Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

Visiting Orlando and need a break from Mickey Land? Live in Orlando, but looking for something different to do with the kids? Then I have the place for you, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

I had read about Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive before, but for some reason it didn't really appeal to me. Most of the information I had read described how you drive around on a gravel road, and that didn't sound like something I would be interested in. It sounded pretty boring. That was until I actually gave it a try. We loved it so much, we visited again one week later.

We had initially driven to Kelly Park at Rock Springs one Saturday morning, because my husband is into photography and we thought it might be a nice place to take photos, and while it's a lovely place, it was very busy with families meandering down the spring on tubes, and people picnicking. So not conducive for photography, but still a great place to visit if you have children and are looking for a day out. Anyway, I digress. We left Kelly Park and I suggested we give Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive a try, and I'm so glad I did. It was a pleasant surprise.

Previously farmland, the area has been returned to wetlands where fish, birds and gator abound. I've never seen so many birds in the 6 years we've lived in Florida. And don't get me started on the gators we came across sunning themselves on the banks of the wetland

The drive is 11 miles along, and you can only drive a maximum of 10 miles an hour. On busy days you will find cars stopping to take photos and ooohhhing and ahhhhing over the gators. So be prepared for a relaxing and slow drive around. It's worth it though. Kids and adults alike will really enjoy the experience. I lost count of the people I saw hanging out windows so they could get a closer look.

About a third of the way around you can stop at a viewing area. They have two small picnic tables.

The best part? It's totally free. It will only cost you the price of the gas to get there.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and bank holidays.

More information here: https://www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/lake-apopka/wildlife-drive/

A trail map can be found here: https://lakeapopkawildlife.us/access-trail-map/