Where to walk

[Tlcav]

Moving into Hacienda North in Spanish Springs. I am an avid walker and am wondering about walking paths. I walk to my mail box and would love to walk to the square. Are the golf cart paths for walkers too? I always walk facing traffic. Carts and cars come so fast so I have to be hyper aware.
Also, what would be the closest dedicated just for walkers path? Don’t want to drive to Edna’s in Fenney every day!

[Prpcmom]

Moving into Hacienda North in Spanish Springs. I am an avid walker and am wondering about walking paths. I walk to my mail box and would love to walk to the square. Are the golf cart paths for walkers too? I always walk facing traffic. Carts and cars come so fast so I have to be hyper aware.
Also, what would be the closest dedicated just for walkers path? Don’t want to drive to Edna’s in Fenney every day!

The walking path at Lake Miona rec center would be a lot closer than Fenney. Pull into the parking lot from Buena Vista, drive straight back, park at the far end then from the parking lot, you can see the path. Turn right on the path to the recycled asphalt walkway.

There is also a path along 441, Paradise park. Portions are going to be just walkers, some are shared with golf carts.

[Arctic Fox]

...Are the golf cart paths for walkers too?

"Golf Cart Paths" on golf courses are just for golf carts.

Elsewhere, they are called "Multi-Modal Paths" and are for golf carts, cyclists, walkers, etc., but you still need to be alert and walk facing traffic.

[Papa_lecki]

Moving into Hacienda North in Spanish Springs. I am an avid walker and am wondering about walking paths. I walk to my mail box and would love to walk to the square. Are the golf cart paths for walkers too? I always walk facing traffic. Carts and cars come so fast so I have to be hyper aware.
Also, what would be the closest dedicated just for walkers path? Don’t want to drive to Edna’s in Fenney every day!

You can drive to Spanish springs or LSL and walk around the squares.

Seems like something that should have been part of your purchase criteria.

[opinionist]

I walk around Paradise Lake almost daily, and the roadways' traffic is very light. Defensive walking is essential, especially on multimodal paths. I used to walk rails-to-trails up north, and the connection with nature was better. My goal is daily exercise, and the Paradise Park exercise equipment helps.

[VApeople]

Also, what would be the closest dedicated just for walkers path? Don’t want to drive to Edna’s in Fenney every day!

The closest decent walking path to you is in the village of Bradford.

You can park at their pool and find the walking path just behind it. Then you can walk around Bradford, take a little foot bridge over to St. Catherine, walk around the lakes and come down to Meggison Road, and then turn left on the walking/biking path and go thru Citrus Grove, Newell, Lake Denham, and Dabney. Then rest at their rec center and follow the same path back to your car.

In this walk, you will never have to deal with a car or a golf cart.

After this, you will be tired.

[HappyTraveler]

The closest decent walking path to you is in the village of Bradford.

You can park at their pool and find the walking path just behind it. Then you can walk around Bradford, take a little foot bridge over to St. Catherine, walk around the lakes and come down to Meggison Road, and then turn left on the walking/biking path and go thru Citrus Grove, Newell, Lake Denham, and Dabney. Then rest at their rec center and follow the same path back to your car.

That's a very long way from Hacienda North. OP was asking for options closer to home.
This might help. Trails & Parks in The Villages(R) (https://www.thevillages.com/trails-parks/)

[VApeople]

That's a very long way from Hacienda North. OP was asking for options closer to home.


No he wasn't. He was asking for a place to walk closest to his home. The path starting in Bradford is the closest one to his home.

[HappyTraveler]

No he wasn't. He was asking for a place to walk closest to his home. The path starting in Bradford is the closest one to his home.

Sigh.....
Moving into Hacienda North in Spanish Springs.

[mraines]

Moving into Hacienda North in Spanish Springs. I am an avid walker and am wondering about walking paths. I walk to my mail box and would love to walk to the square. Are the golf cart paths for walkers too? I always walk facing traffic. Carts and cars come so fast so I have to be hyper aware.
Also, what would be the closest dedicated just for walkers path? Don’t want to drive to Edna’s in Fenney every day!

So glad you walk facing traffic. I wish others would learn that not only is it safer, it is Florida law.

