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Home > Dogs > 11 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Central Florida (2023 Guide)    

11 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Central Florida (2023 Guide)    

Man with dog on hiking trip

The state of Florida is home to several dog-friendly nature trails, and central Florida offers some of the best hiking trails you can explore with your canine pal. Some trails are paved, while others offer a rural experience, making it a perfect escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of life.

In this post, we’ll list 10 of the best hiking trails in central Florida so you know where to go and what to expect.

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The 11 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Central Florida

1. Bear Creek

🗺️ Address: 📍1555 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
  • Heads up—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 bladders
  • 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 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
  • Heads up—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: 📍9201 Bear Lake Rd, Apopka, FL 32703
🕐 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
  • Heads up—watch for alligators and keep your dog on-leash

7. Cross Seminole Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍3726 Howard Ave., Oviedo, FL 32765
🕐 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 2 parks with playground, boardwalk, and sports fields
  • Breathtaking scenery, including cypress trees, many different plant species, and more
  • 1,500 acres of natural beauty and trail
  • Heads up—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

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Conclusion

We hope our list of the 10 best dog-friendly hiking trails in central Florida helps you decide where to go. Don’t forget your doggo’s leash, as all hiking trails require your dog to be on a leash due to the abundance of wildlife, and not to mention, alligators. Ensure you bring water for your pooch, and don’t forget a camera and snacks!

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Featured Image Credit: furry_portraits, Pixabay

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