Each week throughout Florida Bike Month, we’ll be creating and sharing Top 5 lists! We’ll cover a different topic each time—all related to bicycling, of course. We wanted the opportunity to share a few of our favorites and get your feedback on what you consider your Top 5. What better way to launch our #FLBikeMonth Top 5 than with everyone’s favorite topic – trails.
Favorite New Trail: Let’s start with one of Central Florida’s newest trails: Phase 1 of Shingle Creek Trail! It opened earlier this year. This trail is great for biking and walking and it even has canoe/kayak access to Lake Tohopekaliga. When the entire trail is complete, following the opening of phases two and three, the trail will be more than 12 miles long!
Map of Shingle Creek Trail: All phases
The view from Shingle Creek Trail Phase 1 on opening day.
Favorite Weekend Trail: Want a recipe for the perfect “Sunday Funday”? Start with a solid trail, add a dash of scenery, a heaping spoonful of yummy food and top it all off with some cute dogs. BOOM!
Our favorite trail for this type of day is the Lake Baldwin Loop. This 2.5-mile trail circles Lake Baldwin providing the great chance to catch a glimpse of local wildlife.
The loop also bypasses a large dog park, so take your canine pal with you on this adventure. Follow the trail to New Broad Street, Baldwin Park’s hot-spot for restaurants. Enjoy the ample outdoor seating and choose from a number of options – smoothies, pizza, sushi or a cocktail!
Lake Baldwin Trail
Downtown Baldwin Park
Favorite Upcoming Trail: We are so excited for the Orlando Bicycle Beltway and cannot wait for the full trail to be connected. Once complete, it will be 8.5-miles and serve as a connection for many of Orlando’s trails, giving cyclists the perfect opportunity to explore the City Beautiful by bike! There are FIVE connectors in the works: The Airport Gap, Downtown Connector Trail, Gertrude’s Walk Phase 3, Gertrude’s Walk Phase 4, and Orlando Urban Trail Gap. Personally, we’re counting down until Fall 2021 when the largest segment of the beltway, the 2.5-mile Downtown Connector Trail will be finished!
Bike Florida’s Spring Tour sponsored by Alert Today Florida
Favorite Trail Involvement:Last, but certainly not least, what’s our favorite way to get involved in the trail community? Well, besides exploring the trails, we love attending the Orlando Urban Trial Gap and Extension meetings. This meeting is taking place on March 12 from 6:00-7:00 and is a great chance to share your feedback with Orlando city planners! Will we see you there?
Comment on this post and tell us your Top 5 Trails for the Orlando metro area.
