Road Biking
Seminole - Wekiva Trail
Orlando, Florida
Bridges, woods, parks, snarled traffic, cows and Panera Bread - riding Orlando's paved multi-use trails!
by Dana Farnsworth, Outdoor Travels
A big enjoyable piece of the trail puzzle, The Seminole – Wekiva Trail, is one of the first multi-use trails in the Orlando trail network plan (see overview) to have over 10 miles completed. Currently spanning 14 miles from Altamonte Springs in the south to the Wekiva River Protection Area west of Sanford in the north, this trail is currently dwarfed by only one other in the immediate area – the West Orange Trail. The Seminole – Wekiva Trail is a true “Rails to Trails” project as it is built on the former Orange Belt Railway. Peter A. Demens of Longwood was the driving force behind this railroad and, despite many difficulties, had the railroad built all the way to St. Petersburg by 1888. At a distance of 117.68 miles it held the status of longest narrow gauge railroad in the country until 1897. The Orange Belt Railway operated from 1885 to the early part of the 20th century.
Now, years later, this urban trail traverses crowded intersections, strip malls and bustling I-4 in mostly good form and style. Although often in close proximity of I-4, sections of the Seminole – Wekiva Trail have a semi-rural feel to it. Pretty lakes are scattered on beautiful bucolic landscapes dotted with the resident bovine populace roaming around in seemingly oblivious denial of Panera Bread, Starbucks, Target and a multitude of other ubiquitous chain stores just across the street.
Even with grand future expansion and connection plans, a lot of commitment and work has already been put into this trail. Although listed as a minor trailhead, The southern San Sebastian trailhead facilities are very nicely constructed with brick pavers, benches, a very nice bridge and ample parking. Traveling north, the trail runs through a pretty wooded area before it reaches the Seminole County Softball Complex, which serves a full service (water and restrooms) trailhead. This complex also has a small lake and nicely landscaped grounds perfect for a game of Frisbee, a picnic or just basking in the sun.
Shortly thereafter, a rider is faced with their first and second navigational tasks of the ride. The once green and seemingly rural trail begins to show its suburban teeth as shops, restaurants and other developments appear. The first head-scratcher: The trail seemingly ends at a small cul-de-sac. I was initially puzzled until I saw another trail user standing on the nearby intersection of SR 434/Wekiva Springs Road and Markhamwoods Road. Walking our bikes up to the intersection, my wife Kelli and I were faced with the second navigational task – crossing nine lanes of traffic twice (the trail switches from the left side of Markemwoods Road and continues on the right side). Fortunately all that is required is patience. Thankfully, this crossing will go away in short order as a trail underpass is currently in final design with construction anticipated to begin summer 2005.
Once across the intersection the trail’s personality changes drastically. One of the most rural looking, mostly uninterrupted sections on the entire trail almost immediately follows the hustle and bustle of the suburban sprawl. The fact that I-4 is almost right over your shoulder to the east isn’t even noticeable until much later in the ride. The Shops at Oakmonte mark the re-entry to sprawl. A curious feature of this area: While relaxing and enjoying a Panera Bread sandwich trailside, you’ll find yourself with a strip mall behind you and a pretty cow pasture and lake in front of you – a true Florida experience. In this area there are many food establishments to choose from.
I-4 comes into close view before the trail passes the I-4 pedestrian bridge that marks the beginning of the Crossings Trail. A short distance brings the Sylvan Lake Station Junction rest stop and a 90-degree turn to the west. The trail passes a lake before reaching its current northern terminus just passed the Lake Markham housing development. A major trailhead was near completion directly across from the terminus that will provide ample parking, water and restrooms.
Overall, the ride is a nice one if you are not looking for an uninterrupted “put the hammer down” ride as all too often a good pace is broken by an intersection. At twenty-eight miles round trip, the distance is very manageable for most riders and provides for several hours of enjoyment. Food of all sorts, refreshments and, more importantly, beer can be found at a multitude of places along the trail – as well as the occasional urban cow.
Trail Snapshot
Trail: The existing Seminole Wekiva Trail is 14 miles long, paved surface.
Difficulty: Easy/Novice
Outdoor Travels Rating: 3 bikes out of 5 for a good mix of distance, scenery and convenience.
Thumbs Up
-14 miles is a very good distance for a 28-mile round trip ride
-Plenty of opportunity for food, beer and refreshment along the trail
-Nice facilities – Minor trailheads are very nice, the Major trailheads are even more so.
-Lots of attention to landscaping and maintenance
-Connection to Crossings Trail (the northern portion of the Cross Seminole Trail) is already in place and can add an additional 8 miles roundtrip to a ride as well as additional access opportunities.
-Scenery is varied and nice. Cow pastures and pretty wooded sections dot an predominately developed suburban landscape.
Thumbs Down
-This trail isn’t for you if you want a wilderness experience
-Forget about putting the hammer down. This trail is not only busy, but it is often broken up by intersections
Nuts & Bolts
Facilities: Water fountains and restrooms at some trailheads. Plenty of food and drink opportunities along the trail.
Activities: Biking, skating, walking, jogging
Admission: No admission
-Location: The Seminole Wekiva Trail runs from Altamonte Springs to the Wekiva River Protection Area west of Sanford.
Directions: Parking for the trail is currently available in three places: the San Sebastian Trailhead, Sanlando Park, or the Seminole County Softball Complex. Very limited parking is available behind the shops at Oakmonte in Lake Mary.
To get to the San Sebastian Trailhead, take I-4 to SR 436. Take 436 west. The trailhead is on the north side of 436 immediately after The Christmas Collection store. To get to the Softball Complex and Sanlando Park, take I-4 to SR 434. Take 434 west to Douglas Ave. Take Douglas Ave. south to North St. to access the Softball Complex or to W. Highland St. to access Sanlando Park.
Oakmonte is located at the southwest corner of the I-4 / Lake Mary Blvd. intersection.
Future: A trail underpass is proposed at SR 434 & Markham Woods Road. An extension to the south is proposed, but currently unfunded. This extension would provide an important connection to the West Orange Trail and the Orange County Trails System.
Connections & Destinations: The Seminole Wekiva Trail connects four parks: Westmonte Park, Sanlando Park, the Seminole County Softball Complex and Sylvan Lake Park (via a sidewalk connector); two schools: Heathrow Elementary and Wilson Elementary; and provide access to Wekiva Springs River Nature Preserve. The Seminole Wekiva Trail now connects to the Cross Seminole Trail via the I-4 Trail Overpass in Heathrow. This trail connection is part of the master plan goals to create a 40-mile continuous paved trail that will connect Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Longwood and Winter Springs to the Orange County trails system.
Contact: Maintenance - (407) 788-0405, Planning - (407) 665-2093
Maps and Stuff
PDF format
Trail Photos
Lots of great photos to give you a good idea of what riding here is like!
