The Fraser River Trail is a great stroll or easy bike ride with three sections between Winter Park Resort and Fraser. Each section has it’s own appeal and can be done separately or in combination for a 10-mile loop.
Winter Park Section – From downtown Winter Park follow the sidewalk on the same side of the road as the Visitor Center toward Winter Park Resort. The sidewalk becomes a black-top paved trail after Beaver Village Lodge, and follows the river for 2.5 miles, through the Idlewild Campground and the shade of the pine forest. To start from the resort, walk to or park near the trailhead on Tradmark Drive in Old Town, just down the street from the Shipwreck Tavern.
Fraser Section (Paved) – This is a great evening stroll with awesome panoramic views of Byer’s, James and Parry’s (pictured) peaks. Moose and other wildlife are often spotted in the meadow beside the trail, too. From downtown Winter Park, start on the sidewalk across the street from Hernando’s Pizza and walk towards Fraser. Continue on the paved trail for about 2.5 miles until you reach Fraser. You can either turn around and come back the way you came, or cross at the intersection to come back on the dirt section.
Dirt Fraser Section – Try this section if you are looking for an easy and scenic stroll or bike ride on a dirt path. The trail starts on the left of the Safeway building and continues around and to the right towards Winter Park. After about 2 miles, the trail ends at the Rendezvous Neighborhood entrance. To get back to downtown Winter Park, you can either go towards the entrance of Rendezvous and cross the highway to get back on the paved trail, or follow the Rendezvous road about 1/4 mile to get on a trail (unmarked) that ends in the Hi Country Haus neighborhood. This trail starts on the right of the road across the street from the church.
