Straddling an ancient shoreline in the heart of an urban landscape, Shadow Bay Park is a rare slice of habitat and a refuge for endangered species.
Its network of trails offers multiple ways to explore the unique scrub habitat, including a paved loop and sandy footpaths.
A variety of recreational opportunities are popular at this park including tennis, pickleball, basketball, fishing, and a playground.
A paved path provides an easy walk through the scrubResources
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Overview
Location: Orlando
Length: 2.5 mile loop
Trailhead: 28.490497, -81.480822
Address: 5100 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Yes
Land manager: Orange County
Phone: 407-254-9175
Open 8 AM – 8 PM summer, 8 AM – 6 PM winter. Leashed dogs permitted.
Directions
From Interstate 4 at S Kirkman Rd in Orlando, head north on S Kirkman Rd for 1.2 miles before turning left onto Conroy Rd. In one mile, make a left onto Turkey Lake Rd, then turn right in 0.2 mile at the park entrance on Oak Knoll Rd. Continue for a quarter mile to the parking area near the trailhead.
Hike
Starting at the parking area, follow a concrete sidewalk paralleling the road for a tenth of a mile towards a covered kiosk.
This signage displays information about the rare habitats and restoration projects taking place on the property.
Information kioskTurn right, where a gently winding pathway leads down a corridor lined with dense shrubs and saw palmettos.
The trail splits at 0.2 mile, providing an option to stay on the sidewalk or follow an unpaved path through a forest of sand pine.
Scrubby sidewalkLeaving the concrete, a sandy, pine-straw strewn trail weaves through surprisingly shaded scrub habitat.
Clusters of fetterbush stand alongside closely related rusty lyonia, both of which sport small bell-shaped flowers in the cooler months.
Fetterbush in bloomIn late summer through winter, goldenrod, blazing stars, and honeycombhead wildflowers attract pollinators with a dazzling mix of vibrant yellow and purple blooms.
Hog plums and silk bay add to the impressive mix of native vegetation as the trail cuts through scrub habitat for 0.4 mile before rejoining the sidewalk loop.
Coastalplain HoneycombheadThe paved pathway curves around Shadow Bay Pond, reaching a fishing dock in 0.6 mile where a secondary loop on the north end of the park becomes an option.
To finish the sidewalk loop, continue for 0.1 mile before turning left and crossing a road to the parking area.
Shadow Bay PondTo access the north loop, make a left at the fishing dock where a sidewalk leads through woods for 0.1 mile to the ranger station.
A sign marks the entrance. A difference in terrain is immediately evident.
The pathway descends quickly before climbing an ancient sand dune covered with Florida rosemary.
Florida rosemaryDistinctive patches of scrub lupine dot the hilly landscape, easily recognizable by the fuzzy sage-colored leaves and showy pink inflorescence in the spring.
A one-mile loop can be put together from crisscrossed unmarked paths leading through this unique habitat before following the trail back to the fishing dock.
Scrub lupineTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking Shadow Bay Park
Nearby Adventures
Bill Frederick Park Inside the City of Orlando, the urban Bill Frederick Park has a wild side, too, with more than 2 miles of trails to meander through scrub forest and along Turkey Lake.
Tibet-Butler Preserve A wildlife haven within earshot of Walt Disney World, Tibet-Butler Preserve provides 3.6 miles of well-kept and gentle hiking trails for family fun.
Oakland Nature Preserve An accessible boardwalk through marshes to Lake Apopka pairs with an extensive network of upland trails for up to 3.5 miles of hiking at Oakland Nature Preserve.
Historic Babb Landing Home to Osceola Pioneer Village, this 160-acre segment of Shingle Creek Regional Park edges Shingle Creek with easy accessible trails looping a former homestead and citrus grove.
- Calusa Heritage Trail - November 5, 2026
- Scherer Thaxton Preserve - October 21, 2026
- Little Awesome Preserve - October 19, 2026