West Orange Trail by Mark
The West Orange Trail runs 23 miles through western Orange County from the Lake County line at Highway 50 curling northeast through Oakland and Winter Garden to Apopka. There is a brief gap at 441 in Apopka, but they are in the late stages of building a pedestrian overpass. The trail terminates on the north side at Welch Road.
The western end is hilly and passes through some quaint towns. Winter Garden in particular has embraced the trail. It runs through the middle of the main drag and there are cafes and bike shops. Originally this end was very scenic and a ride through the country, but development is rapidly overtaking it. There are still long, shady stretches in this area. It also runs through Chapin Park.
The middle portion curls around a golf course and has some scenic overlooks and a trailhead next to a Buddhist temple. There is a spur that leads to an equestrian park and long shady stretches.
The northern end passes through a rough neighborhood just south of Apopka. There is a gap of a couple of blocks on either side of 441. On the northside there is another park and the trail takes off on some whoop-de-dos winding around a retirement home.
This is the longest trail in Orange County and certainly the most scenic. With the exception of the bad neighborhood south of Apopka it is safe for the entire family and well worth the ride.
|
