The Sunshine State is home to several dog-friendly nature trails, and central Florida has several of the best hiking trails that you can explore with your canine pal. Some trails are paved, while others offer a rural experience, making them perfect for an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of life.
Here, we list the best hiking trails in central Florida so you know where to go and what to expect.
The 11 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Central Florida
1. Bear Creek
| ️Address: | 1535 Winter Springs Blvd, Winter Springs, FL 32708 |
| Open Times: | 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- 9 miles of trail nestled between many subdivisions
- Enjoy three picnic tables
- Walk across two small bridges surrounded by beautiful scenery
- No restrooms available
- Dogs must be on leash at all times
2. Cady Way Trail Park
| ️Address: | 821 Herndon Ave., Orlando, FL 32803 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- 5 miles of paved trail
- Offers water fountains and rest stops along the way
- Don’t forget to bring poop bags and clean up after your dog
- Be mindful of bicyclists and roller bladers
- Offers picturesque views of Orlando
3. Constitution Green
| ️Address: | 300 S. Summerlin Ave., Orlando, FL 32801 |
| Open Times: | 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, in designated areas |
- View some of the oldest historical oak trees in Orlando
- Dogs must be leashed on trail but can be off leash in fenced area
- Terrific spot to view the beautiful Floridian countryside
4. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake
| ️Address: | 3401 S. Hiawassee Rd, Orlando, FL 32835 |
| Open Times: | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Cost: | $5 per car daily/$2 driver only |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Offers 183 acres of scenic views
- Dogs are not allowed on playground, picnic areas, or fishing pier
- Wonderful place for bird watching
- Restrooms available
- Many recreational activities available
5. Seminole Wekiva Trail
| ️Address: | Markham Woods Road, Wekiva Springs, FL 32779 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sundown |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, in designated areas |
- One of 1,600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
- Offers 14 miles of paved trail
- Access to a nice laid-out trail map
- Poop bags available
- Restrooms available
6. Palm Island Park
| ️Address: | 411 S. Tremain St, Mount Dora, FL 32757 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, in designated areas |
- Features 8 acres of dog-friendly trails
- Walk along a winding boardwalk with beautiful scenery
- Picnic tables, shelters, and restrooms available
- Watch for alligators and keep your dog on leash
7. Cross Seminole Trail
| ️Address: | Seminole County, Florida |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, in designated areas |
- Includes a portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail
- Beautiful wooded area along paved path
- Restrooms and water fountains along rest areas of trail
8. West Orange Trail
| ️Address: | 501 Crown Point Cross Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Features 22.26 miles of paved trail
- Features an equestrian trail
- Bike rentals available
- Located in a gorgeous historical area
9. Econ River Wilderness Area
| ️Address: | 3795 Old Lakewood Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Features 240 acres of dog-friendly area
- 3 miles of trails surrounded by nature
- Abundance of wildlife
- Horseback riding and fishing available
10. Spring Hammock Preserve
| ️Address: | 2985 Osprey Trail, Longwood, FL 32750 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Contains two parks with playground, boardwalk, and sports fields
- Breathtaking scenery, including cypress trees and many different plant species
- 1,500 acres of natural beauty and trail
- Must keep your dog on leash
11. Little Big Econ State Forest
| ️Address: | 1350 Snow Hill Rd, Geneva, FL 32732 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Lush forest with abundant wildlife
- Hiking trails and canoeing on two rivers
- Restrooms available
- One of the more popular areas for dog-friendly hiking
- Rural trails for escaping suburbia
Summary
We hope that this list of the best dog-friendly hiking trails in central Florida has helped you decide where to go. Don’t forget your pup’s leash, as all hiking trails require your dog to be on a leash due to the abundance of wildlife, including alligators. Ensure that you bring water for your pup, and don’t forget a camera and snacks!
Related Reads:
Featured Image Credit: furry_portraits, Pixabay
Contents
- The 11 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Central Florida
- 1. Bear Creek
- 2. Cady Way Trail Park
- 3. Constitution Green
- 4. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake
- 5. Seminole Wekiva Trail
- 6. Palm Island Park
- 7. Cross Seminole Trail
- 8. West Orange Trail
- 9. Econ River Wilderness Area
- 10. Spring Hammock Preserve
- 11. Little Big Econ State Forest
- Summary
