Forests around of Orlando (Ocala, Winter Springs: apartments, place to live, fence)

[pepsik]

Orlando seems like a quite green city. Googling on map i`ve found many forest massives next to different community. I am used to walking a lot on foot after i finished my work, along the paths among the wood. Here in my native country we have plenty of the decent green areas to walk. A lot of people do it every day after their work is finished. It`s very important to my kneel as well (i have some troubles with them thus i have to walking as much as possible). I am considering apartments complexes with the parks/forest areas close to it.
I was wondering if someone walking in those places just for fun/sport? Is there any danger except mosquitos, snakes and gators?
I would be grateful whether could someone tell me about such type of communities which have a walkable areas close/next to it. All communities that i found have got a fence around the territory..

[Arcenal813]

Anything along Markham Woods/Markham Rd should fit the bill. The trail is paved, however. Not sure if that's what you want.

Most of the unmaintained paths into the woods are mainly used for off-road/Jeep/quads than anything, and I personally wouldn't feel too safe hiking on foot through those. The threats you mention are very real, and the forests are generally full of swamps, so you may never know what's lurking behind the trees. Bears and wild hogs are all over the place too.

[bmw335xi]

There are a lot of nice walking areas and nature trails in Central Florida. If you stick to the trails, you don't need to worry much, just use common sense and stay alert for snakes. I go out all the time and haven't encountered any scary moments with wildlife. However, I grew up hiking in nature, so I'll take snakes over grizzly bears any day lol. There are a lot of new apartments in Windermere and there is a nice nature preserve there with nice trails.

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by Arcenal352

Anything along Markham Woods/Markham Rd should fit the bill. The trail is paved, however. Not sure if that's what you want.

Most of the unmaintained paths into the woods are mainly used for off-road/Jeep/quads than anything, and I personally wouldn't feel too safe hiking on foot through those. The threats you mention are very real, and the forests are generally full of swamps, so you may never know what's lurking behind the trees. Bears and wild hogs are all over the place too.

Edit: There is a nice but fairly short nature trail at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs.
There is also one at Lake Dora in Mt Dora, although that may be a bit far for you.

[ByeByeLW]

Dobry vecer!

You might check into the Central Chapter of the Florida Trail Association.

The FTA doesn't only do long hikes ; they do local walks and stuff too and can show you the ins-and-outs of different types of trails- locations, safety, etc.

Our chapter down here has many events on meetup; you don't even have to join the FTA.
Membership is only 35 bucks and you will meet some great people with whom you have much in common.

If you google Central Chapter Florida Trail Association you'll get an idea.

If you want to go up north a bit for the Florida Wildlife Festival , it's in Umatilla on Sep 10.
They will have bus tours and some short hikes in the Ocala Forest.

It's possible that a member can suggest a place to live as many want the same thing you do.

I just noticed they have TGIF after-work hikes so there you go.

[pepsik]

Thank you all for the answers. Nevertheless i'm considering the trails close to apts. for every day walking during the workweek from monday till friday! Of course in my off days i can go to any maintained locations such as parks/nature preserve etc. However i guess it will be too hard to set off in those places every day before/after the work. Thus the best way for me is to have even unmaintained paths close to apts. (it must be no further than 1000 feet.
But...it seems i`m the only one who will be there =) I know many people don`t like walking after their work day has been finished. They prefer sit in front TV rather than spend time in nature. However i could being mistaken! I would be grateful if you tell me how you spend you time after the work! If someone among you who do love walking in nature!
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