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Latest update: March 2023

Lake Apopka Loop Trail... Florida

Popular Eco-biking Trail with Water Views and Wildlife

The Lake Apopka Loop Trail ("LA Loop") runs along the Lake Apopka North Shore in Orange and Lake Counties (northwest of Orlando). The area lies on former farmland now under restoration, with the trail running on old farm roads and levees. Popular with bikers and hikers, equestrians are allowed in some sections. With little to no shade, this is best as a cool weather ride. Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. The trail is paved for a half mile from the Magnolia Park Trailhead, but the rest is mostly hard-packed limestone and gravel, with some sandy spots and potholes - while it can be rough it is rideable - bikes with fat tires and shocks or mountain bikes are recommended. (Hint: we found that riding at the edge of the roadway was smoother.) The area is known for its birds and wildlife, with more alligators - mostly very large! - than you can count. No entry fee. (Map link and photos below.)

Note: portions of the Lake Apopka Loop Trail may be closed at times. Before visiting, check for status.

Map link...
Lake Apopka Loop Trail

Mileage: 17.2 miles (more available on loops and spurs)
Surface: Hard-packed limestone. gravel and grass; paved 1/2 mile only, at Magnolia Park
Trailheads: Magnolia Park (2929 S. Binion Road, Apopka), North Shore Trailhead (24600 CR 448A, Mt. Dora), Clay Island Trailhead (22526 Carolyn Lane, Astatula), Green Mountain Scenic Overlook (20700 County Road 455, Montverde). (See map)

Bike Shops/Rentals:

Spin City Cycles (Apopka)

Support and Advocacy:

Friends of Lake Apopka

 Page Summary:

1. Eco-biking on the Lake Apopka Loop Trail
2. Magnolia Park Trailhead to Historic Pump House
3. Historic Pump House to North Shore Trailhead
   - McDonald Canal Boat Ramp
4. North Shore Trailhead to Clay Island Trailhead
   - Clay Island Loop
5. Clay Island to Green Mountain Scenic Outlook
6. Wildlife Drive
7. Wildlife
8. Lake Apopka Restoration
9. More Information and Resources

Eco-biking on the Lake Apopka Loop Trail... Comments and Photos

The LA Loop is not actually a loop but an out-and-return trail connecting the four trailheads (eventually, it's hoped the trail will circle the lake and link to other regional trails). The marked trail is 17.2 miles, but mileage can be increased and some smaller loops created on connecting roads and levees. Directional signs point the way, and mile markers with emergency information are posted every half mile. The Lake Apopka North Shore guide map available at trailheads and kiosks along the trail is extremely helpful in choosing your route. With restoration work ongoing, you may occasionally encounter construction equipment or trucks driven by district personnel. The only facilities are restrooms at Magnolia Park, the North Shore Trailhead (at the adjoining McDonald Canal Boat Ramp), and Green Mountain Scenic Overlook trailhead; port-a-potties are located at the Pump House and along Wildlife Drive. Watch the weather, there is little shelter and long distances between points.

Magnolia Park Trailhead to Historic Pump House (4 miles)

Magnolia Park

Magnolia Park spans both sides of Binion Road. Lake Apopka Loop Trail access is on the west (lake) side with parking, restrooms, water, picnicking, playground, and boat ramp; on the east side are camping and picnicking. The Eco Education Center on site has educational displays and exhibits and offers programs on Florida plants, wildlife and conservation. Trails run around the park, connecting to facilities.

History: This is the site of Lovell's Landing at Lake Apopka. Established in 1872, it served as a hub for freight service to the surrounding area. Waterway delivery declined as more transportation options became available, roads and a park were built here in the 1920's.

Magnolia Park to Pump House

Leaving Magnolia Park, the first half mile of trail along Binion Rd. is paved, after that is an old limestone road (once used for farming) that can be bumpy. This is the most scenic section, running lakeside with views of the lake and lots of birds and alligators.

Historic Pump House Trailhead

At the Historic Pump House are parking and porta-pottie. (Note: By car, this is only reachable on Friday-Sunday when Wildlife Drive is open.)

History: The pump house was once used to drain the land to create more farmland.

Historic Pump House to North Shore Trailhead (7.5 miles)

Pump House to Canal Road

West of the pump house, you have another few miles of enjoyable lake views, before you enter the filtering area with shallow ponds and bulrushes. The first 1.25 miles are shared with cars along the Lake Spur of Wildlife Drive (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Then the trail diverges from the roadway and continues lakeside. A canal runs to the lake, and at Canal Road the trail makes a short detour to a bridge crossing it.

Canal Road to North Shore Trailhead

From here on, the nature of the ride changes as your field of view is more obstructed. Turning away from the lake (about 4 miles), the trail continues into Lake County. At Marsh Rabbit Road (Duda Kiosk), turn left to continue on the loop, or go straight on a spur one mile to the North Shore Trailhead.

North Shore Trailhead / McDonald Canal Boat Ramp

North Shore Trailhead has parking. Other facilities are available at the adjoining McDonald Canal Boat Ramp, with parking, restrooms, water station, picnic, and boat ramp.

