PARKS & OUTDOORS
Ferndale Preserve
Lake County · Central Florida
A Lake County preserve at 19220 County Road 455, on the western shore of Lake Apopka.
ABOUT THIS PLACE
The loop is 2.1 miles with about 130 feet of climb and descent in it, which in Florida counts as hill walking and will surprise anyone expecting flat. From the high sections the view opens across Lake Apopka, the fourth largest lake in the state. What is under your feet is a restoration in progress: this was dying citrus grove, and the county is bringing back sandhill, with longleaf pine, wiregrass, sand pine, oak and cabbage palm going in. Xeric hammock stands nearer the lakeshore and floodplain forest at the water's edge. Shade is limited, so this is a morning walk rather than an afternoon one. The trails are shared with cyclists and horses. There is a restroom at the trailhead, picnic ground, playground equipment and a kiosk with interpretive panels. No pets are allowed. It opens at seven in the morning and closes at dusk, and there is no charge
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