Walk, Hike, or Stroll: Explore Mount Dora Trails in Comfort

There’s something special about hitting the trail — whether you’re out for a peaceful solo walk, joining a friend for a nature stroll, or tracking your progress in a fitness challenge. And here in Mount Dora, we’re lucky to have plenty of spots to explore just minutes from downtown.

In fact, with cooler mornings on the horizon and events like the Teva Trails Challenge encouraging folks to “Hike Anywhere,” there’s no better time to discover new paths — or rediscover old favorites. From easy lakeside loops to quiet forest preserves, Mount Dora offers something for every pace and every pair of feet.

Of course, what you wear on your feet can make or break the experience. That’s why we’re combining a few of our favorite local trails with tips on the best types of shoes for walking, hiking, or casual outdoor adventures — all from brands we proudly carry at Becker’s Best Shoes.

Choose the Right Shoes for the Path You’re On

Every trail has its own personality — and so do the shoes that work best for it. Whether you’re climbing tree-rooted paths, jogging a paved loop, or just enjoying a sunny stroll by the lake, the right footwear makes the experience more enjoyable (and a lot less painful). Here’s a quick guide to help you match your shoes to the kind of walk or hike you love most:

🏞️ Best Shoes for Hiking Trails

When the terrain gets a little more rugged — think roots, dirt paths, or inclines — you’ll want footwear with grippy soles, supportive cushioning, and breathable materials.

Brands to explore at Becker’s Best Shoes: Keen and Teva, both known for durable hiking sandals and trail-ready shoes built for comfort and stability.

🏃 Best Shoes for Walking & Running Paths

For smoother trails, paved paths, or light jogging, you’ll want responsive cushioning and shock absorption to protect your joints over longer distances. These shoes combine athletic performance with comfort-first design.

Brands to explore at Becker’s Best Shoes: Hoka, ON, Brooks, and Saucony — all customer favorites for everyday walking, running, and fitness-focused outings.

🚶 Best Shoes for Everyday Strolls

Not every outing needs trail tread — sometimes you just want a pair of supportive, stylish shoes for a downtown walk, a boardwalk loop, or a full day at a Mount Dora festival.

Brands to explore at Becker’s Best Shoes: Spring Footwear, Birkenstock, Rieker, and Vionic, all designed to keep you comfortable without sacrificing style. And honestly? Most of the shoes in our store fall into this category — because comfort and fashion should go hand in hand.

Not sure which style is right for your favorite trail or daily routine? Stop by and let our team help you find a pair that fits both your feet and your lifestyle. Fresh arrivals land often, so there’s always something new to try on.

Mount Dora’s Best Trails to Walk, Hike, or Explore

One of the best parts about living in or visiting Mount Dora is how quickly you can escape into nature. Whether you’re looking for a quick walk before lunch or a longer weekend outing, there’s a trail nearby for nearly every mood — and every comfort level.

Here are some of our favorite local paths to get you started:

🌿 Palm Island Boardwalk & Lighthouse Loop

Difficulty: Easy
Length: ~1 mile
Surface: Boardwalk, paved, and grass paths
This downtown favorite is perfect for casual strolls or stretching your legs after lunch. With lakefront views and plenty of photo ops near the Mount Dora Lighthouse, it’s ideal for lighter shoes and scenic vibes. Great for all ages and mobility levels.

🌳 Trimble Park Loop (near Tangerine)

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: ~1.3 miles
Surface: Dirt and mulch with gentle elevation
Just a short drive from downtown, this shaded loop winds through oaks and offers lakeside glimpses. It’s peaceful and well-marked — a nice spot for walking shoes with decent traction or even light hikers.

🌾 Mount Dora Forest Preserve Trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: ~1.7 miles
Surface: Natural dirt trail with light elevation
Tucked within a quiet part of town, this trail gives you the feel of a real hike without going far. Expect more roots and uneven surfaces — this one’s great for more supportive footwear and a slower pace.

🦆 Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (walking access areas)

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: Varies by route
Surface: Gravel roads, grass, and levees
While mostly known as a scenic driving trail, some areas of the Wildlife Drive allow foot traffic. It’s ideal for birdwatching and long, flat walks with a bit more exposure. Bring water and supportive shoes — and be ready to spot gators, herons, and more!

🌲 Hidden Waters Preserve (just outside town)

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Length: ~1.5 miles of looping trails
Surface: Dirt, elevation, stairs, roots
If you’re up for something more adventurous, this tucked-away preserve offers wooded trails, a spring-fed ravine, and actual elevation changes — rare for Central Florida. It’s shady, beautiful, and best tackled with hiking shoes and bug spray.

Whether you’re logging miles for the Teva Trails Challenge or just enjoying some fresh air and movement, Mount Dora has the kind of trail that makes it easy to say, “Let’s go for a walk.”

A Few Trail-Ready Footwear Tips

No matter which trail you choose or how long you plan to walk, a little preparation goes a long way when it comes to foot comfort. Here are a few simple tips our team at Becker’s Best Shoes often shares with customers looking to stay active — and stay pain-free.

🧦 Start with the Right Socks

A supportive shoe is only part of the equation. Look for moisture-wicking socks that reduce friction, help prevent blisters, and keep your feet dry — especially important on warmer, more humid Florida days.

👟 Break in Your Shoes Before a Big Outing

Even comfort shoes can cause hot spots if worn brand-new for a long walk or hike. Give yourself a short “test walk” around the neighborhood before hitting the trails for the first time in a new pair.

🌿 Choose Shoes Based on Terrain

Match your footwear to the surface:

• Flat paved or boardwalk trails? A well-cushioned walking shoe will do the trick.

• Natural trails with elevation or roots? Look for grippy outsoles and more structure in the heel and midfoot.

☀️ Watch for Heat & Humidity

Florida trails may look shady, but they heat up quickly. Lighter materials, breathable mesh uppers, and open footwear (like supportive sandals) can make a big difference on warmer days.

🧴 Consider Extra Comfort Accessories

Need a little more cushion? Ask about orthotic insoles or inserts — especially if you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, sore arches, or heel pain. We may be able to discuss some options designed to fit most walking and hiking shoes.

And if you’re not sure what works best for your foot type or favorite walking spots, we’re happy to help you figure it out — no pressure, just honest advice from people who know feet and trails.

Find Your Trail — and Your Fit — at Becker’s Best Shoes

Whether you’re logging steps for the Teva Trails Challenge, walking the lakeside loop after brunch, or hiking deeper into one of Mount Dora’s shaded preserves, one thing is always true: the right shoes make all the difference.

At Becker’s Best Shoes, we specialize in supportive, comfort-focused footwear that keeps you moving — without the aches and blisters. We carry a range of walking, hiking, and everyday active styles from trusted brands like ON, Vionic, OluKai, Spring Step, Hey Dude, Birkenstock, and more.

Come see what’s new, try on a few trail-ready pairs, and let our team help you find your perfect fit — for your feet, your lifestyle, and your next adventure.

Happy trails, Mount Dora. 🥾