Best lakes around Ferndale offer a diverse range of outdoor activities, from scenic trails to tranquil waters. This region features several notable lakes, providing opportunities for cycling, hiking, and enjoying natural preserves. Visitors can explore extensive trail systems, observe wildlife, and access facilities like dog parks and restrooms. The area is known for its family-friendly lakes and top-rated lake trails.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Ferndale Preserve spans 200 acres along Apopka’s western shore, offering multi-use trails with some hilly areas. This beautiful preserve was once an orange grove, and after 8 years of restoration, it boasts meadows, lake shores, and wetlands.
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This section of the Lake Apopka Loop Trail splits marshland south and restoration areas north of the trail. The Lake Apopka Loop Trail is a 34.4-mile round-trip trail that follows the lake’s north shore. This trail is ideal for biking, hiking and horseback riding, and offers stunning views of the lake, the marshes and the bluffs. You’ll see hundreds of alligators, birds, otters and other animals along the way. The trail is mostly flat and follows levees through wetland cells that are part of a massive restoration project to clean up the lake from decades of pollution. The trail ends at an observation deck on Green Mountain, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and its surroundings. The trail is open year-round and admission is free.
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Lake Hiawatha Preserve is nestled up against Lake Hiawatha and Lake Minneola and encompasses 220 acres. There are a couple dog parks, playgrounds, and restrooms that you can access from the South Lake Trail that passes through the heart of the preserve.
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Lake Hiawatha Preserve is nestled up against Lake Hiawatha and Lake Minneola and encompasses 220 acres. There are a couple dog parks, playgrounds, and restrooms that you can access from the South Lake Trail that passes through the heart of the preserve.
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Scenic views along Lake Minneola, the trail serves as a link in the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail (C2C). Clermont, at the midpoint, is a designated Florida Trail Town. Along the waterfront between Clermont and Minneola is a particularly enjoyable section.
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Restrooms, water, shelter on the South Lake Trail.
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Visitors frequently enjoy the South Lake Trail, which offers scenic views along Lake Minneola and is part of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail. Another favorite is Lake Hiawatha Preserve, a 220-acre natural area with dog parks, playgrounds, and restrooms accessible from the South Lake Trail.
Yes, Ferndale offers several family-friendly options. Lake Hiawatha Preserve is an excellent choice, featuring playgrounds and dog parks. The South Lake Trail is also family-friendly, providing easy access to facilities and scenic views suitable for all ages.
You'll find convenient facilities at several locations. The South Lake Trailhead at Lake Minneola Shores provides restrooms, water, and shelter directly on the South Lake Trail. Lake Hiawatha Preserve also offers restrooms, along with dog parks and playgrounds.
The lakes around Ferndale are perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the South Lake Trail or the Lake Apopka Loop Trail. Hiking is also popular, with trails such as the Ferndale Preserve Hiking Trail. For runners, there are numerous running trails, including sections of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail.
Yes, there are several great hiking trails. The Ferndale Preserve offers multi-use trails with some hilly areas, spanning 200 acres along Lake Apopka’s western shore. You can also explore the Lake Apopka Loop Trail, which is ideal for hiking and offers stunning views of the lake and its wildlife.
Cycling is a popular activity around Ferndale's lakes. The South Lake Trail is a key route, connecting to the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail and offering scenic rides along Lake Minneola. Another excellent option is the Lake Apopka Loop Trail, a 34.4-mile round-trip trail that follows the lake’s north shore, perfect for biking.
The natural preserves and trails around Ferndale's lakes are rich in wildlife. On the Lake Apopka Loop Trail, you can expect to see hundreds of alligators, various birds, otters, and other animals. The area is known for its opportunities for wildlife observation.
Absolutely. The Ferndale Preserve spans 200 acres along Lake Apopka’s western shore. It offers multi-use trails, including some hilly sections, and boasts beautiful meadows, lake shores, and wetlands. It's a great spot for hiking and enjoying restored natural landscapes.
Yes, several trails provide excellent lake views. The South Lake Trail is known for its scenic vistas along Lake Minneola. Additionally, the Lake Apopka Loop Trail offers stunning views of Lake Apopka, especially from the observation deck on Green Mountain.
Ferndale stands out for its diverse range of outdoor activities centered around its lakes. The region offers extensive trail systems for cycling, hiking, and running, alongside natural preserves like Lake Hiawatha Preserve. The variety of lakes and their surrounding amenities, including dog parks and accessible facilities, make it a well-rounded destination for nature lovers and active visitors.
The Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail (C2C) is a significant multi-use trail system. In Ferndale, the South Lake Trail serves as a crucial link in this larger network, offering cyclists and hikers scenic routes along Lake Minneola. Clermont, located at the midpoint of this section, is a designated Florida Trail Town.
Yes, you can! Lake Hiawatha Preserve is a great option as it features dedicated dog parks, making it a welcoming spot for pets and their owners to enjoy the natural surroundings.


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