If you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a good walk in nature, Oviedo, FL, is a hidden gem worth exploring. Located in eastern Seminole County and just a short drive from Orlando, Oviedo offers more than charming neighborhoods and small-town charm—it’s also a gateway to some of Central Florida’s best hiking trails.
Whether you're looking for a quick morning stroll, a scenic weekend adventure, or a peaceful escape into nature, Oviedo and its surrounding areas deliver.
Why Oviedo Is a Nature Lover’s Paradise
Oviedo has grown into one of Central Florida’s most desirable places to live, in part due to its balance of modern amenities and access to outdoor recreation. With a rich variety of ecosystems—think wetlands, pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and riverside paths—it’s easy to understand why locals cherish the area’s green spaces. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a weekend wanderer, there's a trail here for you.
Let’s dive into some of the best hiking trails in and around Oviedo.
Let’s dive into some of the best hiking trails in and around Oviedo.
1. Black Hammock Wilderness Area
Location: 3276 Howard Ave, Oviedo, FL
Distance from Downtown Oviedo: 10 minutes
A true local favorite, the Black Hammock Wilderness Area features 700 acres of preserved land filled with scenic hiking and equestrian trails. Its 4.5 miles of natural surface trails are great for walking, bird watching, and even spotting the occasional deer or gopher tortoise. The loop-style paths are well-marked and shaded by towering oaks and palms. The elevated boardwalk offers stunning views of the surrounding wetlands.
This area is perfect for anyone seeking a quiet, peaceful hike without venturing too far from home.
Distance from Downtown Oviedo: 10 minutes
A true local favorite, the Black Hammock Wilderness Area features 700 acres of preserved land filled with scenic hiking and equestrian trails. Its 4.5 miles of natural surface trails are great for walking, bird watching, and even spotting the occasional deer or gopher tortoise. The loop-style paths are well-marked and shaded by towering oaks and palms. The elevated boardwalk offers stunning views of the surrounding wetlands.
This area is perfect for anyone seeking a quiet, peaceful hike without venturing too far from home.
2. Little Big Econ State Forest – Barr Street Trailhead
Location: 951 Barr St, Oviedo, FL
Distance from Downtown Oviedo: 10 minutes
The Barr Street Trailhead is the gateway to some of the most beautiful hiking in Central Florida. Located along the Little Econlockhatchee River, the trail offers around 6.6 miles of scenic hiking through pine flatwoods, sandhills, and river bluffs. The views of the Econ River are especially memorable—make sure to bring a camera or binoculars for wildlife spotting!
This area connects to the Florida Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that spans the length of the state, making it a hotspot for day hikers and backpackers alike.
Distance from Downtown Oviedo: 10 minutes
The Barr Street Trailhead is the gateway to some of the most beautiful hiking in Central Florida. Located along the Little Econlockhatchee River, the trail offers around 6.6 miles of scenic hiking through pine flatwoods, sandhills, and river bluffs. The views of the Econ River are especially memorable—make sure to bring a camera or binoculars for wildlife spotting!
This area connects to the Florida Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that spans the length of the state, making it a hotspot for day hikers and backpackers alike.
3. Econ River Wilderness Area
Location: 3795 Old Lockwood Rd, Oviedo, FL
Distance from Downtown Oviedo: 5 minutes
Close to the University of Central Florida, the Econ River Wilderness Area offers a network of short, accessible trails totaling about 3 miles. These paths are ideal for a lunchtime hike or an after-work nature break. The trail system winds through oak hammocks and riverbanks, with picnic areas along the way.
This spot is dog-friendly, so bring your furry friend (just remember the leash)!
Distance from Downtown Oviedo: 5 minutes
Close to the University of Central Florida, the Econ River Wilderness Area offers a network of short, accessible trails totaling about 3 miles. These paths are ideal for a lunchtime hike or an after-work nature break. The trail system winds through oak hammocks and riverbanks, with picnic areas along the way.
This spot is dog-friendly, so bring your furry friend (just remember the leash)!
4. Lake Jesup Conservation Area – Marl Bed Flats
Location: 1350 Marl Bed Flats Rd, Sanford, FL
Distance from Downtown Oviedo: 25 minutes
A bit off the beaten path, Marl Bed Flats offers a rugged and wild hiking experience. The trails are less maintained than others, so this one is best suited for more adventurous hikers. What makes this area special is the panoramic view of Lake Jesup and its surrounding marshlands, home to countless bird species and the occasional alligator sighting.
Wear waterproof shoes during the rainy season, as the trails can get muddy.
Distance from Downtown Oviedo: 25 minutes
A bit off the beaten path, Marl Bed Flats offers a rugged and wild hiking experience. The trails are less maintained than others, so this one is best suited for more adventurous hikers. What makes this area special is the panoramic view of Lake Jesup and its surrounding marshlands, home to countless bird species and the occasional alligator sighting.
