LOST – Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail – Port Mayaca to Mile 50E, Martin & Okeechobee County, Florida

Before You Go:

This trail can be tricky. Lake Okeechobee is the 2nd largest fresh water lake in the continental United States.  The trail bed is built upon an earthen dike that surrounds the lake.  The terrain is relatively flat and the section I rode through was absolutely treeless. Sunscreen is definitely required as well as a good pair of sunglasses.  I would also recommend insect repellant. I rode this in November and there were numerous insects.

Getting There:

The trail head I chose for this ride was Port Mayaca Locks and Dam.  The trailhead is located on the northern side of the lock off U. S. Highway 441/98.  Watch for the signs as you approach from either the north or the south.

Trail Length

The trail is 29 miles – from the northern side of the Port Mayaca Locks and Dam to mile 50E and back to the Port Mayaca trail head.

The Trail

A word of warning to those not familiar with Florida during the summer. There is absolutely no shelter on this trail.  It is relatively treeless and you are riding atop a dike surrounding the 2nd largest freshwater lake in the continental United States. Pay attention to the weather forecast and the sky. Lightning strikes, during the summer months, are a reality and you ARE the tallest thing around for miles.  You could probably find shelter at one of the locks that you cross every so often.

Second words or warning. Bring insect repellent – even in the dry months. I rode the trail in late November around Thanksgiving and was stung and had to turn back.

Third words of warning, again weather related. Pay attention to the winds and plan accordingly. What might seem an easy ride may be much harder on the return. The winds off Lake Okeechobee are notorious for being persistent and strong. There are no natural wind breaks along the lake.

The trail bed itself is in relatively good shape. By the way you cannot circumnavigate the entire lake without venturing on surrounding roads.  And, if your goal is to circumnavigate the lake, be aware that the entire trail in not paved.  Being spoiled, I only plan to cover the paved portion of the trail.

All in all a fine ride. Do exercise caution crossing Old Highway 50 – it tends to be a fairly busy road and the crossing occurs near a curve in the road.

Facilities:

  • There are no facilities along this section of the trail. You could, though, venture off the trail at one of the lock crossings and probably find water and restrooms.

The Cons:

  • The scenery can get monotonous.
  • No facilities.
  • You are pretty much alone.  The day I rode, I didn’t see anyone else on this portion of the trail.  Make sure to bring your cell!

The Pros:

  • Lots of opportunity to watch wading birds along the shoreline.
  • The Port Mayaka locks. It is interesting to watch boats navigating through the lock.

Links:

Send me an email. I would love to hear from you!

Lake Minneola Scenic Trail, South Lake Trail plus Hancock Extension – Clermont, Minneola – Lake County, Florida

Before You Go:

There are sections that are well shaded but there are also large areas that receive full sun – sunscreen is strongly recommended when biking during the heat of the day. There are some hills that shouldn’t be overly taxing if you are decent shape – others might struggle with some sections of the ride.

I’ve found this ride listed under several different combinations of names. I chose to go with the signs that are posted along the trail itself as the official name for the trails.

Getting There:

I began my ride at the western trail end where Clermont fronts along Lake Minneola.  I chose that location over the eastern end of the trail which serves as the trailhead for the West Orange Trail (Kilarney Trailhead).  The Kilarney trailhead is a very busy affair so I preferred the less traveled Clermont trailhead.

From either east or west, take exit 55 on Interstate-4 and head north of U.S. Highway 27.  At Highway 27’s intersection with Highway 50, head west toward Clermont.  Head north of 12th Street.  You will see Lake Minneola appear on your right.  Park along the shores of beautiful Lake Minneola and enjoy the ride!

Trail Length

The trail is 23 miles – from the western trail end at the southwest corner of Lake Minneola, to the southwest end of the Hancock Road Extension, to the eastern end at the Lake County/Orange County Line (the Kilarney Station trailhead that serves the West Orange Trail and back to the trail end in Clermont.

The Trail

There is a lot of diversity along this trail.  The beautiful lakefront ride along Lake Minneola on one side and the charm of Clermont on the other. There are open vistas near the Hancock Extension where you feel like you are looking over all of central Florida.  Ponds and pastures along the Old Highway 50 as well as some heavily wooded portions as you near the eastern end of the trail.

All in all a fine ride. Do exercise caution crossing Old Highway 50 – it tends to be a fairly busy road and the crossing occurs near a curve in the road.

Facilities:

  • There are facilities and restaurants along the Clermont waterfront.
  • Facilities can be found at the Kilarney Trailhead at the eastern end of the trail.

The Cons:

  • Some may find the climb along the Hancock Extension taxing.  This section could easily be skipped to avoid any major climbs.
  • The crossing at Old Highway 50.

The Pros:

  • Lake Minneola and the Clermont waterfront.
  • The climb along the Hancock Road extension. It provides a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
  • The wooded area around the Minneola Pavilion.
  • Believe it or not, the tunnels along the Hancock Extension. Since I live along the coast, tunnels aren’t usually part of the riding experience.

Links:

Send me an email. I would love to hear from you!

Happy Trails ~ John