Built on the former Orange Belt Railway, the trail has various scenery ranging from urban to semi-rural (including woods, fields, parks, suburban backyards, strip malls, and business parks), while also close to food, bike stores, shops, and facilities. This diversity of residential and commercial areas makes the trail a transportation alternative for local residents. The trail also links with the Cross Seminole Trail in Lake Mary, and future plans are to extend the trail from its south end three miles west to link with the West Orange Trail.
The trail is mostly shaded and comfortable with benches and rest stops along its length. Trailheads are conveniently located, most with parking, restrooms, and water; some have picnic areas and other recreational facilities. The trail crosses several roads where riders need to be careful, but two tunnels (at SR434 and at Lake Mary Blvd.) are big positives at those very busy intersections.
Parking and Facilities
San Sebastian Trailhead (SR 436, 3 miles west of I-4): parking, picnic, water
Seminole County Softball Complex and Sanlando Park (off Douglas Ave. in Altamonte Springs): parking, restrooms, water, pavilion, athletic fields
EE Williamson Rd. at Markham Woods Road: parking only
Jones Trailhead (Markham Woods Road at Long Pond, Longwood): parking, water
Oakmont Center (Lake Mary Blvd. at International Parkway): dedicated parking area behind Panera Bread
Sylvan Lake Park (845 Lake Markham Road, Sanford): parking, restrooms, picnic, playing fields, tennis, fishing pier, jogging trail
Markham Trailhead (8000 Markham Road, Sanford): parking, restrooms, water, equestrian parking
Navigating the Seminole-Wekiva Trail
> San Sebastian Trailhead to SR 434
Leaving the San Sebastian Trailhead, a bridge crosses the Little Wekiva River and the trail passes through a wooded residential area. Be very careful of the road crossing at Montgomery Road and W. Central Pkwy. At about two miles are the entrance to Sanlando Park and the Seminole County Softball Complex. Continuing northbound the trail is mostly shady and residential until reaching Douglas Avenue and the tunnel under SR434 (open daylight hours only).
> SR 434 to Lake Mary Blvd.
Past the tunnel northbound, the trail parallels Markham Woods Road and after crossing some commercial driveways resumes its shady path past some churches and through residential areas. I-4 is to the east, but not visible except in a couple of places and is not diverting. Along this section is parking at EE Williamson Road (mile marker 4) -- a bike shop is just west of the trail if needed -- and the Jones Trailhead. Soon the trail loses its shade, passing some apartment complexes and the Oakmont Center. A pleasant and unexpected view here is the open pasture with horses and cows!
> Lake Mary Blvd. to CR46A
The Oakmont Center is a good stopping place for refreshments with restaurants and shops, as well a bike store. Ride along Lake Mary Blvd. a short distance to the tunnel crossing to International Pkwy. (mile marker 7.5). This section has very little shade and goes through an office park, be careful of the business entrances as the drivers are often distracted. At about mile marker 9, watch for the sign pointing to the spur and bridge over I-4 connecting to the Cross Seminole Trail or continue north on the Seminole-Wekiva Trail to CR 46A. A number of restaurants and shops are at this intersection; to continue on the trail, cross CR46A and then International Pkwy.
>CR46A to Markham Trailhead
The trail proceeds along International Pkwy. for a short distance before it turns west at Sylvan Lake Junction Station (benches and water) and continues along Markham Road, an easy, mostly shaded ride with several rest stops and scenic overlooks. At Lake Markham Rd. turn right to go to Sylvan Lake Park, or continue on the trail to the Markham Trailhead (mile marker 13). This section of the trail is also an equestrian path.
> Markham Trailhead to Wekiva River
Past the Markham Trailhead is the intersection of Markham Road and Longwood-Markham Rd. Across the road and around a barrier is a 0.4 mile unpaved ride to the trail end at the Wekiva River -- a great way to end the ride. A short trail goes down to view the river, and there also are several hiking trails.
A First-class Rail Trail
Seminole County has taken seriously developing its trails for both recreation and transportation. The Seminole-Wekiva Trail is a first-class addition to the county's plan.
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