Wear waterproof shoes during the rainy season, as the trails can get muddy.
5. Cady Way Trail
Location: Trailhead in Winter Park, FL
Distance from Downtown Oviedo: 25 minutes
If you’re looking for something more urban and paved, the Cady Way Trail is a fantastic option. While technically in neighboring Winter Park, the trail is easily accessible from Oviedo and offers 6.5 miles of paved paths perfect for walking, biking, and jogging. The trail winds through parks, under tree canopies, and past lakes, offering a more manicured hiking experience.
Distance from Downtown Oviedo: 25 minutes
If you’re looking for something more urban and paved, the Cady Way Trail is a fantastic option. While technically in neighboring Winter Park, the trail is easily accessible from Oviedo and offers 6.5 miles of paved paths perfect for walking, biking, and jogging. The trail winds through parks, under tree canopies, and past lakes, offering a more manicured hiking experience.
6. Spring Hammock Preserve
Location: 2985 Osprey Trail, Longwood, FL
Distance from Downtown Oviedo: 30 minutes
Spring Hammock Preserve is a 1,500-acre natural sanctuary offering miles of trails through cypress swamps, hardwood forests, and freshwater marshes. This is one of the most ecologically diverse hiking spots near Oviedo. The boardwalk trails are perfect for leisurely walks and wildlife viewing. Don't be surprised if you spot turtles, snakes, or even a bobcat if you're lucky.
It’s a peaceful place to reconnect with nature without feeling too remote.
Distance from Downtown Oviedo: 30 minutes
Spring Hammock Preserve is a 1,500-acre natural sanctuary offering miles of trails through cypress swamps, hardwood forests, and freshwater marshes. This is one of the most ecologically diverse hiking spots near Oviedo. The boardwalk trails are perfect for leisurely walks and wildlife viewing. Don't be surprised if you spot turtles, snakes, or even a bobcat if you're lucky.
It’s a peaceful place to reconnect with nature without feeling too remote.
Tips for Hiking in Central Florida
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Stay Hydrated: The Florida heat can sneak up on you, even during cooler months.
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Bug Spray is Essential: Mosquitoes and ticks are common near wetlands and wooded areas.
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Start Early: Mornings offer cooler temperatures and a better chance of spotting wildlife.
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Check the Weather: Trails can flood after rain, especially near rivers and marshes.
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Respect Wildlife: This includes giving alligators a wide berth and not feeding any animals.
Why Hikers and Nature Lovers Love Living in Oviedo
Access to natural spaces is more than just a perk—it’s part of the lifestyle here in Oviedo. With top-rated schools, beautiful parks, a vibrant downtown, and outdoor recreation in every direction, it’s easy to see why more people are moving to the area. For many, being just minutes from a peaceful hike through the forest is as important as a good cup of coffee or a local farmers’ market.
If you’re considering relocating to a community where nature and neighborhood go hand-in-hand, Oviedo (and nearby areas in Seminole and Volusia Counties) should be on your radar.
If you’re considering relocating to a community where nature and neighborhood go hand-in-hand, Oviedo (and nearby areas in Seminole and Volusia Counties) should be on your radar.
Ready to Call This Nature-Lover’s Paradise Home?
Whether searching for a home near a trailhead or dreaming of backyard views filled with Florida wildlife, working with a local real estate expert can make all the difference. Ross Janke is your go-to Volusia County real estate professional who knows how to find homes that match both your lifestyle and your love for the outdoors.
With deep local knowledge and a passion for helping clients find the perfect place to call home, Ross can guide you through every step of the buying or selling process. From Oviedo to New Smyrna Beach, he understands the nuances of Florida living—especially if access to hiking, biking, and natural beauty is at the top of your list.
Connect with Ross today and start your journey to living in one of Florida’s most naturally beautiful regions.
Hiking in and around Oviedo, FL, offers a perfect blend of serene landscapes, rich ecosystems, and accessible trails for all experience levels. Whether you're a casual walker or an avid trekker, there’s a trail waiting for you. And if you're ready to make this vibrant outdoor lifestyle part of your everyday life, Ross Janke is here to help you find your perfect home base.
Lace up your hiking boots—and take the first step toward your next big move!
With deep local knowledge and a passion for helping clients find the perfect place to call home, Ross can guide you through every step of the buying or selling process. From Oviedo to New Smyrna Beach, he understands the nuances of Florida living—especially if access to hiking, biking, and natural beauty is at the top of your list.
Connect with Ross today and start your journey to living in one of Florida’s most naturally beautiful regions.
Hiking in and around Oviedo, FL, offers a perfect blend of serene landscapes, rich ecosystems, and accessible trails for all experience levels. Whether you're a casual walker or an avid trekker, there’s a trail waiting for you. And if you're ready to make this vibrant outdoor lifestyle part of your everyday life, Ross Janke is here to help you find your perfect home base.
Lace up your hiking boots—and take the first step toward your next big move!
