Green Mountain Scenic Overlook & Trailhead — Attraction in Florida

Bicycling from downtown Winter Garden to the Green Mountain Overlook & Trailhead is 16.2 miles each way by bicycle. Most of the ride is on the West Orange Trail which merges with the Lake County Trail. But there are several miles where you are on country roads and need to be aware of speeding cars. Cars that perhaps like to be speeding on what they believe is an underused back country road.

At the overlook there is a nice viewing area. More than ample parking. Shade. Clean bathrooms. Lots of clean picnic tables. Water fountains and a bottle filler with good quality water. A pretty raised platform for looking out over the wilderness to the east. It's a very pleasant destination. But it is somewhat remote.

The terrain is hilly. Especially for Florida. So basic cyclists should plan accordingly This is fine for moderate and higher cyclists.

This trailhead is the on ramp, if you will, to the bicycle trail that runs along the north and east sides of Lake Apopka. That trail should probably not be attempted by a road bike. It is almost completely hardpacked dirt and gravel with occasional grass. On each side of the trail, which is really a utility road, you will periodically find large alligators. So one would not want to drift off the road and crash into the water/brush next to the trail. And you'll want to bring plenty of water and be prepared for a flat tire or other mechanical issues just in case. This is a very remote bicycle trail. And there is no water anywhere for many miles until you reach Magnolia Park on the east side of the lake.

I have visited this Trailhead on three occasions. The most recent of which was on May 29, 2017. And I have personally cycled around Lake Apopka.

For those curious, circumnavigating Lake Apopka starting and ending in Winter Garden, Florida, is approximately 42 miles total. There is a terrific bike shop in downtown Winter Garden called Wheel Works. They can give you advice and supplies and service as needed.

Again, if you're going to try to circumnavigate Lake Apopka make sure you have a bike capable of going safely and securely on dirt and gravel roads, plenty of water, your cell phone is charged and operational, and that you have and know how to use maps, like Google maps, which works fine out there. I would also bring some sunscreen and a helmet, of course. There is little/no shade on the north and east sides of Lake Apopka.

When using Google maps I have a tip for you. If starting in Winter Garden, first, set this Trailhead as an intermediate stop on your way around the lake (clockwise). Then, when you are at the trailhead, reset your destination as Magnolia Park on the east side of the lake. And then of course tell the program that you want to travel by bicycle. Then when you reach Magnolia Park, reset your destination Wheel Works in Winter Garden, Florida. And there you...

A review of the NW Section of Lake Apopka North Shore: Green Mountain Scenic Overlook & Trailhead to Jimmy’s Crossing at Ranch Road. February 2022.

Lake Apopka Northshore is a sprawling nature preserve and restoration area along Lake Apopka featuring hiking, biking & horseback riding trails. There are rest rooms, parking and water at the Trailheads only.

This NW section is an out-and-back trail traversing the northwest shore of Lake Apopka. The Overlook Tower is a spectacular structure with an easy access ramp. The overlook gives a dramatic view of the north shore restoration area and a portion of Lake Apopka. The tower certainly got my creative mind going thinking of my future mini-house on stilts.

From this trailhead you can access the Apopka Lake Loop Trail, which proceeds to and along the lakeshore. The first couple of miles are partially shaded as you proceed along a limestone rock farm road with hardwood hammocks of majestic oak trees on both sides. The trail is a moderate hike due to the hard limestone rock formations which can have some minor potholes and unevenness in the trail. If hiking, stable shoes are recommended. Occasionally, we got a few peeks of some cows and lovely shaded pastures bordering the trail.

At the juncture near Jimmy’s Crossing, there is an intersection of the – yellow and white trails. The “yellow” trail crosses over Ranch road and proceeds through a Wetlands Hammock curving around to the Lake Apopka Loop East Observation Tower. Ranch Road (white trail north) proceeds north to Clay Island Trailhead. Clay Island Road (white trail south) proceeds south and turns east along the shore line and also meets up at the Lake Apopka Loop East Observation Tower. Then, the trail continues along the North Shoreline. Take heed for the “white” trails are in open sunlight with low vegetation along the canals.

There is a lot to see on this hiking/biking trail -- certainly more than a one day’s adventure except for the very hardy. It is well worth planning for a longer adventure or several mini adventures. Previously we have hiked from Magnolia Park on the NE section of Lake Apopka to north end of the shoreline. The Wildlife Refuge Drive on the North side of Lake Apopka is highly recommended.

We plan to return in the spring when the trees and flowers begin to show off their colors – and the wildlife is bustling with newfound vitality. For more information, please see my landscape photos of our February outing.

Larry Roach, February 12, 2022. Glory to God for His...

Nice quiet multi-purpose trail. Wear sturdy shoes since there are some small loose rocks throughout the trail. The beginning of the trail switchbacks downward. So if you turn around to return to the parking area, make sure you figure in a low to moderate incline back to your car. The trail is shared for both hiking and bicycles. The section we were in is nicely wooded with a lot of nice tree overhang which I'm sure is a great asset in the summer season. Or even when it's cool and windy it seems more protected. There is a restroom building there to the left of the parking area but I did not go in so I can't comment on the amenities inside. We went probably about a mile down the trail and then hiked uphill a mile back to the car. We didn't want to continue on for several miles so I wish there was a way that it could loop back without having to double back. That being said, it was a great hike and not too strenuous though. If you're someone that needs a completely flat trail, this is not for you as it has a gradual low to moderate inclined.. It is tucked away into a rural area so it's not highly trafficked. Though there are not a lot of parking spaces, there is a nice parking lot and there were a few cyclists there also. I did not see any wildlife nor is there a variety of greenery there but it was nicely lined with trees and grasses to where it...