As shown on the map, Lake Apopka is accessible from a variety of locations on all sides of the lake.
Lake Apopka North Shore Trail Map
Roll over the trail map and click the download icon to download or print the map.
Lake-Apopka-trail-map-06-2020
Access Points:
Clay Island Loop Trail
22526 Carolyn Lane, Astatula, FL 32703
This trail is a little over six miles. There is a 2.7-mile trek to an observation tower on Lake Apopka (each way), one of three on the loop. I would recommend not taking the Clay Island trail on a hot, sunny day as there is very little cover. Make sure that you have plenty of water with you.
Ferndale Preserve
19220 County Road 455, Clermont, FL 34715
Ferndale Preserve is located on the western shore of Lake Apopka along the Green Mountain Scenic Byway. This unique location gives the preserve a high point of 162′ above sea level and a view of both Lake Apopka and on clear days the Orlando skyline. The preserve has two trails open currently; a 1.6 mile hiking trail (loop) and a .5 mile (one way) hiking/biking trail (unpaved) to the highest point.
Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead
20700 County Road 455, Minneola, FL 34715
This park offers an overlook of the North Shore Restoration and Lake Apopka sitting 132 feet above sea level. It is just a short distance from Sugarloaf Mountain (The highest point in peninsular Florida at 312 feet), and located along the State Designated Green Mountain Scenic Byway. Amenities include restrooms, drinking fountain, bicycle pump, bike racks, trash cans, pavilion, educational kiosks and signage, bird and bee boxes, and the observation tower.
Lake Apopka Loop Trail
The Lake Apopka Loop Trail is nearly 15-miles. The trail is accessible via Magnolia Park on Binion Road (Apopka), Clay Island Trailhead on Carolyn Lane (Astatula) and the Green Mountain Trailhead (Minneola). This loop is primarily for biking and hiking. The only restrooms are at Magnolia Park and port-a-lets at the old pump house at mile marker 4. Other than parking, there are no amenities at either the North Shore or Clay Island trailheads. Take plenty of water and whatever else you need.
- See downloadable map above
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
2803 Lust Road, Apopka, FL 32703
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a one-way 11-mile drive that begins at Lust Road and ends on Jones Road in Orange County, Fla. There is a ten mile per hour speed limit, so allow approximately two hours for the drive depending on stops along the way. Vehicles pulling trailers are not allowed. Port-a-lets are provided at multiple locations. No drinking water is provided. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times
Wildlife Drive Schedule
The drive is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. The entrance gate opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m.. Vehicles must exit the drive by 5 p.m.. The drive is closed on other days due to ongoing restoration work. The entrance gate is open during daylight hours and closes approximately one hour prior to sunset to allow visitors to complete the drive and exit the property prior to sunset.
Magnolia Park
2929 S Binion Road, Apopka, FL 32703
The park is on both sides of Binion Road – the smaller part and boat launch are on the lake side, while the camping and picnic areas are across the street. The park has picnic tables, playgrounds, volleyball courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, a boat ramp, 18 RV/tent campsites, and 2 group campsites. The Lake Apopka Loop trailhead is located on the northwest side of the park. People come out nightly to watch the sunset over the Lake.
Oakland Nature Preserve
747 Machette Trail, Oakland, FL 34760
http://www.oaklandnaturepreserve.org/home
Oakland Nature Preserve is a 128-acre preserve with six unpaved hiking trails and a wheelchair accessible boardwalk to Lake Apopka. There is a log cabin education center which includes a classroom, museum, office, and restrooms.