An Eagle Scout built this access to view the Saw Grass Marsh
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Split Oak Forest Orlando

4.6
·417 reviews·Orlando, United States

Explore nearly 2,000 acres of undeveloped Florida wilderness with diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and extensive hiking and horseback riding trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful and cooler temps

CrowdLow
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An Eagle Scout built this access to view the Saw Grass Marsh

Split Oak Forest Orlando

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful and cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore nearly 2,000 acres of undeveloped Florida wilderness with diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and extensive hiking and horseback riding trails.

4.6
(417 reviews)

"A biodiverse hidden gem offering a peaceful escape into nature with impressive ecosystems and wildlife."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Uber/Lyft Friendly

Easily accessible via rideshare, about 35 minutes from many Orlando hotels.

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated on the trails, especially during warmer Florida days.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 417 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Extensive Hiking Trails

Extensive Hiking Trails

Throughout the forest

Explore over 200 acres of diverse trails, from swampy woodlands to open areas. Perfect for nature walks and photography.

Instagram
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Various habitats

Discover a biodiverse ecosystem with a chance to spot numerous plant and animal species. A true hidden gem for nature lovers.

Reddit
Horseback Riding Adventures

Horseback Riding Adventures

Designated trails

Experience the forest from a different perspective on horseback. An adventurous way to cover more ground and enjoy the scenery.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Early Bird

Beat the heat and crowds by arriving early, especially if you're visiting during warmer months. Many visitors recommend experiencing the peacefulness before the day truly begins. TikTok

Trail Preparedness is Key

With nearly 2,000 acres of undeveloped land, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Consider bringing insect repellent and water, especially for longer hikes or horseback rides. Instagram

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful and cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Things to do in Orlando just got better. Enjoy the outdoors and over 200 acres of trails! Book now! 📞 #SpringBreak #atvrentals #orlando #visitorlando
@luxerentals
45.5K likes • 1.2M views

🚗 Uber/Lyft Friendly

Easily accessible via rideshare, about 35 minutes from many Orlando hotels. Instagram

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated on the trails, especially during warmer Florida days. Instagram

will freeze my bum off anyday for these adventures🤿 #floridalife #morningroutine #dayinmylife #naturalsprings #florida
@brynley.joyner
26.3K likes • 453.8K views
😀☀️Orlando day ???☀️😀 It was my last full day in Orlando and I decided to be adventurous again and catch an Uber to Split Oak Forest which was about 35 minutes away from my hotel. I did the most beautiful 8 mile walk around the forest. Its so different to how woodland is in the UK and I enjoyed being in the swampy trees and hearing all the insects. There were lots of beautiful ponds and I was so ...
hazelsimpson1991
67 likes • 0 views

🦟 Insect Repellent is a Must

Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other biting insects, particularly in swampy areas. Instagram

📸 Nature Photography Haven

Capture stunning shots of diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Early mornings offer great light. Reddit

reddit.com

Foggy sunrise at Split Oak Forest in SE Orlando

[Split Oak Forest](https://goo.gl/maps/qNXVd6sFR4m) is a beautiful and very biodiverse hidden gem in Orlando. As an ecologist, this is one of my absolute favorite places to hike because within a single hike along the many trails you can see many of our characteristic ecosystem…

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Uber/Lyft Friendly

Easily accessible via rideshare, about 35 minutes from many Orlando hotels. Instagram

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated on the trails, especially during warmer Florida days. Instagram

🦟 Insect Repellent is a Must

Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other biting insects, particularly in swampy areas. Instagram

📸 Nature Photography Haven

Capture stunning shots of diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Early mornings offer great light. Reddit

🚫 No Dogs Allowed

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted in the forest. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(417 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Split Oak Forest as a beautiful, biodiverse, and peaceful natural escape in Orlando. Many appreciate the extensive trails and the opportunity to connect with nature. Some wish it were dog-friendly, and visitors should be prepared for insects and the Florida heat.

