115LauraL115
This is a very nice, well maintained trail in central Florida. Although it has a lot of at-grade crossings most of the crossings are low volume so it's not a problem. Also, it's nice how the trail was incorporated through the center of the Winter Garden historic district. Other nice features include the old train stations have been renovated to include restrooms and bicycle service stations. A favorite stop is a short detour from the trail to a winery that is only .7 miles from the trail.
paml8
The trail is well-maintained and goes through a variety of areas - Center of towns to wooded areas. The trail is almost all flat that makes for an easy ride. There are water colers with ice cold water along the trail. At mile 0 and 5.5 there are bicycle shops that rent bikes. We rented a tandem from the shop at Killarney Station and the young man was extremely helpful. our only complaint about the trail was lack of mile markers.
Doglover51
What a beautiful trail. Winding down this trail you forget you are in Florida. The canopied sections are just beautiful, peaceful and calm. Part of the trail runs through downtown historic Winter Garden, and even over the Florida turnpike via a re-purposed railway trestle - very cool by the way. The people are generally curteous and nice, but when crowded you can get a bunch of people who are rude, arrogant and sometimes dangerous, as you do anywhere - sad about that. It is one of the most beautiful trails in Central Florida. Beginning cyclists would find the trail very challanging in spots. There are some street crossings along the way and they require caution, but much of the trail is hidden in the woods and just wonderful to experience.
Estoywilliam
I have found this to be a very pleasant route to ride my bicycle while it's located some distance from my house j just look at it as extra exercise. When I do ride I take it all the way to winter garden where I can relax end enjoy what that quaint town has to offer I certainly recommend this trail to newcomers as well as seasoned patrons. You enjoy it.
ConvertibleWoman
My husband and I stayed in Orlando for a week and were hopeful that we could bike at least a day or two. We rented bikes from West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades since we didn't want to haul our bikes all the way from IN. We started at mile marked zero and rode all the way to Chapin station. It was a beautiful and easy ride for us. The trail starts out in a rural setting, runs along a nature preserve, and into an urban area, with the trail running right down the middle of the street in Winter Garden. The trail is not totally flat, but it's not very steep either like our home course -- Pumpkinvine Trail. It is a great trail -- 14 foot wide, asphalt paved and nicely marked with public parking and restrooms available in several locations, not to mention the downtown area of Winter Garden. We also saw at least two parks with playgrounds and picnic tables. We definitely would have liked to see more of the trail but we didn't have enough time or nice weather.
Nelli013
My husband and I stayed in Clermont specifically knowing it was close to a running trail! We seek them out when we travel. We ran on the apopka Vineland portion of the trail. It is very nicely paved and has a good sized parking area with clean bathrooms. There is also a kids play area. One negative to the trail is it is not marked for miles if you are looking for that. If you use a running watch or a running app not a problem. We ran towards winter garden and found there are several stop signs and intersections. We ran 5 miles towards winter garden. You run through the center of town which is adorable. I cannot wait to go shop there. It is a very flat trail. Everyone on the trail is friendly and waves!
travelingrm
There is parking at the Killarney Station stop as well as restrooms. The trail,does have some stop signs because there are housing development entrances along the trail. It is not flat like a rail trail but the gentle hills are a nice change. We did about one third.
Robert_1953_Toronto
The map of the trail (on the the board outside the bike rental in Killarney Station) is misleading. The arrow on the top of the sign points north, but you are facing south. When we came out of the bike rental we went to the right and ended up on South Lake Trail. After going up a number of steep hills we realized we were going the wrong way.
michaeljQ5775XM
I rode 8 miles from Winter Garden to a mile or so past Oakland and back. I had a lot of fun. The trail was pretty cool although it did have some stop signs but the traffic was fine. This one actually had some gentle hills which was a pleasant change from Tampa where everything is flat. I want to come back with a bike and do the whole distance.
The Exhuberant Serindipidous Sojourner
Biking, walking and roller-blading are common activities on this famous trail once used as a railway line. It is not very far from Orlando. The trail goes about twenty miles. You can enter the trail in numerous places. Our favorite is at the western end known as the Killarney Station not far from the Florida Turnpike and Route 50. There are bathrooms along this trail and even reputable bicycle places to rent bikes.We have bicycled this trail several times. We travel about 10 miles out going through the historic city of Winter Haven. It is just a delightful quaint old time Florida town waiting for your exploration. There is even a small museum along the route.Our most recent find is the Quercus Quesinberry Oak tree, a magnificent old oak along the trail. There are sections of the trail canopied by trees, particularly by these oak trees. One the weekends and holidays you will find more visitors on the trail. The trail is a good twelve feet or more wide, plenty of room for everyone. It is well marked with stop signs at all the intersections. If you have time and transportation, this experience would be delightful for your Florida experience.
M6961CHlindac
this has to be one of the best trails for walking, running or biking in Florida. It recently opened in Groveland, Fl. and goes past Apopka. You pass through Groveland, Clermont, Winter Garden and Apopka. Each city has places to stop and eat. Also, Clermont, Winter Garden and Apopka have comfort stations with rest rooms and water. Winter Garden has a station on Hwy 50 where you can rent bikes, get parts for you bikes and any other help that you might need. There are a couple of bike shops in Clermont and Winter Garden if you should need them.This trail is a lot of fun and is enjoyed by a lot of people so you ever feel isolated.
Tennvolgal
I have watched the West Orange Trail develop from it's inception and think it is a great attribute to the West Orange Community---as well as the Apopka Community. I like walking my dog on the trail and entering off of Clarcona-Ocoee just behind the Buddist Temple. This area is shady for about a mile and a half and you can turn around and return, cross over Clarcona, head toward Apopka and still be under a canopy of trees for awhile. There are benches along the way and the trailhead in Apopka and Winter Garden and Oakland area have restrooms. It is paved and very safe. You will see people walking, biking, jogging, skating and roller blading. Travel all the way into Winter Garden for lunch, a charming Florida town with lots to offer---need a bike? Rent one in town . Do you like to geocache? There are a few hidden along the way! The trail is 22 miles in length running from Killarney Station (old state road 50) to Apopka, ending at Welch Road where the Publix is located. From the Killarney Station there is now a spur trial link on the South Lake/Lake Minneola scenic trail to Clermont. Future plans are to include the trail as part of a Central Florida 200 mile Loop! Get out and enjoy this free West Orange Florida gem!
CaperAnn
Great cycling, jogging, walking paved trail. great tree coverage on hot sunny days. There are business near by who offer bike rentals for people visiting the area.
DaSarge
Get trail to get some exercise. Florida is of course mostly flat but a couple of hills to work you out and geocaches.
FlaHarlock
I absolutely love this trail. In the middle of all the city hustle and bustle, a place to enjoy nature while secretly working out. I've walked, roller bladed, and biked the trail. It's all paved and has lots to see and do. Beautiful scenery that changes every mile. Even has rest stops with bathroom facilities. My favorite area is Winter Garden. What a charming little town. The trail is safe with police on bikes patrolling. If you're in the area, I highly recommend checking it out. You won't be disappointed.