A Destination Trail: The Lake Apopka North Shore Loop Trail
The newest Destination Trail, the North Shore Loop Trail, circles Lake Apopka, Florida’s fourth largest lake.
What sets a Destination Trail apart from others is their beauty, variety of scenery, length, good maintenance, accessibility and terrific reviews by other cyclists. They are worthy of making a 2-3 hour road trip to experience what the trail has to offer.
The Lake Apopka North Loop Trail meets these criteria. While the trail is accessible near growing communities, the trail feels secluded and natural as you roll along next to the lakeshore and wetlands. Its accessible year-round. But, fall, winter and spring are the best times, to avoid the heat and humidity of Florida summers.
Multiple trailheads make it easy to jump on this trail from the north, south, east or west. Whether you are in North Florida, along the gulf coast or Atlantic coast or in central Florida, you can easily get to this trail. It’s just off the Florida Turnpike if you’re coming from the north or south.
Heads Up: The North Loop Trail is crushed gravel and packed soil. Therefore, we recommend wide tires on your gravel, mountain, hybrid, e-bike or road bike. Water fountains and restrooms are limited on the trail, but can be found at the trailheads.
In the spring of 2026, road and paved path construction will be complete making the total 42-mile trail that circumnavigates the lake even more bike-friendly. This new construction eliminates 6 miles that required riding on narrow two-lane roads, with no shoulders. The Apopka Trail is part of the Coast-to-Coast bike trail.
For nature lovers, pick the North Loop Trail, an off-road trail with much of it along the shoreline of the lake making for a scenic ride. The North Loop is 17 miles one way (34 miles round trip) from Green Mountain trailhead on the west to Magnolia Park in the east. But you can choose whatever distance you have time or fitness for. Green Mountain and Magnolia Park trailheads are good starting points. Parking is free.
The North Loop, is a wildlife rich trail with hawks, egrets, white herons, an eagle’s nest, possum and over 300 species of birds. Like any lake in Florida, Lake Apopka has alligators. They usually are in the water, but sometimes they can be seen along the trail edge. However, there is enough action on the trail that it seems the alligators opt for the quieter water. Just keep a sharp lookout for any wildlife.
Each spring, usually in March, the Friends of Lake Apopka host the FOLA 40 bicycle event. When the 2026 FOLA 40 registration website becomes active, we will post a link on our companion website Florida Cycling.us. Florida Cycling.us provides a comprehensive listing of cycling events across Florida. FOLA 40 will offer scenic 8, 16, 32 and 40 mile routes. The 40 miler encircles the lake.
Three cyclists I met along the trail, Melinda, Nicole and Ken, said they love riding the North Loop Trail. Without hesitating they said, “the beauty, the wildlife, the quiet, the safety are all wonderful.” Nicole said she and Ken gave up riding on roads for safety reasons. But they love cycling off-road, particularly the Lake Apopka North Loop Trail.
Though the North Loop Trail is popular, it is not crowded. You can ride at whatever pace you like. There are shelters along the trail to stop and enjoy the scenery while re-hydrating or having a snack. Picnic tables are spaced along the trail.
Riding Hint: Don’t ride with your tires inflated to the max. Let some air out of the tires for a smoother ride on the gravel. If your tire calls for 50 lbs fully inflated, drop the air pressure down to 35 lbs. The tires will absorb some of the bumpy patches.
There are trail maps, directional signs and mile markers along the trail to keep you informed. There is about a two mile stretch along the lakeshore that is shared with vehicles only on the weekends. However, there are very few vehicles driving slowly as it is a designated scenic drive.
Read about more Destination Trails at Florida Cycling Newsletter. Monthly and annual paid subscribers have access to all of the past issues of the newsletter.
Enjoy getting outside on your bike, exploring new places, feeling the wind in your face and the sun on your back.
Ride often. Be safe.
Bruce
I really enjoy reading about trails around Florida! Thank you!