, not to mention a pioneer village and the Osceola County Welcome Center & History Museum. Additional mulch or boardwalk trails and a paved Shingle Creek urban trail network are accessible throughout Orlando’s International Drive region.

Disney Wilderness Preserve

Did you know that there’s a nature preserve here in Central Florida partially funded by The Walt Disney Company? While it’s not affiliated with the theme parks, Disney Wilderness Preserve stands as a testament to Walt Disney’s love of nature, cooperation and innovative thinking. It’s home to over 1,000 plant and animal species, from terrestrial orchids to big-eared bats and a type of scrub-jay found only in Florida.

You can explore four trails ranging from half a mile to 3.6 miles in length, with a special viewing area overlooking the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Disney Wilderness Preserve is in Poinciana, about 45 minutes southeast of our theme park and entertainment districts.

Lake Louisa State Park

Located just 20 minutes west of Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Louisa State Park boasts six lakes, 11 distinct ecosystems and over 23 miles of trails. It’s located in one of the hilliest regions in Central Florida, with beautiful scenic overlooks, lakefront views, boardwalk trails and unique overnight accommodations.

Deer, tortoises, songbirds and quail are plentiful, and you can often find tangerines growing around Dixie Lake. Enjoy lunch by Lake Louisa’s southern shore, and be sure to check out additional eco-activities like horseback riding, kayaking and canoeing before you head home.

Nature Trails at Orlando Hotels & Resorts

Finally, many of Orlando’s amenity-packed resorts feature hiking and multi-use trails, so you don’t need to go far for a dose of outdoor fun. Marriott's Grande Vista and Rosen Shingle Creek both feature scenic trails near the Shingle Creek area, and you’ll find many more options throughout Orlando. Walt Disney World Resort, meanwhile, boasts trails through meadows and pineland via Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, as well as Four Seasons Resort Orlando.

Discover: Places to Stay

Map of Orlando Nature Trails

Use this map to track down the parks, preserves and trails mentioned in this blog post. Happy trails!

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