West Orange Trail

Today we headed west through Winter Garden and Oakland to the western trailhead for the West Orange Trail just off Florida 50, , a rail-to-trail on the former Orange Belt line built in 1866. Signs indicating distances to other trailheads are abundant, as are rest benches, mile markers, and even water cooler jugs with ice water! Even bike shops are located in many of the trail parking areas (called "stations").


The trail goes down the center of Winter Garden's downtown, right in the path of the old rail line. We were told that the downtown had been in poor repair and had few remaining businesses until the trail was developed and run through the area. Now it bustles with activity.



The trail crosses many roads, runs through sub-divisions, and often has large trees along the trail. It is much different from the long trails we've done the last 2 weeks, which ran through beautiful forests. Both types of trails are interesting and the contrast shows off both Florida's environment and its communities.


The trail runs 19 paved miles and is 14 feet wide. Info and map can be found here.