Explore the best rated trails in Lake Wales, FL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Orlando Southeast Trail and Orlando Urban Trail . With more than 32 trails covering 207 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.
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.
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.
The only reason this isn't five stars, is some areas are bumpy. It is close to needing a resurfacing. Excellent shelters that are well spaced with water, real bathrooms, two parking lots, and entrances from opposite ends.
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
