Log in

Orange County Bike Trails Expand

Posted

For quite some time, plans to expand the current biking and walking trails in Central Florida have been on the back burner. However, with recent increases in funding, many projects are beginning to see the light of day and come to fruition.

County CommissionerBryan Nelson

Two projects specifically affect Orange County District 2; The Pine Hills Trail and the Lake Apopka trails will offer residents new transportation and recreational opportunities.

"We've made a lot of progress connecting current bike trails to the cross state trail system, and we hope to continue improving this trail network throughout Orange County and all of Florida," said Bryan Nelson, Orange County Commissioner for District 2.

Pine Hills Trail

Although still in the development phase, the Pine Hills trail will provide residents with a safe North to South multi-use pedestrian transportation system. According to the Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District, "The trail will connect users from the Shingle Creek trail system up to the West Orange Trail system" when fully complete.

The Pine Hills Trail is approximately 8.2 miles long (including an existing .7 mile section) and almost exclusively utilizes an existing 100’- 200’wide Florida Power power-line corridor in its alignment from State Road 50/Colonial Drive north to the Seminole Wekiva Trail at Rose Avenue.

Lake Apopka Loop Trail

The Lake Apopka Loop Trail has already begun to improve the quality of life for residents in District 2 This trail runs along the north shores of Lake Apopka and provides residents with incredible opportunity to connect with nature.

From Magnolia Park's trailhead to the trailhead at Clay Island, residents have an extensive 14.6 mile nature path to explore and have an additional 5.8 miles to explore on the Clay Island Trail Loop. The trail provides individuals with many opportunities to enjoy the rich natural environment of Lake Apopka and the surrounding areas. It features several picnic areas, observation points, and parks. According to the Lake Apopka North Shore Eco-Tourism Strategic Action Plan, an extension south will connect Magnolia Park and the West Orange Trail. This will only lead to the continued expansion of the new network of multi-use pathways available to residents of Pine Hills and Apopka.

People looking to call North West Orange County home will surely take this trail system into account in selecting a community to set up their home or business.

Use this link to see the master plan of trails.

 

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here