West Orange Trail near Orlando is a natural wonder spanning multiple towns. Although primarily a bike trail, this pathway is perfect for many activities, especially sightseeing.

Enjoy several miles of this nature journey through Central Florida with your friends, kids, or dogs. You can take in the beauty of nearby lakes, parks, wooded areas, and small towns as you exercise. 

Read on to learn all there is to know about trekking the beloved West Orange Trail in this guide. 

A Brief History of West Orange Trail

In the 20th century, West Orange Trail followed the Orange Belt Railway, which transported cargo like fruits, vegetables, and lumber. Winter Garden, one of the most visited towns the trail passes through today, was a hub for distributing citrus fruit. 

Orange County was named for its massive output of orange crops, although the area no longer produces as much as it did at its peak

Basic Information About West Orange Trail

Hours of Operation
Sunrise to sunset 

Main Office Address 
501 Crown Point Cross Road
Winter Garden, FL 34787

Main Phone Number
Chapin Station Main Office: (407) 654-1108

Length of Trail

West Orange Trail is about 22 miles long and connects to the South Lake Trail and the Minneola Scenic Trail for even more mileage. 

Trail Map and Trailheads

You can view a West Orange Trail map PDF from the Orange County website to locate amenities and stops along the trail and learn other information.

As seen on the map, here are four trailheads or entry points to the trail from southwest to northeast:

  • Killarney Station (Mile 0.1)
  • Winter Garden Station (Mile 5.2)
  • Chapin Station (Mile 7.2)
  • Apopka Station (Mile 18.2)

Winter Garden Station is one of the most popular parts of the trail due to the town’s quaint historical buildings and lively downtown market.

Bike Rental Stations

You can find two West Orange Trail bike rentals near the southwest end of the trail:

West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades
Location: Killarney Station 
Phone: (407) 877-0600

Wheelworks
Location: Winter Garden Station
Phone: (407) 877-7433

West Orange Trail boasts a well-maintained path stretching for miles along Lake Apopka to the east. The asphalt path is 14 feet wide and allows plenty of people to enjoy it at once safely. 

While Florida’s afternoons can reach brutal temperatures, the trail has ample shade with its areas of tree cover. And if you’re caught in the rain, there are several shelters to ride out the storm. 

West Orange Trail parking and restrooms are available at convenient trailheads and outposts along the route. This trail has everything you need and more!

Scenic Stops at West Orange Trail

One of the best reasons to travel along West Orange Trail is access to the stops and the scenery between them. Keep an eye out for amazing wildlife, like peacocks, bald eagles, alligators, snakes, and more, as you pass by lakes, woods, and wetlands, 

Below are some of the most intriguing stops along West Orange Trail. Ready your camera!

Oakland

Just over a mile into the trail, you’ll find Oakland Nature Preserve, a fascinating natural treasure. The preserve includes about 150 acres of land dedicated to the education and appreciation of wildlife. You can look out over one of the largest lakes in the state, Lake Apopka, under a pavilion at the end of a boardwalk that extends across canopied wetlands. 

As you go farther up the trail, the town of Oakland has large, looming trees covered in Spanish moss and a mix of historic and modern homes. Between Oakland and Tildenville Outpost, you can spot a section of historical railroad tracks.

Tildenville Outpost

After about three-and-a-half miles, you’ll reach the Tildenville Outpost. The stop’s butterfly garden has several beautiful native Florida flowers and butterflies. You’ll enjoy this garden even more if you visit in spring and summer when the butterflies are most active.  

Downtown Winter Garden

Around four miles in, the Winter Garden bike trail starts under a distinctive clock tower and continues along Plant Street in downtown. Plant Street Market is an opportunity to rest, shop, and dine at several delicious local eateries, such as Ceviche Mix. Explore the town’s historic buildings, museums, and educational center as part of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. 

Chapin Station (in Winter Garden)

About seven miles into the trail, you will pass through Chapin Station Park, which features many amenities great for families, including basketball and tennis courts, picnic tables, and a playground. Within the park’s garden is the Path of Life, a brick pathway engraved with donors’ memorials to loved ones. 

Chapin Station is also home to West Orange Trail’s main office, which you can reach by phone at (407) 654-1108.

Clarcona Outpost

Around 14 miles into the trail is Clarcona Outpost, whose equestrian park hosts monthly horse shows. If you enjoy camping, you can reserve a campsite for your tent or RV. Reserve a spot and learn more about camping at Clarcona Horse Park and other nearby parks on the Orange County website.

Biking and Other Activities at West Orange Trail

Cyclists of all experience levels can enjoy the expansive trail while still having access to multiple rest stops and scenic areas. Several cyclists travel through the trail together and may even let you join their group. 

If you don’t have a bike, you can rent at one of the bike rental stations toward the southwest end of the trail. Bike racks are located throughout the trail at each stop. 

But beyond biking, you can enjoy any of the following activities along the trail or at its outposts and stations:

  • Walking and dog-walking 
  • Jogging and running
  • Skateboarding
  • Skating 
  • Horseback riding
  • Basketball
  • Tennis
  • Camping
  • Picnicking

Tips for a Fun and Safe Day on West Orange Trail

Make the most out of your day on West Orange Trail with these tips:

  • Bring a bike lock: Most of the outposts and all of the stations have bike racks to safely store your bike while you explore on foot or use the restroom. 
  • Bring water: Although there are several rest stops with water fountains, you don’t want to get stuck without water in the Florida heat between fountains. Always be sure to stay hydrated and seek shade if you feel overheated. 
  • Go with a partner: Exploring West Orange Trail isn’t just more fun with others—it’s safer, too. Having another person with you is best should an emergency arise. If you do go on the trail alone, let someone know how far you’re going and what time you plan to return.
  • Use a helmet: Helmets are legally required for cyclists under 16 in Florida and recommended for everyone, including skaters and skateboarders. 
  • Be aware of the Emergency Response System Markers: West Orange Trail has yellow indicators set in the asphalt throughout to help emergency responders locate you in an emergency. Trail users should call 911 for emergencies and 311 for information or non-emergency issues and inform the operator of your nearest marker. 
  • Know when to yield: Pedestrians, cyclists, skaters, and skateboarders should yield to horseback riders. Cyclists, skaters, and skateboarders should also yield to pedestrians, including walkers, joggers, and runners. 

Unsafe Activities

Ensure a smooth and enjoyable trail experience for everyone by avoiding the following activities that are not allowed or discouraged along West Orange Trail:

  • Walking pets without a leash or with leashes longer than six feet
  • Using bikes, skates, skateboards, or other modes of transportation off the trail
  • Using motorized vehicles unless you have a mobility disability
  • Consuming alcohol
  • Traveling over 20 miles per hour
  • Wearing headphones while bicycling, skating, or skateboarding

A Remarkable Trail to Visit Again and Again

With so much to do and see on West Orange Trail in Florida, you’ll find something new each time you pass through. There are many miles to explore and countless people, places, and wildlife to acquaint yourself with. 

West Orange Trail is set to expand past Apopka for even more mileage and enjoyment. And, as of 2023, there are plans to include this trail in the Coast to Coast (C2C) Connector Trail, a 250-mile bike trail in Florida running from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast. 

Remember to stay safe as you discover what this ever-growing trail offers. 
If you found this guide helpful, check out our other community guides, such as “44 Exciting Things to Do in Orlando for Adults” and “56 Fun Things to Do in Winter Garden.”