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. The. The eleven mile nature drive on the north end of Lake Apopka is fantastic. 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. They are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays usually from sunrise to sunset, but at present, their hours are 7am to 3pm. 30 minutes from downtown Orlando and right off the 429. The most spectacular and unique environmental sanctuary in all of Central Florida. There were pull-offs too. We thought it was a great place to go and get back to nature. MAITLAND, Fla., Sept. 5, 2019 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is reopening the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive for regular operating hours Sept. 6. 240 Reviews #1 of 13 things to do in Apopka. If you love nature and are not able to do a lot of hiking or biking, this is made for you. There are over 300 different species of birds that can be seen while on this 11-mile driving loop. 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. Gates are open from 7 am to 3pm. over 2 hours to drive the trail. 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. We were so delighted to discover this while were staying in Orlando. The entrance gate closes one hour before sunset. There are also access points for cyclists and hikers at the Lake Apopka Loop Trail. The drive is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays between... Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive - SJRWMD. Save. They just recently reopened after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The best time for wildlife viewing as early in the mornings, but we were curious to see this interesting place. Natural Florida. Keep an eye out for cyclists during your drive. Around Lake Apopka, in a wetlands that was formerly farmland, the St. John’s River Authority maintains a free wildlife drive. The north shore of Lake Apopka is a haven for bird watching, wildlife photographers and nature lovers of all ages. Over the past year, we had been hearing great things about the Drive. Normally, all of the entrances except the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive on Lust Road have legal parking to enter for bicycling and hiking. 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. 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. Enter the drive at 2850 Lust Road in Apopka; all vehicles must exit by 5 … The north shore of Lake Apopka is a haven for bird watching, wildlife photographers and nature lovers of all ages. There is a ten mile per hour speed limit, so allow approximately two hours for the drive depending on … They are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays usually from sunrise to sunset, but at present, their hours are 7am to 3pm. We packed snacks and waters and saw so many incredible birds and gators. It begins at Lust Road and ends on Jones Avenue in Orange County, Fla. 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. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 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. We were looking for "covid friendly" activities and this was perfect. Around Lake Apopka, in a wetlands that was formerly farmland, the St. John’s River Authority maintains a free wildlife drive. The St. Johns River Water Management District’s popular wildlife drive at Lake Apopka is open Memorial Day, Monday, May 29. 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. 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. If you enjoy scenic drives, the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is unique. All vehicles must exit the drive by 5pm. Meet at the Wildlife Drive Trailhead at 8 a.m. … 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. While there are six main access points to the lake, the main attraction is the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Stopping is limited to designated pull-outs provided along the length of the drive. What wildlife can you see? A letter-writer said that the drive should have remained open this weekend, with drivers staying in their cars. The bird list at the 20,000-acre Lake Apopka North Shore includes 362 species and continues to grow. Restoration at Lake Apopka has included a variety of projects. Lake Apopka is located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Orlando. 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. It is one of the top three birding areas for the entire state (includes Everglades National Park and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge). You don’t see as many animals on the bike trails, but it is a worthwhile ride. Get some wildlife … The St. Johns River Water Management District is reopening portions of the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive for regular operating hours Dec. 22. No drinking water is provided along the trail. The speed limit is 10 mph and the maximum vehicle length is 25 feet; no trailers allowed. The drive is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays between sunrise and sunset. Most of the bike trails are NOT shared with cars. 743 were here. One of the special highlights of this property is the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. It is the third largest lake in the state of Florida. 2. The Lake Apopka Loop Trail follows the lake’s edge through the property, covering more than 20 miles and providing hiking and biking opportunities. Lake Apopka is located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Orlando. 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. Roads are well signed. These are wild animals. You drive at your own pace. The drive is a one-way, 11-mile drive meandering through the eastern portion of the property. WHEN: May 29 from sunrise to sunset. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. 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. An audio guide provides visitors with a narrative on the area’s history, wildlife, and district-led restoration efforts. Other wildlife routinely seen include numerous American alligators, bobcats, otters, bears, raccoons, armadillos and coyotes. 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. And the best thing is, it's free! There is no cost to visit the wildlife drive. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a 13-mile loop trail off Lake Apopka you can drive through. 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. The one-way, 11-mile Wildlife Drive through the lake’s northeast section begins at Lust Road, 2803 Lust Road, Apopka, 32703. On the west side, the short version of the Clay Island Loop is 5.7 miles. Which is exactly why we headed out to the FREE Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Motorized vehicle access is available only on the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive and only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. Horses are welcome to enter at the North Shore and Clay Island trailheads. 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. The Lake Apopka Loop Trail and two blazed hiking trails area available for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. All vehicles must exit the drive by 5 p.m. It's only open on weekends and national holidays, so we took part of Thanksgiving to drive the trail. Lake Apopka Loop Trail Parking area Information kiosk Observation tower Field station Picnic shelter Restrooms Wildlife drive • Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. Please choose a different date. … The St. Johns River Water Management District has created interim parking and a new small gate at the entrance of the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive to allow pedestrian and bicycle access to the recreational Loop Trail as Orange County upgrades its Magnolia Park amenities. 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. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a 13-mile loop trail off Lake Apopka you can drive through. 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. We saw the article in the paper on Memorial Day, and off we went. Visitors to the property are surprised by rare bird sighting nearly every year. Lake Apopka is the state’s fourth-largest lake and is fed by a natural spring, rainfall and stormwater runoff. It was wonderful. Narrow and bounded by marshes – and for one optional 1.5-mile section, Lake Apopka itself – it offers outstanding views across the wetlands. Took some friends out on this trail July 4th and we all had a very interesting experience. Motorboat, canoe and kayaking launching is available at the McDonald Canal Boat Ramp. 2. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open from sunrise to sunset Friday, Saturday, Sundays, and most federal holidays. 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. 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. The speed limit is low but the road is wide enough for people who want to move at a faster. People driving through are asked to remain in their vehicles. Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail. and can get out of your car, in certain areas, to stop and take pictures. They just recently reopened after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. From the St. Johns River Water Management District. Best for hybrid or mountain bike. Use Wildlife Drive as a connector back to a levee that leads back towards the Lake Apopka Loop Trail to make a loop. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open and safe for families to visit while social distancing and enjoying nature from their own cars. 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. 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 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. The entrance gate closes one hour before sunset. This new entrance for cyclists and pedestrians will be open all week. It is quite a bumpy ride. 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. Go there by car. You’ll find an additional 2.6 miles trails (the red trail) for biking, hiking and horseback riding. The most spectacular and unique environmental sanctuary in all of Central Florida. 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. A perfect activity for the times we are living in. pace to pass. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon with a friend or maybe a few family members. This is amazing habitat in restoration along the North shore of Lake Apopka. It is open on Federal Holidays and Friday-Sunday only. The 20,000 acres that make up the Lake Apopka North Shore, were once part of the lake itself. Unlike other wildlife drives in our National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands, this is a very long one. 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. 42,490 were here. The address is: Lake Apopka North Shore, 2803 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. 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