Lake Apopka

For some reason there is a separate listing for the Lake Apopka Loop Trail. This is also known as the Magnolia Park Trailhead (that park is across the street and I didn't go over there). You'll find more reviews if you search for that. I'll leave my review on both.

This is the new trailhead park for the east end of this trail. There is a decent amount of parking, water fountains, nice playgrounds, bathrooms that were small but pretty clean, volleyball courts, picnic tables, and probably even more stuff that I didn't notice. I was just there for a run.

The trail is 14.6 miles and water is scarce! Make sure you bring enough. The first half mile or so is paved but becomes hard packed gravel once it leaves the road. There is very little shade but the views are beautiful! I ran out 4 miles to the Historic Pump House and back, (porta johns and picnic tables are there but no water) and saw countless types of birds, a cottonmouth snake and heard a gigantic splash from the swamp (presumably a gator). The trail sits between the lake and a swamp that is mostly hidden from view behind rows of trees. BTW - It didn't smell swampy when I was there.

This was my "destination" run during a business trip to Orlando and I wasn't disappointed. If I'm ever back in the area, it would be fun to bike the trail (best to use a hybrid or mountain bike).