Apopka, Florida · Hikes and Outdoors

Hikes and Nature Trails Near Apopka

Apopka sits at the gateway to some of Central Florida's most pristine natural areas, and you won't find a theme park in sight. Lace up your boots and explore these top trails and nature preserves, all within 45 minutes of Apopka.

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Wekiwa Springs State Park

1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712 (407) 553-4383

Apopka's crown jewel for outdoor adventurers, Wekiwa Springs State Park offers 25+ miles of trails winding through sandhills, pine flatwoods, and cypress swamps, all anchored by a crystal-clear natural spring that flows at a constant 72°F year-round. Swim or snorkel in the spring run, spot white-tailed deer and gopher tortoises along the trail, and kayak the dark tannic waterways that feel worlds away from the city. Whether you tackle the 13.5-mile White Trail or just a scenic boardwalk stroll, this park delivers a full day of real wild Florida adventure.

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Crystal-clear spring water at Rock Springs Run near Apopka, FL

Rock Springs Run State Reserve

30601 CR 433, Sorrento, FL 32776 (407) 553-4383

Spanning 14,000 acres of sand pine scrub, flatwoods, and bayheads, Rock Springs Run State Reserve is a hiker's paradise that stays far less crowded than its famous neighbors. Fourteen miles of hiking trails thread through diverse ecosystems where gopher tortoises, wild turkeys, and soaring hawks are everyday sights. The reserve connects directly to Kelly Park, Orange County's beloved natural swimming hole, so you can cap your hike with a float down Rock Springs Run, one of the clearest spring runs in all of Central Florida.

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Springs in the morning, theme parks by afternoon, s'mores by the fire pit at night.

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Halloween Week and Thanksgiving, Sorted

Happening Near Apopka Right Now

Happening NowSelect nights through November 1, 6:30pm to 2am

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal

Universal Studios Florida · About 30 minutes from the Lynwood Lounge · Teens and adults

The biggest Halloween event in the country, with ten haunted houses and scare zones through the whole park. Strictly for the grown-ups and the brave teens, separate ticket required.

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Happening NowFridays to Sundays through November 1, 10am to 6pm

Club Lake Venue Fall Festival

Rock Springs Road, Apopka · About 10 minutes from the Lynwood Lounge · All ages

Two hayrides, a corn maze with a toddler version, a pumpkin patch, the cow wash and a pumpkin cannon. The pumpkin patch and country store are free to walk into, the activity wristband is under twenty dollars.

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Happening NowSaturdays and Sundays through November 15, 10am to 5pm

Great Scott Farms Fall Festival

Great Scott Farms, Mount Dora (the old Scott's Maze Adventures) · About 15 minutes from the Lynwood Lounge · All ages

The big corn maze, a hay bale maze for the little ones, jumping pillows, hayrides and a farm market with the sweetest corn in Florida. Buy tickets online before you go, weekends sell out.

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See everything on around Apopka this season

Little Big Econ State Forest

1350 Snow Hill Rd, Geneva, FL 32732 (407) 971-3500

If you want serious trail mileage and true solitude, Little Big Econ delivers with 50+ miles of trails across 10,000 wild acres. The Florida Trail runs 12 miles through the heart of the forest, passing oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, and along the scenic Econlockhatchee River where bald eagles and sandhill cranes are regular sightings. History buffs will love discovering the remains of a 1910 Florida East Coast Railway trestle hidden deep in the woods, one of the most unique hiking finds within an hour of Apopka.

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Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

8777 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836 (407) 254-1940

Free to enter and family-friendly, Tibet-Butler packs 3.6 miles of gorgeous trail into 438 acres just 25 minutes from Apopka. The Osprey Overlook Trail is the star of the show, a short hike leads to an elevated observation deck with stunning views of Lake Tibet-Butler, where ospreys dive and alligators sun along the shores. The Vera Carter Environmental Center adds an educational component, making this one of the best first nature hikes for families with younger kids who are just discovering the outdoors.

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Split Oak Forest Wildlife Area

12175 Clapp Simms Duda Rd, Orlando, FL 32832 (407) 836-1400

Named for a centuries-old split oak tree at its heart, this hidden gem spans nearly 2,000 acres across Orange and Osceola counties with 24 miles of wide, sandy trails perfect for hiking, trail running, and horseback riding. This is prime gopher tortoise country, you'll almost certainly spot one ambling across the path, and the open-sky habitat draws sandhill cranes, wood storks, and raptors in impressive numbers. Go early on a cool morning and you'll practically have the entire preserve to yourself.

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Want the full write-up with more photos? Read it on visitapopkafl.com.

More Apopka Guides

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Springs and Outdoors Springs Near Apopka: Cold, Clear Water Ten Minutes From the Door Wekiwa Springs State Park · Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park · Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive and more

Universal Studios Florida theme park entrance and attractions

Family Activities Orlando Days Out From Our Apopka Home Universal Studios Florida · LEGOLAND Florida Resort · Orlando Science Center and more

Restaurants Where to Eat in Apopka When Nobody Wants to Cook The Nauti Lobstah · Hall's on 5th · Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant and more

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