Explore the best rated trails in Haines City, FL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Withlacoochee State Trail and Neighborhood Lakes Scenic Trail . With more than 42 trails covering 365 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Started at Green Pond Trail Head and headed North. As reported, the trail has some pretty big bumps and a few holes, usually near the edge. With the limited traffic on the path, it isn't difficult to avoid them but you do have to keep your eyes on the trail. On 3/28 there was quite a bit of tree trimming and brush consolidation in the 10 miles between Green Pond and Bay Lake and some heavier equipment was staging at the State Park garage near Green Pond so maybe they are going to fix it this Spring.
The 10 miles between Green Pond and Bay lake is a very nice mostly shaded ride through timber with swamp land on both sides. There are 3 bridges about 2 1/2 Miles North of Green Pond which provides a place to watch alligators (this is mating season so you see some but there's a bunch more as the grunt and talk...), enjoy the birds and quiet serenity. At Bridge 2 that day, there is a 10+ Foot alligator nesting with her (soon to be) baby alligators.
North of Bay Lake is very nice and shaded for the 4 miles we traveled (Total round trip of 28 Miles).
Some call this trail 'straight and boring.' I'd suggest that it is quiet and serene, and, because it is straight and wide, you can spend most of your time enjoying nature!
Great trail! But definitely needs some work after the Hurricane's North of Polk City. Trucks have created some dangerous dips/holes in the asphalt from the trail repair crews. BE CAREFUL. the Shade hides some of the obstacles.
You may encounter some equipment on the trail also during weekdays. Hopefully, it will get re-surfaced along this 2 - 3 mile stretch. I did NOT RIDE South of Polk City. Overall, a Very Nice trail. Will be back to 4 star trail after repairs.
Living in Apopka, I've been on portions of the West Orange Trail MANY times. Your description starts at the southern point at the bottom of Lake Apopka and ends with the words describing the trail ending at its southern point along Lester Rd. You should change the word "southern" to "northern". Otherwise, a nice description of a very nice trail. Thank you.
This is a great trail through marsh and forest area. As many we met on the trail say. This trail feeds our souls...enjoy. we will be back.
The trail is well maintained. There are a lot of road crossings and this in general is poor for road biking with only a few sections that are decent in length without interruption. For those using tri bikes there is essentially nowhere I felt comfortable in the aerobars. This is better suited for more leisurely activities.
I began near the middle at Soldier's Creek Park. I erred in heading northwest with the goal of connecting to the Sanford Riverwalk. Although I made the connection (and loved the riverwalk next to Lake Monroe, I had to ride primarily on sidewalk/trail adjacent to busy roads and commercial districts. The green cross walks and occasional sign aided in following the trail, but I still ended up missing a couple of turns and needed to double back. I am surprised I didnt collide with any cars crossing into offices and stores along the way.
When I made it back to the park (mm 15.5 or so), I continued southwest and found it to be a terrific ride. Few cross streets, open riding and much more interesting scenery. Primarily residential, there were a number of parks, woods, creeks etc along the way. Unfortunately I was running low on sunlight and wasn't able to get to the end in that direction.
I heartily endorse riding this end of the trail. Save the northern end for Sundays or low car volume days.
Paved path runs parallel to the road the whole time. Park in lot at Walgreen’s because there’s no lot at trail head. It was ok.
As of 11/24, there was a roughly a1000 foot section of the trail adjacent to the lake that is still closed due to past hurricane flooding. You will have to go on the road to get around it. No longer flooded, just covered with debris which will hopefully be cleaned up soon.
I’ve done this trail three times now on different skates. It’s on of my favorite trails on the Coast to Coast Trail & also just in general in Central Florida. It’s smooth. It’s beautiful and peaceful. Never too crowded. Currently open and only a small wet spot but manageable for skaters of quads and in-lines.
We were surprised to find no designated parking at either trailhead ends. We did discover a nice area at the Polk State College trailhead in Lakeland with picnic table. The trail was nicely paved except for a couple spots. Not very scenic but a decent ride.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