[JohnN]

The walking path at Lake Miona rec center would be a lot closer than Fenney. Pull into the parking lot from Buena Vista, drive straight back, park at the far end then from the parking lot, you can see the path. Turn right on the path to the recycled asphalt walkway.

There is also a path along 441, Paradise park. Portions are going to be just walkers, some are shared with golf carts.

Best answer, plus walking the squares

[CarlR33]

Trails & Parks in The Villages(R) (https://www.thevillages.com/trails-parks/)
Pathways in The Villages(R): Explore Trails and More (https://www.thevillages.com/trails-parks/pathways/)

[VApeople]

The walking path at Lake Miona rec center would be a lot closer than Fenney. Pull into the parking lot from Buena Vista, drive straight back, park at the far end then from the parking lot, you can see the path. Turn right on the path to the recycled asphalt walkway.


I agree, that trail at Lake Miona is very nice, especially because both dogs and bikes are not allowed.

The other walking trails allow bikes, so the walkers have to be careful.

[fdpaq0580]

Where to walk? Hmmm?
I believe Lou Reed suggested walking on the "wild side". What ever that means. 🤔

[folkh]

There is a walking club in The Villages called The Walking Villagers. Jan is the in charge, the email is. thewalkingvillagers@gmail.com.

[Kelevision]

So glad you walk facing traffic. I wish others would learn that not only is it safer, it is Florida law.

Some people just don’t know to walk facing traffic. I actually stopped to tell 2 ladies walking yesterday and they were thankful. You can do it in a very nice considerate, just trying to be friendly, way.

[thevillages2013]

"Golf Cart Paths" on golf courses are just for golf carts.

Elsewhere, they are called "Multi-Modal Paths" and are for golf carts, cyclists, walkers, etc., but you still need to be alert and walk facing traffic.

That is true most everywhere in TV but some of the cart paths on Hacienda are also MMP’s

[thevillages2013]

Moving into Hacienda North in Spanish Springs. I am an avid walker and am wondering about walking paths. I walk to my mail box and would love to walk to the square. Are the golf cart paths for walkers too? I always walk facing traffic. Carts and cars come so fast so I have to be hyper aware.
Also, what would be the closest dedicated just for walkers path? Don’t want to drive to Edna’s in Fenney every day!

Just across Morse Blvd from you is a Multi Modal Path that connects to the MMP that runs beside El Camino Real. You can walk for miles on it. Not sure but there may be a walkway out of the back of Hacienda North so you can get to Spanish Springs safely. Both would involve crossing a busy road

[sdeikenberry]

Most of the people answering, you have no idea about walking paths north. You do not have to drive anywhere. There is a multi modal path that goes through the Hacienda golf course that you can access easily. There’s a multi modal path on the west side of Morse, that will take you Into neighborhoods where you can easily walk the streets or take you north up to El Camino, where you can walk west over to Savannah or Glenview. Off of El Camino you can also go north into harmswoid neighborhood and walk around that neighborhood. You can easily walk into Spanish Springs. There’s a multi Moto path just south of Spanish Springs that goes around Chula Vista and wanders south all the way to the lady Lake park, golf course, though just Woodshop. Lots of places to walk close to you. you will have to use some low traffic residential streets in addition to the multi modal paths.

[elle123]

Moving into Hacienda North in Spanish Springs. I am an avid walker and am wondering about walking paths. I walk to my mail box and would love to walk to the square. Are the golf cart paths for walkers too? I always walk facing traffic. Carts and cars come so fast so I have to be hyper aware.
Also, what would be the closest dedicated just for walkers path? Don’t want to drive to Edna’s in Fenney every day!
A treadmill located in your own home. It's safe and effective.

[bkcunningham1]

Moving into Hacienda North in Spanish Springs. I am an avid walker and am wondering about walking paths. I walk to my mail box and would love to walk to the square. Are the golf cart paths for walkers too? I always walk facing traffic. Carts and cars come so fast so I have to be hyper aware.
Also, what would be the closest dedicated just for walkers path? Don’t want to drive to Edna’s in Fenney every day!

