For many years, Orlando has been a hugely popular business and tourist destination. With famous attractions such as Universal Studios, the Convention Center, and of course, its many resorts and beaches, Orlando has always been a must-visit place.
However, until recently it wasn’t exactly the best place for running. With so much going on, it could be hard to find a relaxing place to run. Luckily for us, things have started to change.
Hard work has been put into making Orlando a more walk-able and run-able place. This has opened up plenty of opportunities for runners to keep fit while exploring the city.
Today, we want to show you the best places to run in Orlando. Therefore, we have put together a list of all the most popular, most unique, and most scenic running trails in the city.
If you’re visiting Orlando or live in the city, and you want somewhere new to run, check out our list!
Downtown Orlando Tour
We kick our list off with an awesome run suitable for all levels of runners. Starting from numerous points, Orlando’s Downtown run takes you through a mix of urban jungle and along some of Orlando’s most beautiful lakes.
You can make this run as long or as short as you wish. In terms of the path, it couldn’t get much easier. The whole path is paved, flat, and smooth making running a lot easier.
Our favorite part of this run is along Lake Eola. This 0.8-mile segment looks beautiful. The Lake Davis part of this trail is also pretty special.
Orlando Urban Trail
Located not too far away from Downtown Orlando is the Orlando Urban Trail. This running trail makes up the spine of the city’s trail network. The beauty of this running spot is that it has a variety of different options.
Roughly 3 miles long, the main trail here branches off to six other running trails of varying difficulty. Taking you through charming parks and along six lakes, this trail is perfect for those wanting to escape city life.
For wildlife lovers, keep an eye out for turtles as you run.
Cady Way Trail
If you’re looking for a more serious run that will get your heart pumping and your legs moving, the Cady Way Trail might be for you.
Starting at Aloma Avenue or Howell Branch Road, this running trail takes you on a 7-mile journey through Winter Park and neighboring Orange County neighborhoods.
Conveniently, along the route, you’ll find a number of stopping points and water fountains. These come in super handy on those hotter summer days.
New Balance Running Trail
The next running trail on our list is perfect for tourists visiting Walt Disney World Resorts. Thanks to New Balance, keen runners who find themselves stuck on rides with the kids all vacation can now enjoy some time on the track.
Working with Disney, New Balance has created a variety of running tracks and trails throughout Disney’s parks.
In Orlando, you’ll find New Balances trails at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, Disney’s Polynesian Village resorts, Disney’s Grand Floridian, and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn.
Lake Baldwin Trail
At the center of Baldwin Park is the beautiful Lake Baldwin. Here you will find a pleasant 2.5-mile paved loop that runs around the entire lake.
This trail offers locals and tourists a simple escape from the city and also a connection to other running routes in the city.
You can join the Cady Way and Cross Seminole Trail from Lake Baldwin. While this trail may not be very difficult for locals who like to run regularly, it is worth noting that various running groups meet here.
Cross Seminole
The Cross Seminole Trail is actually a 23-mile-long cycling path that takes you all over Seminole County.
Thanks to its large size, this trail offers runners an amazing variety when it comes to finding somewhere to run.
Many of the connections from the Cross Seminole trails let you explore Orlando, Winter Springs, and Oviedo.
Running along the trail you can expect to run through ancient forests in the Spring Hammock Preserve.
For less experienced runners, the smaller Cross Seminole Trail West and North might be more enjoyable.
Turkey Lake Nature Trail
Beginners looking for the perfect running trail in Orlando should consider checking out the Turkey Lake Nature Trail.
Found near Doctor Phillips, this trail is only 1.8 miles long, offering plenty of shade, and a nice flat paved path.
Along the trail, you have a good chance of seeing some of Orlando’s wildlife. You are also guaranteed some pretty killer views.
Convention Center & Universal Studios
Two of the most popular places in Orlando are Universal Studios and the Convention Center so incorporating them both into one run is pretty awesome.
Found along International Drive is a long, paved path where you can easily run approximately 4.7 miles. This path is pleasantly flat and takes you alongside two of Orlando’s biggest attractions.
Suitable for any level of runner as you can do as little or as much as you like, keep your eye on the path as at times there will be a lack of sidewalks. You should follow the path from North to South.
West Orange Trail
Found 15 miles north of the center of Orlando is a world-class 22-mile-long trail. Taking you from the Orange/Lake County line all the way to Apopka, this paved trail has been designed to suit runners, hikers, and mountain bikers.
Built along the old railroad, this trail takes you through Winter Garden and both suburban and urban parts of the County. You’ll even come across a butterfly garden near the Tildenville outpost.
Along this trail, you’ll be greeted with much sought-after water fountains and restroom facilities.
Split Oak Forest Green Trail
The final running trail on our list is found at Split Oak Forest. This is a moderate 3.4-mile trail that most runners will manage with little difficulty.
The trail is a great place to experience nature and break away from the urban way of life for a couple of hours.
The path weaves all the way through the 2,000-acre park offering plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery and observe some of Florida’s most amazing wildlife.
If you keep your eyes peeled you might even spot some gopher tortoise.
Split Oak Forest is also home to a 200-year-old oak tree that despite being split down the middle still survives today. We highly recommend paying the tree a visit.
Final Thoughts
As you can see from our list, Orlando is starting to build an impressive portfolio of wonderful places to run.
Whether you consider yourself an experienced runner or someone who simply wants to keep fit with the occasional jog, there is a running trail on our list for you.
Most of the trails on our list incorporate the incredible attractions Orlando has to offer.
Others simply take you off the beaten track to give you the opportunity to escape civilization for the afternoon and take a well-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life.
Now you have a good understanding of the running trails on offer in Orlando, we hope we have given you the inspiration to hit a different running trail.
Why not take our list and start ticking off the locations you have been to. Doing this will give you more motivation to keep running and maybe help you explore somewhere new in the city.
For the first year, I wallowed in my feelings and gained 50 pounds as a result. The next year, with the help of a professional or two, I began working on myself and seeing changes.
Surprisingly enough, I found running to be my main source of comfort in such a trying time. I began running once a day for five minutes, working up to 10, then 20, 30, 40 - until I was running for an hour each morning.
Running started my day off right and on the days where I ran, I found that I was more likely to excel in work and have a better day mentally.
So, that is why I have created Run In The Sun. I want to make your running journey as easy as possible so that you can feel these benefits too. I promise you, it will be so worth it!
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