Located in the central part of Florida, Clermont offers a unique Florida experience full of hilly hikes, lake views, and plenty of trails to show them off. Check out these 10 Hikes Near Clermont FL to get started.
1. Green Mountain Scenic Overlook & Trailhead
20700 County Road 455, Montverde, FL
Great for everyone, the Green Mountain Scenic Overlook offers expansive views of Lake Apopka’s surrounding area. A short, paved walk from the parking lot, allows everyone access to the overlook tower. Next, climb down the stairs or stroll down the graded gravel path to enjoy a short walk with educational and information kiosks highlighting the area’s unique features and animals. Looking for an outdoor, weekend adventure? Follow the trail for just over 3-miles and connect with the Lake Apopka Trail.
Parking spaces, restrooms, picnic benches, bicycle pumps and stands, garbage cans, doggie waste center, educational information and water fountains are available at the parking area.
2. Lake Apopka Trail
2929 S Binion RD, Apopka, FL 32703
Just under 15-miles of trail circumnavigating Lake Apopka, Florida’s fourth largest lake. Check out the progress of the North Shore Restoration Project. Or listen out for the area’s abundance of bird species. This trail is a gem among Lake County hiking trails.
Looking for restrooms? The Magnolia Park Trailhead offers the only restroom and facilities. Make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks!
3. Ferndale Preserve
19220 County Road 455, Ferndale, FL 34715
Running along the North Shore of Lake Apopka, the Ferndale Preserve offers scenic hiking with expansive views of Central Florida’s largest lake. This hike, with its sandy, soft trails, is also a hilly challenge, with 112ft of elevation change in about half a mile. It’s a Florida mountain! The hike is a 2.1 miles, loop trail—start and end at your vehicle.
Bring plenty of water for this hike—and sun protection! This trail offers little to no shade. There are restrooms at the trailhead.
4. Crooked River Preserve
10272 Lake Louisa Rd, Clermont, FL 34711
At the north point of Lake Wale Ridge, lays a “spine.” This high spot and a well-drained spot of sandy soil is the Crooked River Preserve. This short 1.7 miles hike gives you a taste of undeveloped Clermont in its tucked-away location following the Palatalakaha River.
There are two trails from the Crooked Preserve Trailhead. The Cypress Trail, marked by orange blazes, works its way to the Palatlakaha River and the shore of Lake Louisa. The blue-blazed Sink Trail is the primary trail system, skirting the numerous sinkholes in the preserve. Other colored trail markers line side trails and spur-offs.
There are no restrooms at the trailhead, so plan accordingly. Additionally, no pets are permitted. Please check-in at the kiosk at the trailhead before hiking.
5. Lake Louisa Hiking Trail in Lake Louisa State Park
7305 US Highway 27, Clermont, FL 34714
Surprise! Clermont, FL has hills. Lake Louisa Hiking Trails tap into Central Florida’s rolling hills showcasing the local habitats and geography along and above the lake.
Nestled in Lake Louisa State Park, there are fees to enter the park and hike. However, this does guarantee maintained and marked trails as well as facilities. There are restrooms and a ranger station at the trailhead.
Excited about the downhills, but not the uphill climb back to the parking lot? Shorten the 4.1 miles hike and bring two cars. Park one at the ranger station parking lot at the top and other at the Lake Louise Parking Lot below.
6. Oakland Nature Preserve
747 Machette Trl, Oakland, FL 34760
Hiking and education—a great spot for the entire family! The Oakland Nature Preserve is a combination of boardwalk trails, sandy hiking, and education. The large center offers programs for kids as well as information about the negative human impact on Lake Apopka and the Lake’s restoration projects. The Preserve connects to the West Orange Trail for easy access. Hike all of the trails as one 2.1 miles loop, or hike only one of the three sections for a shorter stroll.
The Preserve offers everything you could want regarding hiking facilities: paved parking, restrooms, water fountains, picnic tables, benches, educational center and more.
7. Cassia Trailhead
0 Brantley Branch Rd., Seminole State Forest, Eustis, FL 32736
Nestled in the North end of the Seminole State Forest, Cassia Trailhead is in the quieter section of the Forest offering unbothered, peaceful hiking trails. In total, Seminole State Forest offers 4,300 acres of natural land with only two hiking starting points—Cassia and Bear Pond. This State Forest offers tons of hikes near Clermont, FL.
Cassia Trailhead is in a remote part of the Forest. The parking area offers some facilities as well as a map of the interconnecting trail system. Bring plenty of water and snacks and formulate a hiking plan before starting.
8. Hidden Waters Preserve
107 North Lake Avenue, Tavares, FL 32778
This short 1-mile walk through the Hidden Waters Preserve will make it clear why the Preserve was created—to protect sinkholes. The crown jewel? The massive Eichelberger Sink. The trails through the Preserve are a testament to water’s shaping abilities, following old eroded stream beds and carving into the sides of the sinks.
These trails are narrow, windy, and sometimes steep. Be mindful of your step and poison ivy—consider pants! There are no facilities so plan accordingly.
9. 10-Mile Clay Loop
8928-9290 N Bradshaw Rd., Clermont, Florida 34714
A favorite for Olympic runners, local athletes, and weekend warriors, the 10-Mile Clay Loop offers soft footing and rolling hills. This community maintained loop provides a great spot to stretch your legs at your own pace. The pinnacle? The Loop’s mid-way point on top of a hill offers excellent views of the surrounding hills and lakes.
It’s important to start your run or walk early—there is no shade, and it can get brutally hot. There are no facilities either. Bring plenty of water! Wanting to find a group? Check out the 10-Mile Facebook Group.
10. West Orange Trail – Killarney Station
17914 FL-438, Winter Garden, FL 34787
The 22-mile paved West Orange Trail winds its way through wooded areas, farming zones, and small communities throughout central Florida. Killarney Station, right off the Florida Turnpike, is the trail’s southern terminus station.
The Killarney Station offers everything. A large parking area. Restrooms and water fountains. Picnic benches and shaded areas. Bike rental shop. You name it. Looking for the best direction to hike? Turn left onto the trail as you are walking out of the center, in about 2 miles you will come to the Oakland Nature Preserve.
The hilly part of Florida, Clermont offers tons of outdoor activities from paddling, biking, and hiking. Not sold on these hikes near Clermont, FL? Check out other things to do in the area.