Here are 10 Orlando-area hikes that you should try before it gets too scorching

Florida’s “winter”, or cold months, can sometimes feel fleeting. Daytime temperatures drop to the 60s and 70%s during the day, which provides some relief from the oppressive heat.

However, Central Florida still seems to have at most a few weeks of cool temperatures. It’s the perfect opportunity to take your dog and your family on the trails.

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While flat Florida may not be associated with hiking, there are still plenty of opportunities to see the City Beautiful and enjoy the fauna and flora while it lasts.

Always go hiking with a buddy. A map, a plan and a map are essential. The basic principle of Leave No Trace is to take only photos, kill nothing except time, and leave footprints.

1}Wekiwa Springs State Park

This peaceful state park is only half an hour from Orlando. The park’s relaxing spring waters, lush greenery and soothing sounds will bring you relief from the exhausting journey along I-4. You have a choice of several trails, ranging in length from less then a mile up to 13 miles. Wekiwa trails allow you to see white-tailed deer as well gopher tortoises (turkeys), and a wide variety of birds. Sometimes, a Florida black Bear or bobcat can be seen. The park welcomes pets. It also offers hiking trails and swimming, kayaking. $6 per vehicle for admission On weekends, make sure you arrive on time.

Address: 1800 Wekiwa Circle in Apopka

2}Blue Spring State Park

This wintertime refuge for manatees is only 45 minutes north Orlando. The park offers peace of mind and a hike. A cold day is the perfect time to stroll along the park’s boardwalk and see hundreds of manatees gathered in the spring waters at 72 degrees. It is a vital source of life for the animals. For more than 70,000,000 gallons per day, you can walk to the spring boiling.

The Pine Island Trail, a 3.5-mile out-and-back (7-mile total), takes hikers up to the St. Johns River. Some parts are directly exposed to sunlight. Be sure to pack sunscreen, bug repellent, and lots of fluids. You are welcome to bring your pet along. Admission costs $6 per vehicle.

Address: 2100 W. French Ave. Orange City

3}Orlando Wetlands Park

This park is located in the city of Orlando and can be used for hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and photography. Although the land is 1,650 acres in size, it was initially created to improve wastewater treatment. It was initially created to test the…