Lake County opens new trail, trailhead

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A new trail and trailhead will officially open in Lake County Thursday morning.

Lake County is hosting a public ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. for the Neighborhood Lakes Scenic Trail and Trailhead at 26656 County Road 46A in Mount Plymouth.

The trail and trailhead is a connection to the Wekiva Trail System and offers 2.8 miles of a multiuse paved trail into Orange County that is open to equestrians, cyclists, runners and walkers.

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The Neighborhood Lakes property also includes about 375 acres with newly planted native trees and wildflower meadows. It’s also home to a variety of species of animals, the county said, including gopher tortoises, wild turkey, bear, deer and many species of birds.

The trailhead will have vehicle and horse trailer parking, a restroom and a covered picnic area for residents.

“I am incredibly pleased to participate in the opening of the Neighborhood Lakes Scenic Trail and Trailhead, which will serve as Lake County’s primary trailhead to the Lake Wekiva Trail System,” said Lake County Commissioner Leslie Campione. “This trailhead offers a variety of recreational activities for Lake County residents, and will be a major economic generator for Sorrento, nearby municipalities and all of Lake County.”

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After the 36-mile Wekiva Trail System is complete, visitors will be able to enjoy a day’s ride to Wekiva, Markham Woods and West Orange trailheads as well as to Rock Springs Run Reserve State Park, Seminole State Forest, Lower Wekiva State Preserve, Mount Plymouth Lakes Reserve and the Wekiva National Wild and Scenic River.

The regional trail connectivity for the site includes Coast to Coast Trail, Heart of Florida Loop, Florida Scenic Trail, and River to the Sea Loop.

After it’s completed, users will also be able to ride to the nearby Historic Downtown Mount Dora and Downtown Tavares, continue to the Tav-Lee Trail to Leesburg and then into Wildwood located in Sumter County.

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“Each mile of paved pathway creates a safe route for bicyclists and pedestrians to travel, enjoy outdoor recreation, and experience Florida’s natural beauty,” said Florida Department of Transportation District Five Secretary Jared Perdue. “We are proud to have worked closely with our local partners to deliver this trail segment, which will soon connect with larger trail networks, including miles of pathway that are under construction as part of our Wekiva Parkway project.”

The county said most map directions do not correctly work with the address yet, and those interested in attending should look up Neighborhood Lakes Scenic Trail and Trailhead in Google maps for directions. The entrance is located east of Camp Challenge Road.

See a map of the area below:

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