A bustling training ground for professional and youth sports leagues, Sylvan Lake Park also features a fishing dock, kayak launch, playground, and an accessible concrete loop trail.
The inviting walkway allows folks attending games to take a peaceful stroll by the lake, enjoying the wetlands side of the park.
Once an inconspicuous dirt pathway circling the sporting area, the loop trail was completely revamped in 2024 with a wide concrete surface and a trio of sturdy boardwalks.
The park is surprisingly quiet on days when the fields are empty. Pavilions and racquet courts can be reserved in advance by calling the county.
Boardwalk over the liliesResources
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Overview
Location: Orlando
Length: 1.5 miles
Trailhead: 28.802222, -81.389667
Address: 845 Lake Markham Road, Sanford
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Yes, one at the trailhead, and another along the route.
Land manager: Seminole County
Phone: 407-665-2180
Open Mon–Fri 8 AM – 10 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM – 8 PM. No pets allowed.
Directions
From Interstate 4 in Lake Mary, exit onto CR 46A and head west for 1.7 miles before turning right onto Markham Woods Rd. In 0.7 mile, make a right at the entrance to the park. Take the first left into a parking area in front of the Seminole County Sports Training Center building.
Hike
Starting at the east end of the lot, a curb cut between accessible parking spots serves as a ramp to the concrete walkway.
Follow a sidewalk leading around the training center building as it passes several tennis courts before crossing the main park road.
Although this section of the park has long been developed, a canopy of sand live oaks, pine, and turkey oaks reveal clues to what may have once been sandhill habitat.
Turkey oaks near the entranceSaw palmetto, coral bean, and beautyberry border the path as it bends eastward, tracing along an edge of the soccer fields.
Past the fields, a narrow corridor cuts through a shady mix of oaks and cabbage palms before circling around the end of the park road and entering a stand of tall pines.
Soccer field pavilionNearing one mile, a lengthy boardwalk leads out over glassy waters lined with dense clusters of swamp sawgrass.
A pair of benches along the wooden walkway provide spots to rest and listen to wildlife while gazing across the pond and a line of cypress trees in the distance.
Boardwalk on the lakeshoreLeaving the boardwalk along a shoreline thick with ferns and dahoon holly, wind through columns of pine trees.
Cross a short walkway over seasonally dry wetlands covered in pickerelweed. As the loop curves south, another boardwalk leads past a scenic vista covered with pond lilies.
View from the west boardwalkTurning to the right after crossing the main park road, the trail passes a fenced playground where the sidewalk is painted with colorful illustrations.
From the playground, continue following the path westward as it parallels the road for 0.2 mile before reaching the starting point.
Painted sidewalk next to the playgroundTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
A walk around Sylvan Lake Park
Nearby Adventures
Wilsons Landing Park A small but welcoming green space in suburban Sanford, Wilsons Landing Park provides accessible access to a beauty spot on the Wekiva River.
Lower Wekiva River Preserve Red Loop A quiet path leads through sandhill, scrubby and mesic flatwoods, providing opportunities for bird watching among a vivid backdrop of seasonal flowers. 
Black Bear Wilderness Walk Tackle the easiest portion of the Black Bear Wilderness Loop Trail with a walk on its original trail segment out to the St. Johns River.
Historic Ethel Trail Inside Rock Springs Run State Reserve, an interpretive loop trail leads visitors through a corner of the state park where the rural settlement of Ethel once stood.
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