Hey all. I am riding the West Orange Trail Saturday. I will start in Winter Garden, FL, and plan to head north. Wondering if there are any must-see attractions or eateries?

There is a good italian spot in Winter Garden called Catania and a nice little coffee house I stop at each time I ride through there called Axum.

Once you get past downtown WInter Garden, there is not much at all until you get to Apopka and I personally do not know much about that area.

Word to the wise, do not ride alone close to the Apopka area where the trail ends as it gets a little rough in spots and have heard many a story of people getting pushed off their bikes to have them ripped off.

Besides that the trail is a nice ride and I tend to hit it once a week.

Thanks for the insight! I will be riding with a friend, but we will be extra vigilant.

I know I am coming in late, but second that on the Apopka area. You'll know when it's time to turn around. We usually start in winter garden and will head either north or south. South is hilly but a lot of fun. Chef's Table across from Winter Garden Wheelworks (bike shop) is my favorite after ride burger/beer joint.

The West Orange Trail is a fun ride. As mentioned, be careful when you get near the Apopka area. It's not as scenic either. We usually park at Killarney Station and ride from there. It's 5 miles to Winter Garden from this parking area. We usually ride 16-20 miles round trip with a lunch break on the way back (leaving 5 miles to the car after we eat). As far as food....we love The Moon Cricket Cafe in Winter Garden. Wraps, sandwiches, salads,etc.

Is this trail loaded with lots of people every day?

How many % flat land and % uphill?

The weekend mornings seem to have the most traffic.

Heading from Killarney towards Apopka its relatively flat with some light elevation changes.

Heading towards Clermont from Killarney does have some more hills and elevation changes with some decent ones heading towards the NTC on the connector as you head up Hancock.

Exact percentages of uphill/downhill I couldn't give you, but here's a map that has a scale on it for you Orlando West Orange Trail - Oakland, FL like any trail in FL traffic is heavier on the weekend, but the trails aren't crowded to the point that I'd ever give a second thought on that. The "don't ride alone" warning on the other hand is unfortunately valid in quite a few of the urban trails in the southeast - unfortunate fact of the current times. In general, if not alone - riding in small groups is safe and without issue though.