"Did this hike in mid August thought about doing the entire 5.4 mile loop but due to heat cut it to about 4 total. Look at map I did the top “half” and by returning on white blaze was able to stop by a very scenic pond. I’ll do the bottom half soon hopefully before the state bulldozed a highway through it.
It’s a very wide open trail (like a two lane road) so no tick worries and the forest itself has little to no underbrush so you can see a decent distance under the canopies. It’s a mix of full sun sandy scrub and shaded scrub oaks, some larger live oaks nearer the water. Some lower portions of the trails are very wet not underwater but you should wear water proof boots or quick dry trail runners.
There are white tail deer bounding around near the lake and various Florida critters (squirrels raccoons opossums etc) all around.
I loved the way the larger oaks would fall lean over then re-root into the ground forming massive trees that appear to be “walking”. There lots, so the park (split oak) is very aptly named.
Hopefully most of it will be preserved saved from construction it is a unique glimpse into what older Florida forests once resembled."

Dave Witt

"Beautiful Florida nature. I entered through Moss Park. Saw butterflies and deer tracks. I took points off because it said no vehicles or bikes cycles allowed, but the actual trail is created by tire tracks, also this is a perfect trail to bike, not sure why bikes are not allowed. Another confusing thing was that dogs were not allowed in the park (needed to access the trail) but they were allowed on the trail."

JM

"I visited split oak Forest today for forest yoga and a guided hike. What a beautiful peaceful place. There's miles and miles of trails that I didn't make it down but I plan on coming back with my dog and exploring more of the land. There's a lot of wildlife like birds and tortoises. I'm sure in the morning there's a lot of deer as well. I really hope they can save this place and not build a road through it.
It's free and there are maps at the front you can take with you so you don't get lost lol there are no bathrooms not even at the front."

Nichole Palmer

What People Like

Beautiful natural scenery
Extensive hiking trails
Abundant wildlife

What People Dislike

No dogs allowed
Can be buggy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Split Oak Forest is located in southeast Orlando. It's about a 35-minute Uber or Lyft ride from most major tourist areas. Instagram Driving is also an option, with parking available on-site.

Public transport options are limited for reaching Split Oak Forest directly. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are the most convenient way to get there if you don't have a car. Instagram

The forest has a network of trails. Downloading an offline map or using a GPS app can be helpful for longer hikes. Reddit

Yes, it's a bit of a drive from the main theme park areas, approximately 35 minutes. It's a good option for a nature escape away from the hustle and bustle. Instagram

While some TikTok videos mention ATV rentals, Split Oak Forest itself is primarily for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. ATV rentals are typically offered by separate businesses in the Orlando area. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Split Oak Forest is a public park and generally offers free admission for hiking and wildlife viewing. Reddit

The park is typically open from sunrise to sunset. It's best to check local park schedules for any specific holiday hours or closures. Reddit

Admission to Split Oak Forest is free, making it an excellent budget-friendly outdoor activity in Orlando. Reddit

Yes, it's highly recommended to book horseback riding tours in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot. TikTok

The main restriction is that pets are not allowed in the forest. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Split Oak Forest features a variety of trails, including those through swampy woodlands and more open areas, offering diverse hiking experiences. Instagram

You can encounter a wide array of plant and animal species, making it a biodiverse hotspot. Keep an eye out for birds, reptiles, and other native Florida wildlife. Reddit

Absolutely! The diverse ecosystems, natural beauty, and potential for wildlife sightings make it a fantastic spot for nature photography. Reddit

Hikes can range from short strolls to longer excursions. One visitor mentioned an 8-mile walk, so plan your time accordingly based on your desired trail length. Instagram

Basic facilities may be available, but it's advisable to come prepared. Check with local park information for the most up-to-date details on amenities. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, Split Oak Forest is a natural preserve and does not have any dining facilities within the park. Reddit

Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas of parks. It's a good idea to pack your own food and drinks to enjoy amidst nature. Reddit

You'll need to travel back towards more populated areas of Orlando for restaurants. Plan to eat before or after your visit. Instagram

Bring plenty of water and snacks. If you plan to picnic, pack a cooler with your meal. Instagram

It's unlikely that food trucks regularly visit this natural area. It's best to rely on bringing your own provisions. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoons provide a warm, golden hour glow. Reddit

Nature photography is very popular, focusing on the diverse ecosystems, plant life, and potential wildlife sightings. Reddit

For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you plan commercial shoots, it's best to inquire with park authorities. Reddit

A versatile lens, a wide-angle for landscapes, and a telephoto for wildlife are recommended. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions. Reddit

The various trail intersections offer different perspectives. Exploring the swampy areas and open fields can yield unique shots. Instagram

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