West Orange Trail - A Premier Central Florida Bicycle Trail

The West Orange Trail at 22 miles is the longestTrail heads east toward Oakland. A restored railroad
paved rail-trail in the Orlando area, passing towns,bridge that spans the Florida Turnpike at mile 1 is a
suburban areas, fields and woods. A portion of thetrail landmark. A short distance further, a shelter
trail runs near the shores of Lake Apopka, withmarks access to the Oakland Nature Preserve, which
several access points to the lake. Built on an oldincludes hiking trails and a boardwalk to Lake Apopka.
railroad alignment and owned by Orange CountyJust past the next street crossing and adjacent to
Parks and Recreation, it goes through downtownthe trail is Briley Farm, home to assorted exotic
Oakland, Winter Garden, and Apopka. A shortanimals, including Watusi cattle, zebras, wildebeest,
extension from the western terminus connects toand ostriches.
the South Lake Trail.Next comes Oakland Outpost (water, benches),
Close to Orlando and Walt Disney World, the 12-15adjacent to quaint old downtown Oakland, where
foot wide West Orange Trail is popular for jogging,street parking is available. Continuing toward Winter
cycling, horseback riding, and rollerblading. It is usedGarden, the trail passes pretty scenery with
by over 55,000 people a month.moss-draped oaks.
This is a world-class rail-trail hosting excellent facilitiesNearing mile 5, the West Orange Trail enters Winter
at "stations" (full-featured facilities) and "outposts"Garden, with its restaurants, shops, and museums.
(limited amenities). An equestrian path, starting atThe trail runs down the middle of Plant Street and
Clarcona Horseman's Park, parallels the trail for 10features a fountain with benches; at any given time
miles. While there are shaded areas, benches, andyou might find art shows, entertainment, or other
nearby amenities, this is Florida and it isactivities being held. Many people consider this
recommended the rider bring plenty of water andwestern 5-mile section of the trail to be the most
sunscreen.interesting.
There are many access points to the West OrangeJust past mile 5 is Chapin Station. The trail runs past
Trail, including:Forest Lake Golf Course in Ocoee, to Ingram
• County Line Station (also called Killarney Station)Outpost (mile 12, parking). The Apopka-Vineland
- off SR 50 west of Winter Garden. Parking,Outpost (mile 14) has parking, a picnic pavilion, and
restrooms, water, snacks, playground, bike shop.water. The trail branches at mile 14.2, where riders
Connector to South Lake Trail.can take the spur to Clarcona Horseman's Park or
• Chapin Station (also called Winter Garden Station)cross Apopka-Vineland Road and continue north to
- on Plant Street (CR 438) in Winter Garden. Parking,Apopka. The first mile past the road crossing offers
restrooms, water, playground, picnic pavilion. Twoone of the prettiest tree canopies in Central Florida.
blocks from downtown Winter Garden with itsLeaving the tree canopy, the trail runs mostly parallel
restaurants, shops, museums, and bike shop.to roadways and there is virtually no shade for the
• Apopka terminus - at route 435 and East Welchremainder of the ride. Apopka Station (mile 19) offers
Road north of Apopka. No facilities, parking along theparking, water, a playground, and picnic pavilion. In
road and nearby restaurants and shops. Futuredowntown Apopka, a bridge carries riders safely
extension planned.over busy US 441 and then it's another 3 miles to
Starting from County Line Station, the West Orangethe northern trailhead at Welch Road.