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Connecting small communities and suburban neighborhoods, the 22-mile West Orange Trail is one of Florida's most popular rail-trails, thanks to its reputation and proximity to metro Orlando. Fifteen minutes northwest of downtown, the route serves as a window on the region's past and present, passing through 1950s communities that grew up around the once-thriving Orange Belt Railway, as well as more developed areas in this rapidly expanding metropolitan area.
About the Route
Killarney Station, a modern take on an old-time train depot, anchors the southern trailhead. Here, trail users will find bike rentals, restrooms and water. From here the route leads northeast through the quiet, wooded community of Oakland before hitting downtown Winter Garden. For about 1 mile the trail threads down the middle of two-lane Plant Street, allowing trail users to browse the shops and restaurants of this lively community.
For the next 10 miles the trail pops in and out of thinly wooded areas, occasionally passing orange groves that speak to the county's agricultural roots. This stretch is open to equestrian use.
Beyond lies Apopka, one of central Florida's fastest growing communities. Here, the trail follows a combination of trail-only sections as well as along a couple of side roads (the trail is still a trail!), crossing busy US 441 along Forest Avenue and a beautiful trail overcrossing of Florida's Orange Blossom Trail in downtown Apopka. Running along North Park Avenue and Rock Springs Rd for 3.5 miles, the trail then turns west at Lester Rd and continues along the south side of street for another mile until it reaches its southern endpoint at Vick Rd.
Connections
At the trail's western endpoint, it becomes the South Lake and Lake Minneola Scenic Trail.
The West Orange Trail runs between Killarney Station at Old CR 50 & Lake Blvd (Oakland), where parking is available, and Lester Rd & Rock Springs Rd. (Apopka).
Additional parking can be found at:
There are several parking options available along this route, see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
I have seen so many close calls with small children and groups renting bikes and organizing standing on the trail when speeders come down the hill and fly past them. Killarney rentals should come out the side door and not directly onto the trail or slow the traffic down.
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.
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’ve ridden this trail several times. The trail itself is awesome. Not too many busy crossings lots of shade. I really like riding this trail. The one thing that takes away from the experiences too many bike riders who are very rude riding for too fast for this trail, walkers, people, walking, dogs, pushing strollers, etc., also passing in spots where they shouldn’t be running stop signs it’s getting to be where it’s almost dangerous
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