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The Seminole Wekiva Trail offers a wide cross-section of recreation and locales. It extends from the north near State Road (S.R.) 46 in Sanford to S.R. 436 in Altamonte Springs and includes long stretches through the woods, numerous stops for dining and shopping, its own bridge across I-4 to the Cross Seminole Trail and passes through immaculate office parks and residential neighborhoods.
Beginning at the San Sebastian trail head on S.R. 436, the 14-mile trail passes Westmont Park then comes to the first major intersection in its first mile at Montgomery Road. During most hours, there will be a wait to get across the busy four-lane road, and even those quick on their feet or wheels are urged to use the cross-walk light. Once across, the trail opens up for a nice, shady stretch for another mile and passes Sanlando Park's tennis courts and softball fields, which provide restrooms, a picnic area and lots of parking.
Once past the park, the trail arrives at what used to be the most daunting intersection of any of the paved recreational trails in the greater Orlando area: S.R. 434 and Markham Woods Road/Douglas Avenue in Longwood. Seminole County Leisure Services and the Florida D.O.T. recently completed the tunnel under the intersection and pedestrians and cyclists no longer have to cross four lanes of perpetual traffic, twice, to continue on the trail. It appeared to be a nearly impossible undertaking before construction but the tunnel now offers an uninterrupted path to Markham Woods Rd.
It's clear sailing for the next seven miles past a series of churches, stately homes and countryside in what is the most scenic and relaxing stretch of the Seminole-Wekiva Trail. This is an ideal portion of the trail for those looking for a quiet stroll or a run or bike ride after work. There is a minor trail head with parking, directions and water just south of the intersection of Markham Woods and W. Lake Mary Boulevard but trail-goers can park at numerous areas along the way.
Continuing north, the trail leads to W. Lake Mary Blvd. and an assortment of places to stop for lunch. Panera Bread in Lake Mary is convenient, nestled right up against the trail overlooking grazing cows across the pond along the main road. Here is where the Seminole-Wekiva Trail takes its most challenging courses. Once past the shopping center it's a left turn across W. Lake Mary Blvd. to International Parkway in Lake Mary, which is a major intersection just west of the I-4 entrance.
Once past the shopping district it's a mostly clear shot to the end of the trail on Markham Road at the Wekiva River in Sanford, a five minute drive from S.R. 46. The trailhead offers restrooms, a map, water and plenty of parking. There are numerous private drive entrances and a few minor roads along this stretch but it's a nice bit of solitude after the congestion in Lake Mary.
The Seminole-Wekiva Trail is not for the serious bicyclist with its busy intersections but the heavy traffic can be avoided altogether by getting off the trail and riding the entire length of Markham Woods Rd. and getting back on to the north or the south.
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