In Southwest Orlando just north of the Universal Studios area, there’ some good off-road running on the Shingle Creek Trail and around Lake Fran. The Shingle Creek Trail is a paved, 8.5-mile multi-use path that runs from Eagle Nest Park (north of The Mall at Millenia), south to Destination Parkway, near the Orange County Convention Center/Universal Blvd. Some sections are more bucolic, while others are along busy roads. There are a couple of on-road (with sidewalk) sections.
At Eagle Nest Park, there’s also a popular 2.4 mile loop path around Lake Fran.
Shingle Creek Trail
The north end of the trail at Eagle Nest Park, where you can also connect to the Lake Fran Trail. Run for 0.75 miles through the park, and then alongside Presidential Parkway for ~2 miles. Miles 3-6 aren’t that pleasant, as they involve working around I-4 and feature some on-road sections and 1/2 mile very near the Turnpike. The southern ~2 miles are a recent extension and are more scenic, away from busy roads. The southern end is at Destination Parkway, where you can connect to the Orange County Convention Ctr. & Universal Blvd.
- Extensions: There are less improved (i.e. non-paved) sections of the trail along Shingle Creek. At the north end, the trail goes north of Eagle Nest Park for ~2 miles to the 408. It’s also possible to run south of Destination Pkwy. for another ~1 mile.
Lake Fran Loop
This a pleasant loop around the lake at Eagle Nest Park. Starting at the north end, the first 0.6 miles are along the lake, featuring nice water views. Then the trail is away from the water until about Mile 2. There’s a less pleasant 0.4 mile section along Metrowest Blvd.
- Add-On: Combine with a section of the Shingle Creek Trail, headed south.
In Southwest Orlando just north of the Universal Studios area, there’ some good off-road running on the Shingle Creek Trail and around Lake Fran. The Shingle Creek Trail is a paved, 8.5-mile multi-use path that runs from Eagle Nest Park (north of The Mall at Millenia), south to Destination Parkway, near the Orange County Convention Center/Universal Blvd. Some sections are more bucolic, while others are along busy roads. There are a couple of on-road (with sidewalk) sections.
At Eagle Nest Park, there’s also a popular 2.4 mile loop path around Lake Fran.
Shingle Creek Trail
The north end of the trail at Eagle Nest Park, where you can also connect to the Lake Fran Trail. Run for 0.75 miles through the park, and then alongside Presidential Parkway for ~2 miles. Miles 3-6 aren’t that pleasant, as they involve working around I-4 and feature some on-road sections and 1/2 mile very near the Turnpike. The southern ~2 miles are a recent extension and are more scenic, away from busy roads. The southern end is at Destination Parkway, where you can connect to the Orange County Convention Ctr. & Universal Blvd.
- Extensions: There are less improved (i.e. non-paved) sections of the trail along Shingle Creek. At the north end, the trail goes north of Eagle Nest Park for ~2 miles to the 408. It’s also possible to run south of Destination Pkwy. for another ~1 mile.
Lake Fran Loop
This a pleasant loop around the lake at Eagle Nest Park. Starting at the north end, the first 0.6 miles are along the lake, featuring nice water views. Then the trail is away from the water until about Mile 2. There’s a less pleasant 0.4 mile section along Metrowest Blvd.
- Add-On: Combine with a section of the Shingle Creek Trail, headed south.
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