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.
Parking and 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
Lots of Recent improvements!
By
kimpaige
in
February, 2013
We ride this trail (and most of the connecting West Orange trail) often and have always really enjoyed it. Recently there have been many improvements along the trail. Planters have been added at intersections and edges have been spruced up. Also, at most ...
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Better trail than some in the area.
By
derrickb1974
in
December, 2012
This is a great trail if you are looking for a change from most trails in FL. There is a reason why so many people come to Clermont, FL for this trail every day and every weekend. This trail and the area does have a few hills that makes the trip more ...
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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. ...
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