From Morse, if you walk down San Juan Drive, take the first left onto Corona and keep walking (Corona turns into Barcelona), you'll come to the path that crosses Hickory Head Hammack and Aveineda Central, then leads to Alonzo. Alonzo goes back to Spanish Springs Town Square. If you turn to the left behind the Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center, you can walk along the little pond. Straight across is the golf cart bridge.

[Karen M]

We live in Rio Grande and walk straight from our front door. We took the time to find the quiet streets and the multi paths that are connected. Often our center point is the Square. My sugestion is enjoy the search for your favorite walk right outside your own door. You will meet your new neighbors and know your neighborhood.

[Danube]

No he wasn't. He was asking for a place to walk closest to his home. The path starting in Bradford is the closest one to his home.

Why would you say that?

[JwizChick]

The Walking Villagers website is Home (https://thewalkingvillagers.weebly.com). You can access our monthly calendars there. We walk twice a week from different starting locations, three and six mile options. Come join us!

[charlie1]

Too bad it is so far but there are MANY walking trails south of SR44! The developer must have realized that this was something people wanted. I live in Fenney and just in our village we have a walking trail all alone Fenney Way. Also in Fenney Springs, Blue Heron (short walk), Spanish Moss, and Sugar Cane!

[ROCKETMAN]

Lake Miona very nice. Great surface and no dogs or bikes. Don’t understand the Bradford answer.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

My suggestion of course is to cross the golf cart bridge, and just walk anywhere you want on the Historic Side. There's only one MMP and it's very short, from the park to the Veterinary clinic. Other than Paradise Ave, West Boone, Tarrson. and the Lester hill, the streets don't get heavy traffic and it's a nice area to walk in. Plenty of shade to hide under when the sun is high, interesting landscaping choices and colors to look at, and super-friendly people to say "hi" to as you walk. We also have HILLS, something most parts of the Villages can't boast about. If you want to exercise and stretch your hamstrings and glutes, the Historic side is the place to be.

[VApeople]

Why would you say that?

Because it is true.

[VApeople]

Too bad it is so far but there are MANY walking trails south of SR44! The developer must have realized that this was something people wanted.

I think you are exactly right!

When they started building south of 44 in January 2017, I think they started doing things differently. Like banning dogs from the postal stations, making the pools free-form, and building walking trails where golf carts are banned.

Fortunately for us, we had just bought a new house in Osceola Hills just north of 44. We go to the new areas for walks all the time.

[richdell]

Also, what would be the closest dedicated just for walkers path? Don’t want to drive to Edna’s in Fenney every day!

Small quibble. Edna's is in Marsh Bend.

[natjos]

There is a walking pat close to part of Chula Vista golf course. Start at the Chula Vista pool. Another goes through Mira Masa course.

[jjombrello]

The golf cart paths are NOT for pedestrian walking. If you look, there is a sign at each golf cart path entrance that reminds one that the path is for golf traffic, only. Not only is it dangerous, it is trespassing. From Hacienda North you should easily find a good walking avenue to Spanish Springs.

[Danube]

Because it is true.

Wrong again. The OP will be moving to Hacienda North.

You wrote "No he wasn't. He was asking for a place to walk closest to his home. The path starting in Bradford is the closest one to his home.

Bradford is not closer to Hacienda North than the Lake Miona walking trail. Get a map.

[jimjamuser]

Moving into Hacienda North in Spanish Springs. I am an avid walker and am wondering about walking paths. I walk to my mail box and would love to walk to the square. Are the golf cart paths for walkers too? I always walk facing traffic. Carts and cars come so fast so I have to be hyper aware.
Also, what would be the closest dedicated just for walkers path? Don’t want to drive to Edna’s in Fenney every day!
When I walk on the golf cart paths, I walk facing traffic and I step off of the path when a golf carts comes along. I notice some people don't step off because for one reason in the wetter season - that they don't want to get their shoes wet. I wear walking shoes and use wool socks.

[Runway48]

My suggestion of course is to cross the golf cart bridge, and just walk anywhere you want on the Historic Side. There's only one MMP and it's very short, from the park to the Veterinary clinic. Other than Paradise Ave, West Boone, Tarrson. and the Lester hill, the streets don't get heavy traffic and it's a nice area to walk in. Plenty of shade to hide under when the sun is high, interesting landscaping choices and colors to look at, and super-friendly people to say "hi" to as you walk. We also have HILLS, something most parts of the Villages can't boast about. If you want to exercise and stretch your hamstrings and glutes, the Historic side is the place to be.

