South Lake-Lake Minneola Scenic Trail:
Florida
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Description:
About 20 miles west of Orlando, the South Lake Trail (a.k.a. Lake Minneola Scenic Trail) takes in some of central Florida's most spectacular prospects. Nowhere in this region will you find more hills, lakes and wide-open vistas than along this 7-mile paved trail. As a bonus, the trail is only 5 miles from the West Orange Trail, and plans are afoot to connect the two. At the trail midpoint, signs point to a 0.25-mile spur for the Minneola trailhead, a good spot to park your car.

The trail starts atop a hill near Lake-Sumter Community College on North Hancock Road. On a clear day you'll have wonderful views of the entire region, from glimmering lakes to the Orlando skyline. The first 2 miles are an easy downhill toward Lake Minneola in Clermont. Streetlamps allow for safe nighttime use on this heavily used section.

On the lake the trail skirts the south shore, offering beautiful views. Clermont Public Beach boasts cool water and such trailside amenities as restrooms, picnic tables and parking. The final mile wraps around the lake to the western trailhead. Any of the side streets leading away from the lake will take you to shops and restaurants in downtown Clermont.

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Parking & Trail Access:
From Orlando, take SR 50 west to US 27. Take a right on US 27 (heading north) and continue to Old Highway 50. Take a right (heading east) and follow until you see signs for the trail.

To reach the Lake Minneola trailhead from SR 561 in Clermont, skirt the south shore of the lake, turn right on Washington Street/Old Highway 50 and continue east until you see signs for the trail.

To reach the western trailhead, take SR 50 to 12th Street in Clermont and head north for 0.5 mile. The trailhead entrance is on the right.

Parking is available at both trailheads, and additional parking is available along the route. Check the TrailLink map for more locations.

Contact:
City of Minneola
P.O. Box 678
Minneola, FL 34755
352-394-3898

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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Little hilly; locked restrooms!
By timbee in December, 2011
This trail is a little hillier than most in FL--not saying much; very suburban. It's totally connected to the West Orange coming from the east. It has quite a few intersections which can be dangerous--have your hands on the brakes, be ready to squeeze. The far western end goes around Lake Minneola for a ways--very pretty views, great rest areas next to the lake. I both biked & bladed this trail in mid Dec and the weather was fantastic. Mixed shade & sun.

The main downside for me was that the Minneola Trail Head restrooms were locked up--not much fun changing out of doors or relieving myself behind trees especially with a playground nearby. Why would they be locked on a perfect 70* day? I suppose the answer is "budget cuts". Another trail worth checking out but not a "destination trail" by any means.
Officially Opened
By JR in April, 2007
"The segment of the South Lake Trail between Mohawk Road and the Orange County line is officially open to the public. This newest segment is both hilly and curvy. For cyclists, I strongly recommend a good set of brakes and a loud bell. You may want to ring that bell before you go around that blind down hill curve! The best places to park are at the Lake Minneola trail head or the Killarney Station on the West Orange Trail. The trail may be temporarly closed at the US Highway 27 overpasses due to construction. "
Official Phase II Ribbon Cutting
By JR in March, 2007
"According to Ms. Lori L Conway: LConway@lakecountyfl.gov , Funding & Production Director, Lake County Department of Public Works; the ribon cutting ceremony will be held Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 10:30 AM.
The event will take place on County Road 50 between Blackstill Lake Road and North Hancock Road. There should be signs posted for designated parking areas.
This event is being coordinated with a Bike-A-Thon, sponsored by the Central Florida Chapter of FPZA: www.fpza.org ."
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