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Print Friendly MapA rail-trail that's a bit wild and off the beaten path, the Flagler Trail runs for around fourteen miles through rural Seminole County, to the northwest of Orlando. Nearly the entirety of the trail is unpaved and thickly forested, as the trail follows the route of the former Okeechobee Branch of the Florida East Coast Railway between the small communities of Geneva and Chuluota. Open for pedestrians, equestrians, and any bikes that can handle the uneven surface, the Flagler Trail offers a unique chance for a rustic escape into the Florida wilderness.
The northern portion of the trail begins alongside Osceola Road in the Lake Harney Wilderness Area, to the north of Geneva. Heading south and west along a tree-lined corridor, the trail leaves the road and continues along the old railroad corridor into a thick forest of pines and palms. The trail emerges onto the unpaved N Hart Road, and heads south into the small town of Geneva, where this portion of the trail officially comes to a halt. Users can continue to follow the rail corridor by continuing onto the rural S Hart Road and Pine Hill Blvd, which takes you close to the next segment of the trail in the Geneva Wilderness Area.
From the wilderness area, users can take the sandy yellow-marked trail west to rejoin the corridor and continue south on the Flagler Trail. This stretch of relatively untouched land makes for a great opportunity to take in the Florida foliage and possibly spot some wildlife, as the trail heads due south along the remnants of the rail line over the Econlockhatchee River and through part of the Little Big Econ State Forest. Continuing south, you will eventually begin to enter the outskirts of Chuluota, although the trail keeps you surrounded by trees. The trail comes to a halt at a trailhead on Snow Hill Road, although a short paved path across the road can extend your journey a bit further south to E 2nd Street.
Parking is available at the northern trailhead in the Lake Harney Wilderness Area, at the Geneva Wilderness Area, and at the southern trailhead off of Snow Hill Road.
To reach the southern trailhead from the direction of Orlando, take State Route 408 east from the city, then take exit 23 to continue east onto SR-50. Turn left onto Chuluota Road, and head north for several miles into Chuluota as the road become County Road 419. Turn right onto Snow Hill Road; the trailhead will be on the left just past the intersection with Jacobs Trail.
We enjoy the Flagler trail - I personally have tumbled on the roots on every run but if you step higher or don’t mind a bit of dirt, it is a very pretty and easy flat run along the creek and through the tree canopies. You can easily get a 5, 10k or 1/2 marathon trail run in. Go during dry season. Also very nice for hybrid/dirt bikes or walks.
this trail could've been fun but it was flooded in the section where we tried to enter. Maybe we'll have better luck next time!
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