P L AY

users. The Golden Triangle along Lake Dora’s shorelines in Tavares and Mount Dora is suitable for novices and casual use; the trails along the St. Johns are considered “wilderness” areas, more appropriate for experienced users. For more information about the Lake County Community Blueways Project, visit paddlelake.com. B I C YC L I N G ECOTOURISM ADVENTURES

Showcase of Citrus—Tour a

2,500-acre working citrus farm and cattle ranch on the world’s largest ATV. Open since 1961 on Highway 27 near Clermont, the Showcase offers 100 percent “pure Florida fun” with the highly modified giant trucks designed for safe rides through native woodlands, pastureland, swamps, and groves. Visit showcaseofcitrus.com

Dora Canal—Any visit to Lake

County should include a boat ride, especially on the Dora Canal. Lined with cypress trees, the Dora Canal is one of the best waterways for wildlife viewing because it is a safe haven for nesting ospreys, herons, and egrets.

84 •

TO L AKE COUNT Y

Most avid cyclists know about Lake County’s 12.6-mile South Lake Trail that runs from the West Orange Trail to Silver Eagle Road in Clermont. The picturesque and often-challenging trail will be the heart of the Coast-to-Coast Connector—a 250-mile trail across Florida that is currently being completed. In the meantime, there are 25 more miles of bicycle trails around Lake County. Pack some water and sunscreen and find your starting point on these Lake County trails:

Start: Hancock Road & CR 50 End: Cooper Memorial Library & National Training Center

Lake Apopka Loop Trail Distance: 18 miles Start: Green Mountain Scenic Overlook & Trailhead End: Magnolia Park (Orange County)

Wilson Lake Parkway Trail Distance: 3.0 miles Start: Wilson Lake Parkway, Clermont End: Wilson Lake Parkway, Clermont

Fountain Lake Trail Distance: 2 miles Start: Canal St., Leesburg End: 13th St., Leesburg

Venetian Gardens Trail Distance: 0.5 miles Start: Venetian Gardens & Canal St., Leesburg End: Magnolia Trail and Bourley Historic Nature Preserve

South Lake Trail Connects to West Orange Trail at Old CR 50 and Lake Blvd. Distance: 12.6 miles Start: Lake Blvd. & Lake County Line End: Silver Eagle Rd & CR 565A

Tav-Lee Trail Distance: 3.5 miles Start: Downtown Tavares End: Lake Square Mall

Hancock Trail Extension Connects to South Lake Trail Distance: 2.4 miles

Black Still Lake Trail Distance: 0.5 miles Start: Black Still Lake Road, Clermont End: Black Still Lake Road, Clermont

Green Mountain Trail Distance: 1 mile Start: CR 455, Montverde End: Truskett Park Magnolia Trail Designed for walkers and bikers, lined with benches and outdoor exercise equipment. Distance: 0.7 miles Start: Mote-Morris House, Leesburg End: Palmetto St.