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The Sanford RiverWalk follows the shoreline of Lake Monroe in Sanford, FL, north of Orlando. One of the most scenic paved trails in the county, the trail features views of Lake Monroe and provides access to historic downtown Sanford.
About the Route
The RiverWalk extends west from N Mellonville Avenue to just east of Lake Monroe Wayside Park (4150 Hwy 17), where it connects seamlessly with the Cross Seminole Trail and the Spring to Spring Trail.
The Sanford RiverWalk connects Lake Monroe with Wayside Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Fort Mellon Park, Sanford City Hall, Seminole County Courthouse, Sanford Museum, a public boat ramp, Rivership Romance and the restaurants and shops of downtown Sanford.
Now 4.5 miles long, the newest segment extended the trail past Central Florida Hospital and along the Lake Monroe Shoreline towards Lake Monroe Wayside Park (4150 Hwy 17, Sanford). Passing under the highway, the route continues via a seamless connection with the Cross Seminole Trail, a link in Florida's Coast-to-Coast Trail. Following the Cross Seminole Trail north for about half-a-mile will take you past Wayside Park and across the river to Lake Monroe Park (975 S Charles Richard Beall Blvd, DeBary).
Lake Monroe Park is a popular starting/ending point for those looking to explore the Sanford RiverWalk and also serves as a southern trailhead for the Spring to Spring Trail, which heads north for 25 more miles of adventure. Alternatively, turn south on the Cross Seminole Trail by the intersection of Monroe Road and West Seminole Boulevard. Instead of continuing north across the river, head south for almost 23 miles through Seminole County.
Connections
Near its western end, the RiverWalk connects to the Cross Seminole Trail at the intersection of West Seminole Blvd/US-17/FL-15 and Monroe Rd/US-92.
At the western end of the RiverWalk, Lake Monroe Park also serves as a southern trailhead for the Spring to Spring Trail,
The Sanford RiverWalk runs between Lake Monroe Wayside Park (4150 Hwy 17, Sanford) and E Seminole Blvd at N Mellonville Ave (Sanford), both of which offer parking.
The City of Sanford has a free downtown trolley service and a limited free shuttle service. Visit the City of Sanford’s website for more information. Additionally, Central Florida's regional transportation system (LYNX) serves the trail.
Visit the TrailLink map for all parking options and detailed directions.
The west end of this trail meets with the Cross Seminole Trail. You can cross the St John's River into Volusia County now. Good ride.
Dec 15, 2023 Visiting from AZ in our RV/jeep/Ebikes. We did this trail sort of by accident last year and liked it. This year we parked at the Lake Monroe Boat Park (nice bathrooms and picnic area and fun to watch the boaters). You can ride directly on the bridge over the St John river-very wide path protected by a concrete barrier. The ride along the Lake is a nice wide sidewalk path and you are right on the water. I read an earlier review that said you could actually work your way around the Lake and that was the goal but it was SO WINDY we had to abandon that idea for another day.
This trail now extends to the Spring to Spring trail at Lake Monroe Park. If you go East to Mellonville road then south on the road to route 25, you will find a sidewalk bike trail east to hwy 415. The on the West side of 415 another sidewalk trail extends into a full blown double lane trail at Celery avenue up to Osteen connected to the Rail to Rail trail. Head West and connect to the Spring to Spring south trail back to Lake Monroe Park. Roundtrip is about 30 miles around lake Monroe. Stops at Green Springs park, Gemini Springs park, Debary Hall, and Beck Ranch park.
This trail now runs all the way to the county line, across the St John’s River at 17-92 and connects to the Spring to Spring trail. It is possible to begin in downtown Sanford, followed the trail west and head north across the Saint John, Loop back east and follow the trail to Osteen, and on to Edgewater or Titusville, if you’re feeling adventurous, or head south at 415 in Osteen and back across the river. You will have to follow Celery Ave for two miles, to Melonville, But it is a roughly 26 mile loop around the lake with 24 on dedicated trail.
Beautiful riverwalk, now extended all the way to the Sanford Zoo. Plenty of seating and scenic views. My favorite place to run!
Starting in downtown Sanford you can go about a mile & 1/2 then the pavement ends and the rest is rough gravel up to the zoo. There is some road construction underway & hopefully they will pave the rest of the trail before too long. I guess walking or blading would be fine on this short trail.
For now it's a dangerous ride on a narrow shoulder with traffic cones in the path. The Zoo entrance is poorly marked but once there it's a worthwhile place to visit. The paved 1.5 miles is very scenic looking out onto Lake Monroe and there are some interesting shops & buildings to check out there. You also can get across St. John's River on a walkway that leads to another park & Spring to Spring Trail which is very nice.
Sure wish I had such a nice walking trail by me! The walk is about 4 miles for the full loop. Nice wide sidewalk that allows for passersbys and faster walkers and runners. Lake Monroe is very pretty and the street way is nice too. Lots of wildlife to see, view the marina, stroll past the kids park, stop in at the museum, stop for coffee or treat yourself to a beer and pizza.
This is a great trail for walking, jogging, fishing, or enjoying a beautiful sunset over Lake Monroe. It's also within walking distance to a ton of fun restaurants, bars, and shops in Downtown Sanford.
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