BIRDING Lake County is one of the top destinations in the nation for birdwatching. The lakes and natural areas have attracted more than 200 different species of birds. Some of the most popular places for spotting multiple bird species include: Alexander Springs Recreation Area has been popular with nature enthusiasts for years. Located in northern Lake County, the springs recreation area is an excellent destination for swimmers, hikers, campers, birdwatchers and wildlife lovers. The Timucuan Trail is a 1.1-mile interpretive loop trail that highlights vegetation used by early Native Americans. The Florida National Scenic Trail runs 72 miles through the Ocala National Forest and is a popular location for beginning and advanced birders. Florida Scrub-Jay Trail in Clermont is named for the elusive, rare species whose estimated population is 4,000. Birding enthusiasts come from as far away as England, Germany, Japan and Canada to visit the 15-acre property. The trail is home to 135 other species, including painted buntings, warblers, herons, sandhill cranes, Carolina chickadees, red-bellied woodpeckers and purple martins. The trail hosts tours and educational programs. The Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead is a 132-foot elevated boardwalk that offers exceptional views of Sugarloaf Mountain, Lake County’s highest point. Popular with bicyclists traversing the Green Mountain Scenic Byway, the overlook is an ideal location for watching dozens of species of birds and butterflies. Located at 20700 County Road 455 near Montverde, the overlook is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk. Lower Wekiva River Preserve is a system of backwater streams and wetlands that provides habitats for black bears, river otters, alligators, wood storks and sandhill cranes. The Sand Hill Nature Trail offers a self-guided hiking tour. There is no admission fee at the Fechtel Road entrance in Eustis, and the park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve, also known as PEAR Park, is filled with native plants, wildflowers and migrating birds as well as a Florida scrub-jay restoration area. The 318-acre park offers several miles of hiking trails, a nature center and a new Wildlife Watch Post. Located off U.S. Highway 27 in Leesburg, the park is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
ALEXANDER SPRINGS RECREATION AREA
WELCOME TO LAKE COUNTY •
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