I agree. Last winter we rented in the Silverlakes region of the Historic Side. I am also an avid walker and found the roads there had low traffic volume and rolling hills and trees that help to make the walks interesting. Very easy to put together a route of any desired length. However, I prefer to walk (hike) on something other than asphalt and The Villages seem to be lacking true nature trails. Does anyone have experience with Lake Weir and the Carney Island Rec area, it says hiking trails on Google Maps. It looks like it is short drive north from the Spanish Springs area. Thanks.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I think everyone is confusing each other and themselves by interchanging the term "golf cart path" with "MMP."

To the OP: these are two different things with different meanings, in The Villages. A "golf cart path" is a paved path designated exclusively for the use of golf carts, or golfers who are golfing on the golf course. Pedestrians who aren't golfing on the golf course are not allowed to be on them at all, nor are bicycle riders, joggers, dogs, scooters, rollerblades, Segways, or anything else.

An "MMP" is a "multi-modal path" - and all of the above are allowed on them.

There is also a thing called a "walking trail" or "walking path" or "pedestrian path" which is designated exclusively for people using their own two feet or a medical mobility device (such as a wheelchair or knee-scooter) only. Bicycles are not allowed on them, nor are golf carts.

There are also a VERY few golf cart paths that aren't on golf courses, with signs specifying "golf carts only." In theory, that'd mean pedestrians and bicycles aren't allowed on them, but this doesn't seem to be enforced. I think the assumption is that whoever made those signs, intended to simply forbid any other kind of motor vehicles (such as cars, trucks, motorcycles). No idea if that's true or not but it seems a practical assumption.

[jimjamuser]

I walk around Paradise Lake almost daily, and the roadways' traffic is very light. Defensive walking is essential, especially on multimodal paths. I used to walk rails-to-trails up north, and the connection with nature was better. My goal is daily exercise, and the Paradise Park exercise equipment helps.
I use the Paradise Park outdoor exercise machines often. And I will walk or jog around the small circle track that they have there. The only thing to watch out for is sometimes people walking there have dogs that are out of control. In about 7 years of going there I saw one guy get bitten by a lady's dog that she let control her.

[sallyg]

The closest decent walking path to you is in the village of Bradford.

You can park at their pool and find the walking path just behind it. Then you can walk around Bradford, take a little foot bridge over to St. Catherine, walk around the lakes and come down to Meggison Road, and then turn left on the walking/biking path and go thru Citrus Grove, Newell, Lake Denham, and Dabney. Then rest at their rec center and follow the same path back to your car.

In this walk, you will never have to deal with a car or a golf cart.

After this, you will be tired.
Is this walkers only or are bicycles allowed?

[VApeople]

Wrong again. You wrote "No he wasn't. He was asking for a place to walk closest to his home. The path starting in Bradford is the closest one to his home.

Bradford is not closer to Hacienda North than the Lake Miona walking trail. Get a map.

I agree that the walking trail behind the Lake Miona rec center is closer for the OP than the beautiful train starting in Bradford, but it is very short, not what I think a real walker would find fulfilling.

We took our grand-daughters (ages 16 and 13) on that trail because we knew golf carts, bikes, and dogs are forbidden, and they loved it.

[VApeople]

Is this walkers only or are bicycles allowed?

Yes, bikes are allowed.

[tophcfa]

The golf cart paths are NOT for pedestrian walking. If you look, there is a sign at each golf cart path entrance that reminds one that the path is for golf traffic, only. Not only is it dangerous, it is trespassing. From Hacienda North you should easily find a good walking avenue to Spanish Springs.

Wrong, many golf cart paths are not for walking, but some are. One can walk along the golf cart paths going through holes 8, 7, and 6 on the Lakes course of Hacienda Hills and then cross Del Mar and walk along the Chula Vista course and then go through the tunnel going under Rio Grand and walk along the first few holes of Mira Mesa. It’s a beautiful area and would be a wonderful walk.

