Biking

Orlando Area

Thanks to the Orlando community's commitment to the nationwide Rails to Trails program, the city now has several biking, running, and in-line skating trails—converted from former railroad lines—in both rural and urban surroundings.

City of Orlando Trails. Weaving around busy Orlando and stretching into rural outposts throughout Orange County are miles of trails modified from old railroad tracks, and there are always more recreational trails in the works. A few miles from downtown, Winter Park’s Cady Way Trail passes some picturesque lakes and connects restaurants and retail centers along the way. The Lake Underhill Path connects to six city parks, while 20 miles east of downtown, the 13-mile Orlando Southeast Trail is popular due to its distinctly rural landscapes and a generous 12-foot width. The 3-mile Orlando Urban Trail near downtown is considered the backbone of Orlando’s trail network and connects several of the city's cultural highlights such as Lake Highland, Loch Haven Park, Mead Gardens, Orlando Cultural Park, and the Gaston Edwards Trail. The Shingle Creek Trail will eventually run through the city of Orlando and into the city of Kissimmee. For a comprehensive list of trails and where they lead, check the city's biking website. Orlando, Florida. 407/246–2821; www.orlando.gov/Parking-Transportation/Bike-Trails-and-Paths.

West Orange Trail. With about 150,000 pedestrians, bicyclists, joggers, roller skaters, and skateboarders traveling some, or all, of its 22 miles every month, this is easily the most popular trail in the area thanks in large part to its pleasingly rural setting and a route that takes it through the charming community of Winter Garden. Spanning the Orange and Lake county lines, the 14-foot-wide path rolls through the towns of Killarney and Oakland, and across U.S. 441 through downtown Apopka with highlights including views of Lake Apopka and the butterfly garden at the Tildenville outpost. Among the trail's most popular access points is Chapin Station ( 501 Crown Point Cross Rd., Winter Garden), since it's located just a few blocks from what is clearly the most popular place to rest and eat: Downtown Winter Garden. With sidewalk cafés, bicycle shops, gift shops, boutiques, candy stores, a community theater, history museum, and several other interesting sights, it's the perfect place to put down the kickstand and stay awhile.

501 Crown Point Cross Rd., Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. www.traillink.com/trail/west-orange-trail/.

West Orange Trail Bikes & Blades. Bicycles—comfort style, hybrids, road bikes, kids' bikes, tandems—and in-line skates can be rented from a log cabin on the West Orange Trail at Chapin Station, just a few blocks east of downtown. The facility is perfectly placed right beside the trail and offers parking, changing areas, bike racks, and assistance getting the bike fitted for the ride. This center's sister shop is the Winter Garden Wheel Works, a full-service store a few blocks away in the heart of the shopping village. 17914 State Rd. 438, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. 407/877–0600; www.orlandobikerental.com. From $8 per hr.