North Shore Trailhead to Clay Island Trailhead (5 miles)

North Shore Trailhead to Apopka-Beauclaire Canal

From the North Shore Trailhead backtrack to the Duda Kiosk at Marsh Rabbit Road and turn west through marsh, about 3/4 mile to the Apopka-Beauclair Canal. Cross the bridge (up one of the few "hills" on this trail) and enjoy the view, then continue south on the west side of the canal. We found this a scenic section with a lot of wildlife, with a couple sandy spots. At the end of the canal, go west to continue on the LA Loop.

Apopka-Beauclaire Canal to Clay Island Trailhead

A road branches to the south, past three pumps - this is part of the Clay Island Loop "white blaze" trail, we report more on this below. Continuing straight, the LA Loop runs about 1.5 miles to Ranch Road and the Clay Island Trailhead. This section runs through the Marsh Flow-Way, a constructed wetland system designed to filter lake water. The ditch crossings were popular with wildlife - there were birds or gators at almost every one. About half way (mile 13.5), an observation tower on the right gives views of the system - the white blaze trail continues to the north from the tower.

Clay Island Trailhead

Clay Island Trailhead is reached via a grassy path off Ranch Road, about 500 feet. This can get overgrown and pushing your bike through easier. A kiosk provides information, pass through the gate to the trailhead with parking only. This is also popular with equestrians.

Clay Island Loop - White Blaze (6 - 7.2 miles)

The Clay Island Loop, or white blaze trail - used by cyclists, hikers and equestrians - has two loops, 6 miles to the south of Clay Island Trailhead and 1.2 miles to the north. Note: The northern loop is more grassy, popular with equestrians.

We visited the longer south loop, starting from Clay Island Trailhead and heading east on LA Loop to the juncture with the Apopka-Beauclaire Canal - turn south at the pump station. The grass and gravel trail starts past the pumps. This follows the lake shore with two more observation towers. There are grassy areas, but we were able to push through on fat-wheel bikes. Some shady sections, many alligators and birds. The trail then re-joins the LA Loop at the turn-off to Green Mountain Trailhead - continue straight onto Ranch Road, back to the Clay Island Trailhead.

Clay Island Trailhead to Green Mountain Scenic Outlook (3 miles)

From the Clay Island Trailhead, go south on Ranch Road. The first mile follows a canal with many alligators, then the LA Loop turns right and crosses the canal - go straight to the Green Mountain Scenic Overlook, or left onto the Clay Island Loop white blaze trail (above). Much of the roadway is wide and hard packed. After crossing the canal there are some pleasant shaded sections and a slight grade begins. A loose gravel path - including "S" curves! (we walked it) - leads up to Observation Tower.

Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead

At the tower, you have the option to climb up the stairs to the tower or continue on the gravel path to the Green Mountain Trailhead, where the path is paved. The trailhead has parking, restrooms, drinking fountain, bicycle pump, bike racks, benches, pavilion, and educational displays. A 130-foot elevated boardwalk leads to the Observation Tower, which provides a great view of the surrounding area.

Wildlife Drive

The 11-mile Wildlife Drive is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and on Federal holidays but closed the remainder of the week while restoration work proceeds. The entrance to the drive is at Lust Road in Apopka, and exits at Jones Avenue. This is a one-way drive, a 1.25 mile stretch (the "Lake Spur") past the Pump House Trailhead is shared with bikes. Parking and porta-potties are available at the Pump House, an informational kiosk and porta-potties are at the intersection of North Spur and West Spur (Laughlin Rd. and McDonald Canal Rd.).

Wildlife

This is a must-visit for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Wildlife include alligators (again, mostly very large), snakes, turtles, bobcat, otters, raccoons and rabbits. More than 365 species of birds have been observed here. Since 1998, Lake Apopka North Shore has held the record for the highest species total for a one-day inland count (174) made at the Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count, held at locations around the country each year since 1901.

Lake Apopka Restoration

The fourth largest lake in Florida and headwaters of the Harris Chain of Lakes, Lake Apopka was once a fishing paradise but pollution from muck farming, citrus plants and sewage caused it to deteriorate. The former agricultural land that now comprises the Lake Apopka North Shore was acquired by the State in 1996. A project to restore the wetlands as part of the lake cleanup is ongoing, conducted by the St. Johns River Water Management District. The Lake Apopka Loop Trail was suggested by Friends of Lake Apopka as a means to bring people close to appreciate the lake and support its restoration. Covering 20,000 acres, the Lake Apopka North Shore is now a designated nature preserve.

More Information and Resources

Nearby Biking:

West Orange Trail
Wekiva Trail
Wekiva Springs State Park (eco-biking)
Central FL Region - More trails plus Regional Overview map

Nearby Paddling:

Wekiva River
Rock Springs Run

Related Resources:

Orange County Parks - Lake Apopka Loop Trail
St. Johns River Water Management District - Lake Apopka North Shore
St. Johns River Water Management District - Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive