You drive at your own pace. Which is exactly why we headed out to the FREE Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. WHAT: Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive open. This place is for the nature lovers as it is wetlands where a multitude of animals live. Open cattail marsh at Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area. 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. Lake Apopka was polluted by farm waste some decades ago, and nearly all the fish and wildlife in it died. All areas of the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive are open, but visitors to the nonmotorized trails on Clay Island may encounter detours due to restoration work. This is amazing habitat in restoration along the North shore of Lake Apopka. Narrow and bounded by marshes – and for one optional 1.5-mile section, Lake Apopka itself – it offers outstanding views across the wetlands. This 11 mile route through wetlands, forest, and around the lake, features history, water reclamation, and, of course, wildlife. Enter the drive at 2850 Lust Road in Apopka; all vehicles must exit by 5 p.m. WHERE: Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive 2803 Lust Road Apopka 32703. There is no cost to visit the wildlife drive. • Follow directional signs. pace to pass. 2. more, Recommended experiences in and around Apopka. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive entrance gate is open between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. This region was filled with large farms through the 1940-1980's. Lot's of birds and alligators IN-THE-WILD! During the winter months, more than 150 species regularly use the property, from showy herons and egrets to numerous tiny warblers and flycatchers. Motorboat, canoe and kayaking launching is available at the McDonald Canal Boat Ramp. Major district activities here include marsh and floodplain restoration and the creation of a marsh flow-way system that filters Lake Apopka’s waters by circulating lake water through restored wetlands. Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail: Wonderful free wildlife drive, open on weekends - See 235 traveller reviews, 374 candid photos, and great deals for Apopka, FL, at Tripadvisor. It opens on those days at sunrise, and closes an hour before sunset. Birds, small mammals and gators galore. We loved the drive and hope to do it again when we come to Orlando again. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a 13-mile loop trail off Lake Apopka you can drive through. The drive is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays between sunrise and sunset. While there are six main access points to the lake, the main attraction is the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. We packed snacks and waters and saw so many incredible birds and gators. You don’t see as many animals on the bike trails, but it is a worthwhile ride. United States ; Florida (FL) Central Florida ; Apopka ; Apopka - Things to Do ; Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail; Search . The Lake Apopka Loop Trail and two blazed hiking trails area available for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon with a friend or maybe a few family members. The Loop Trail is expected to circumnavigate Lake Apopka in the future, but is currently an out-and-back trail traversing the northern half of the lake. Free of charge and all you have to do is enter and follow the roads as you weave through what can only be summed up as being Natural Florida. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Please choose a different date. Lake Apopka was polluted by farm waste some decades ago, and nearly all the fish and wildlife in it died. However be careful to make sure it is open before you drive to it. It was wonderful. The St. Johns River Water Management District’s popular wildlife drive at Lake Apopka is open Memorial Day, Monday, May 29. But it’s not the only wildlife drive in town. If you enjoy scenic drives, the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is unique. The most spectacular and unique environmental sanctuary in all of Central Florida. https://www.mapquest.com/us/florida/lake-apopka-wildlife-drive-369292238 Lust Rd Apopka, FL 32703 Phone: 386-329-4404 Located south of Mount Dora, Fla, the Drive begins at Lust Road and ends on Jones Road in Orange County. All vehicles must exit the drive by 5pm. This is the highest Florida Christmas Bird Count for any inland (versus coastal) location. The entrance gate closes one hour before sunset. 41,591 were here. along our drive. The entrance to the drive is at Lust Road in Apopka, and exits at Jones Avenue. An alligator goes for a swim at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive earlier this month. The restoration of former muck farms has transformed this area into a haven for wildlife and a jewel for the recreating public. During the Friday, Saturday and Sunday hours the Drive is open to vehicles, drivers are cautioned to watch out for more cyclists than usual and watch car doors, etc. The Wildlife Drive bordering Lake Apopka is open between sunrise and sunset only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal. On the west side, the short version of the Clay Island Loop is 5.7 miles. Head out of town away from the traffic and crowds of the Orlando tourist zone to swim in the crystal clear waters of nearby Wekiwa Springs, where the water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round!

This state park is where many local Orlandoans go to enjoy fresh water flowing from the underground Florida aquifer and is not generally well known to most tourists. Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, This is an incredible wildlife drive. There are also access points for cyclists and hikers at the Lake Apopka Loop Trail. This decreased the size of Lake Apopka from more than 50,000 acres, to just over 30,000 acres. Horses are welcome to enter at the North Shore and Clay Island trailheads. The 11 mile drive is open to the public Friday through Sunday and on Federal holidays. Wekiwa Springs provides a memorable “real Florida” leisure experience in a truly natural setting that you will remember long after your visit!

Minimum of 4 people booked for tour to commence. Several of our neighbors had posted pictures taken on this drive, so we decided to check it out today. They just recently reopened after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. We were so delighted to discover this while were staying in Orlando. During the Friday, Saturday and Sunday hours the Drive is open to vehicles, drivers are cautioned to watch out for more cyclists than usual and watch car doors, etc. … The drive is a one-way, 11-mile drive meandering through the eastern portion of the property. In the 17 months the drive has been open, more than 81,000 visitors have experienced a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities along a network of wetlands, levees, and canals. The drive is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays between... Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive - SJRWMD. We saw the article in the paper on Memorial Day, and off we went. In 1996, the Florida Legislature passed Chapter 96‑207, Florida Statutes, furthering its previous mandate to clean up the lake by providing funds to buy additional agricultural lands north of the lake. What wildlife can you see? A perfect activity for the times we are living in. You can drive yourself or use your bicycle if you're into that. It begins at Lust Road and ends on Jones Avenue in Orange County, Fla. Scenic Drive - Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail. The Drive Once you enter the gates of Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, there is a trailhead with a portable toilet a quarter mile down the dirt road. The Lake Apopka North Shore is considered one of the most renowned birding destinations in Florida, with 369 different bird species recorded on the property. If you need a break from the holiday festivities, the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open on Thanksgiving Day through Sunday, from sunrise to sunset. If you go: Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Sunday and during federal holidays. But Magnolia Park is currently closed for renovations, so a parking area has been set up to the right of the Wildlife Drive entrance on City of Apopka land. If you love nature and are not able to do a lot of hiking or biking, this is made for you. over 2 hours to drive the trail. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open year-round between sunrise and closes one hour before sunset on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. • Speed limit: 10 miles per hour • Maximum vehicle length: 25 feet • No trailers allowed. Restoration of these farmlands to functioning wetlands is expediting cleanup efforts. Natural Florida. Gates are open from 7 am to 3pm. There are also access points for cyclists and hikers at the Lake Apopka Loop Trail. Just google "Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive" and go there. A lot of migrating birds stop there, so it's a wonderful place for birders, and many others who just enjoy wildlife. And the best thing is, it's free! Other district lands currently remain open to the public, as they are not as prone to large group gatherings. Drive … The one-way, 11-mile Wildlife Drive through the lake’s northeast section begins at Lust Road, 2803 Lust Road, Apopka, 32703. They are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays usually from sunrise to sunset, but at present, their hours are 7am to 3pm. Photo Spot Details. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a free and COVID-19 precautious Friendly's (since it's outdoors and you're in your car most of -if not the entire- time) year-round activity. Lake Apopka Loop Trail Parking area Information kiosk Observation tower Field station Picnic shelter Restrooms Wildlife drive • Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. But it’s not the only wildlife drive in town. The most spectacular and unique environmental sanctuary in all of Central Florida. Lake Apopka North Shore Wildlife Drive, post your photos We were looking for "covid friendly" activities and this was perfect. The federal holidays the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open are: New Year’s Day — Jan. 1 Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Third Monday in January The entrance is located at 2803 Lust Road, Apopka. The Lake Apopka Loop Trail follows the lake’s edge through the property, covering more than 20 miles and providing hiking and biking opportunities. Following an inspection today, staff found no significant damage from Hurricane Dorian to the popular weekend birding destination. There were pull-offs too. The bird list at the 20,000-acre Lake Apopka North Shore includes 362 species and continues to grow. A portion of the drive intersects with a multi-use trail and visitors are encouraged to carefully watch for hikers, bicycle riders and other users who share the road. Best for hybrid or mountain bike. Any additional recreational closures will be shared online and on social media. Took a drive to this interesting place as a break in the middle of the day from too much waterskiing. The gate to the wildlife drive opens at sunrise and closes an […] Around Lake Apopka, in a wetlands that was formerly farmland, the St. John’s River Authority maintains a free wildlife drive. The 20,000 acres that make up the Lake Apopka North Shore, were once part of the lake itself. 2803 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703-9559. road surface is uneven rock in most places. 40,723 were here. It's only open on weekends and national holidays, so we took part of Thanksgiving to drive the trail. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive to reopen to vehicles Friday Gates open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays at 7 a.m., close at 3 p.m. There are over 300 different species of birds that can be seen while on this 11-mile driving loop. Over the past year, we had been hearing great things about the Drive. These are wild animals. 30 minutes from downtown Orlando and right off the 429. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon with a friend or maybe a few family members. Past that, you enter the wetlands. Get some wildlife … The north shore of Lake Apopka is a haven for bird watching, wildlife photographers and nature lovers of all ages. The Wildlife Drive bordering Lake Apopka is open between sunrise and sunset only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. This is a great drive in a car.if you like to mountain bike, you can park at Magnolia Park and ride as much as 40 miles. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open and safe for families to visit while social distancing and enjoying nature from their own cars. More information about recreational opportunities on lands owned and managed by the district are available at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Hotels near (SFB) Orlando Sanford International Airport, Hotels near (DAB) Daytona Beach Regional Airport, Things to do near Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail, Wekiwa Springs State Park: Tickets & Tours‎, Small-Group Clear Kayak Tour in Rock Springs. Stopping is limited to designated pull-outs provided along the length of the drive. The drive is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays between sunrise and sunset. Lust Rd Apopka, FL 32703 Phone: 386-329-4404 Located south of Mount Dora, Fla, the Drive begins at Lust Road and ends on Jones Road in Orange County. Keep an eye out for cyclists during your drive. Open on weekends and specific holidays, the meandering one-way unpaved driving route through Lake Apopka North Shore provides birders with up-close access to outstanding panoramas across the marshes. It begins at Lust Road and ends on Jones Avenue in Orange County, Fla. One of the special highlights of this property is the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Go there by car. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a one-way 11-mile drive on narrow former farm roads built on top of levees. 42,451 were here. The North Shore property and trails continue to be open to hikers and bicyclists. The bird list (2014) continues to grow and includes 362 species. Restoration at Lake Apopka has included a variety of projects. Directions for going to Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail when coming from Spring Hill or Brooksville: Drive east on SR-50 to Groveland. Nature & Parks, Outdoor Activities, Hiking Trails, Nature & Wildlife Areas More. The drive takes 1–3 hours, depending on the usage and how many stops visitors choose to make along the way. 743 were here. The headwaters of the Ocklawaha Chain of Lakes, the lake was designated for cleanup under the Surface Water Improvement and Management Act of 1987. You’ll find an additional 2.6 miles trails (the red trail) for biking, hiking and horseback riding. 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. The site set a one-day Christmas Bird Count record in 1998 when 174 species were recorded. The. The best time for wildlife viewing as early in the mornings, but we were curious to see this interesting place. WHEN: May 29 from sunrise to sunset. It is quite a bumpy ride. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Joanna Day Trips from Orlando , Local Attractions & Things To Do February 25, 2020 February 25, 2020 If you need a relaxing break from the parks where you just get away from it all, this Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is the place to go and it is completely free. The Lake Apopka North Shore is a true diamond in the rough. It took us a few hours to complete the drive. Visitors to the property are surprised by rare bird sighting nearly every year. Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail: Wonderful free wildlife drive, open on weekends - See 235 traveller reviews, 374 candid photos, and great deals for Apopka, FL, at Tripadvisor. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive entrance gate is open between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. Took some friends out on this trail July 4th and we all had a very interesting experience. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (open on weekends only) is a one-way, 11-mile drive meandering through the eastern portion of the property. The most spectacular and unique environmental sanctuary in all of Central Florida. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a one-way, 11-mile drive meandering through the eastern portion of the property. The drive is one way and the speed limit is 10mph throughout. The St. Johns River Water Management District is reopening portions of the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive for regular operating hours Dec. 22. The north shore of Lake Apopka is a haven for bird watching, wildlife photographers and nature lovers of all ages. From the St. Johns River Water Management District. Copyright © 2021 | St. Johns River Water Management District |, Clay Island Trailhead — 22526 Carolyn Lane, Astatula FL 34705, Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead — 20700 County Road 455, Minneola, FL 34715, North Shore Trailhead — 24600 County Road 448-A, Mount Dora, FL 32757, Magnolia Park Trailhead — 2929 S. Binion Road, Apopka, FL 32703, Wildlife drive entrance — 2850 Lust Road, Apopka, FL 32703, McDonald Canal Boat Ramp — 24600 County Road 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. Start and end that loop from Green Mountain – or take a side trip up to the top of the bluff and back – for a 9.2-mile trip. You can listen to an audio feed as you go that tells you information of how the area was formed and the history of it. It's 11 miles long with a 10 mph speed limit, but there is so much to see along the that it easily takes. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive’s address is 2803 Lust Rd., Apopka. Meet at the Wildlife Drive Trailhead at 8 a.m. It begins at Lust Road and ends on Jones Avenue in Orange County, Fla. Normally, all of the entrances except the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive on Lust Road have legal parking to enter for bicycling and hiking. There are four trailheads for the Loop Trail with restrooms at the Green Mountain, North Shore/McDonald Canal boat ramp and Magnolia Park trailheads and port-a-lets at the historic pump house. There are spots to stop along the way to walk and stretch your legs and port-a-potties for breaks. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a free and COVID-19 precautious Friendly's (since it's outdoors and you're in your car most of -if not the entire- time) year-round activity. It's 11 miles long with a 10 mph speed limit, but there is so much to see along the that it easily takes over 2 hours to drive the trail. Birds are everywhere , easy to take pictures of them and occasionally you see an alligator. The one-way, 11-mile Wildlife Drive through the lake’s northeast section begins at Lust Road, 2803 Lust Road, Apopka, 32703. Unlike other wildlife drives in our National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands, this is a very long one. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open from 7am-3pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. It … That wildlife is part of the appeal of a new 11-mile driving trail along the 20,000-acre north shore of Lake Apopka. The 11 mile drive is open to the public Friday through Sunday and on Federal holidays. It is one of the top three birding areas for the entire state (includes Everglades National Park and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge). Around Lake Apopka, in a wetlands that was formerly farmland, the St. John’s River Authority maintains a free wildlife drive. It is the third largest lake in the state of Florida. There are over 300 different species of birds that can be seen while on this 11-mile driving loop. The Lake Apopka North Shore is the most visited district property. The St. Johns River Water Management District has opened all areas of the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive for regular operating hours, the district announced on Tuesday, April 3. We did the drive through, but there were several bicyclists on part of the route. All vehicles must exit the drive by 5 p.m. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (open on weekends only) is a one-way, 11-mile drive meandering through the eastern portion of the property. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open today Labor Day, as the St. Johns River Water Management District staff are off on the federal holiday. Exit by 5pm. It's only open on weekends and national holidays, so we took part of Thanksgiving to drive the trail. The eleven mile nature drive on the north end of Lake Apopka is fantastic. While the drive is typically closed Monday through Thursday, the district is opening the lands to offer residents an additional opportunity to enjoy the drive through the holiday weekend. Lake Apopka North Shore offers extraordinary bird-watching opportunities. Keep an eye out for cyclists during your drive. We thought it was a great place to go and get back to nature. Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail. A few restrooms and picnic pavilion are available on the property (see trail guide map for locations), but there is no drinking water provided. Lake Apopka has recently opened an 11 mile Wildlife Drive. With options. An audio guide provides visitors with a narrative on the area’s history, wildlife, and district-led restoration efforts. Lake Apopka is located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Orlando. If you go: Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Sunday and during federal holidays. Most of the bike trails are NOT shared with cars. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a 13-mile loop trail off Lake Apopka you can drive through. From the St. Johns River Water Management District The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is reopening to vehicular access on Friday, June 12, with updated hours and additional measures to keep both guests and wildlife safe. Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting district lands. The 9-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. and can get out of your car, in certain areas, to stop and take pictures. People driving through are asked to remain in their vehicles. The popular Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, which is open on weekends and federal holidays, attracts thousands of visitors each month, with more than 16,000 visitors in February alone. They are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays usually from sunrise to sunset, but at present, their hours are 7am to 3pm. No drinking water is provided along the trail. Open on weekends and specific holidays, the meandering one-way unpaved driving route through Lake Apopka North Shore provides birders with up-close access to outstanding panoramas across the marshes. The address is: Lake Apopka North Shore, 2803 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. Lake Apopka is the state’s fourth-largest lake and is fed by a natural spring, rainfall and stormwater runoff. MAITLAND, Fla., June 11, 2020 — The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is reopening to vehicular access on Friday, June 12, with updated hours and additional measures to keep both guests and wildlife safe. It is the third largest lake in the state of Florida. 2. For details and to get driving directions from your location, see the Google Maps link on this page. 40,723 were here. The North Shore property also has a marked white trail suitable for hiking, biking and horseback riding (6-mile loop) on Clay Island, with four observation towers, including one overlooking the west shoreline of Lake Apopka. They provide a nice audio narration of the trail that you can listen you while you drive which tells the history of the area, something about the birds and allligators, and the steps that have been taken and are still underway to restore it to health. Use Wildlife Drive as a connector back to a levee that leads back towards the Lake Apopka Loop Trail to make a loop. The gate to the wildlife drive opens … Only issue is the last 1/3 I found to be more of a grassland that seemed to be managed and had less wildlife in it, compared to the first 2/3 that had more wild growing habitats and lots of waterways to view the gators. It's 11 miles long with a 10 mph speed limit, but there is so much to see along the that it easily takes over 2 hours to drive the trail. This new entrance for cyclists and pedestrians will be open all week. Roads are well signed. They just recently reopened after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times. 240 Reviews #1 of 13 things to do in Apopka. … This 11 mile route through wetlands, forest, and around the lake, features history, water reclamation, and, of course, wildlife. Lots of our homeschool friends had been out there, so we finally took advantage of the beautiful weather we’ve been having here in Central Florida, and we were looking for something new and fun to do during winter break from school. Lake Apopka North Shore Wildlife Drive Tips and Information. People driving through are asked to remain in their vehicles. The entrance gate closes one hour before sunset. Save. It’s a spot where people park to walk or bike in when the drive is closed, and also a final turnaround before you commit to the entire drive. The most spectacular and unique environmental sanctuary in all of Central Florida. 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