[Canada friends]

Walk at the polo grounds… no cars

[rayschic]

Walk at the polo grounds… no cars
I agree. The polo fields are the best place to walk. Beautiful scenery and very little traffic. Many times the horses are out in the paddocks too. Every once in a while you get to see people flying their kites or remote control airplanes. They are on the grass, not the path. The polo grounds are right next to the Saddlebrook softball fields so many times you can also watch some softball. Enjoy !

[sallyg]

Thanks!

[HappyTraveler]

To those new here, you'll appreciate knowing something I was alerted to so you don't stray onto an inappropriate path when walking.

Notice the surfaces......the golf cart paths are always a typical concrete surface and color while the MMPs are blacktop surface.

[Ruger2506]

Moving into Hacienda North in Spanish Springs. I am an avid walker and am wondering about walking paths. I walk to my mail box and would love to walk to the square. Are the golf cart paths for walkers too? I always walk facing traffic. Carts and cars come so fast so I have to be hyper aware.
Also, what would be the closest dedicated just for walkers path? Don’t want to drive to Edna’s in Fenney every day!

Lake Okahumpka Park. A little more developed than a hiker would like but some nice paved walking paths.

[VApeople]

Lake Okahumpka Park. A little more developed than a hiker would like but some nice paved walking paths.

With some creepy people. We heard a young lady was molested there a few years ago. Check with Wildwood police.

[Ruger2506]

With some creepy people. We heard a young lady was molested there a few years ago. Check with Wildwood police.

Would not surprise me. I never get assaulted there. I guess a 6'2" 270# angry looking dude isn't appealing to them. :D

[Ponygirl]

Welcome to the area

Lots of areas to walk

Like a previous poster mentioned. Cross Morse at the postal station and walk toward the lake and on to El Camino then you can walk to Savannah center and Glenview. Lovely walk.

Also other walking paths behind Del Mar around the lake there and you can continue walking for a long way

Easy to get to the square at Spanish Springs. Either through the neighborhood or by turning at the round about on Morse and heading past Hacienda rec to the square

Happy walking. Very enjoyable

[Sherkugawa]

Moving into Hacienda North in Spanish Springs. I am an avid walker and am wondering about walking paths. I walk to my mail box and would love to walk to the square. Are the golf cart paths for walkers too? I always walk facing traffic. Carts and cars come so fast so I have to be hyper aware.
Also, what would be the closest dedicated just for walkers path? Don’t want to drive to Edna’s in Fenney every day!
I live in Hacienda North but am not the avid walker (I like to walk just not avid) you are, but, nevertheless, there are a lot of walkable spaces. As a coincidence, if you walk every street in Hacienda North it is almost exactly a mile. Walking this route results in minimal conflicts with traffic. To add some distance you can cross Morse and walk around the lake in the area of Freedom Point. If your timing is right there is a guy that walks 7 miles a day following these routes in part, usually coming through at 8-9 in the morning. Hope to meet you soon! Sid

[jmaccallum]

Moving into Hacienda North in Spanish Springs. I am an avid walker and am wondering about walking paths. I walk to my mail box and would love to walk to the square. Are the golf cart paths for walkers too? I always walk facing traffic. Carts and cars come so fast so I have to be hyper aware.
Also, what would be the closest dedicated just for walkers path? Don’t want to drive to Edna’s in Fenney every day!

Welcome to our area! From your entrance at Hacienda North, cross Morse to the Multi-Model Path on the other side and turn left. Crossing Morse at that location really isn’t bad, and when you get on the MMP, there are many walkers and the golf carts are considerate and slow down and move to the other side. Continue down to the tunnel that goes under Morse to the Cordoba Pool - there is a sidewalk in the tunnel for pedestrians. Follow the MMP through Hacienda Golf on down to Soledad. From there keep on the MMP down to Martinez cross and keep on the MMP to where it splits to the right and left. Take the Left to Delmar. That portion is narrow, but because it is carts go slow. When you get to Delmar go Left. Delmar can be busy but you can walk on the grass on the left side of the road until you get closer to the Delmar Gate where the sidewalk begins. After the Delmar Gate cross Avenida - well marked crosswalk - and then it’s sidewalks into Spanish Springs. Very nice walk past golf courses, ponds/lakes, lot’s of birds and wildlife. Hope you enjoy!