Rail-Trails Florida

Seminole Wekiva TrailCounties SeminoleEndpoints Markham Road near County Road 46A in the Wekiva River Protection Area (Lake Mary) to FL 436 near Laurel St. (Altamonte Springs)Mileage 14Type Rail-TrailRoughness Index 1Surface AsphaltUses Cycling, inline skating, wheelchair access, walkingThe 14-mile Seminole Wekiva Trail is one of the most popular trails in Seminole County, offering a variety of experiences, landscapes, and amenities for trail users of all ages. The well-marked pathway follows the former route of the Orange Belt Railway, established in 1885, and information kiosks along the trail offer small lessons to trail users curious about the region’s railroad history.Starting at the northwest trailhead, you’ll pass through quiet residential neighborhoods and a Spanish moss–draped tree canopy that provides welcome shade from the Florida sun. Just after the Seminole Soccer Club Complex and Orlando City youth soccer club, stop at the pond overlook to enjoy views of frogs jumping from lily pad to lily pad as birds patrol the water’s edge.The middle section of trail offers a more suburban feel with shopping centers and plenty of restaurants. You’ll pass business complexes and modern office buildings, eventually arriving at a pedestrian bridge over I-4. This spur connects you to the Cross Seminole Trail.The southern part of the route mirrors the peaceful scenery of the northern section, with the added benefit of art displayed along the trail. Through a project titled Paint the Trail, artist Jeff Sonksen has installed hundreds of paintings with themes ranging from current events to movies and music.After exploring the Seminole Wekiva Trail, check out the nearby 22.8-mile Cross Seminole Trail (see page 35) that extends east and south to Oviedo.DIRECTIONS To access the northern trailhead from I-4, take Exit 98 toward Lake Mary/Heathrow. Head west on W. Lake Mary Blvd. Continue 1.3 miles, and turn right onto Markham Woods Road. After 2.5 miles, turn left onto Markham Road, and go 0.8 mile. Turn left into the trailhead.To access the southern endpoint from I-4, take Exit 92 for FL 436 toward Altamonte Springs/Apopka. Head west on FL 436, and go 1.7 miles. Turn right into the access road, the next street past Riverbend Drive (if you pass San Sebastian Prado, you’ve gone too far), and turn left into the trailhead parking lot.CONTACT: seminolecounty.gov