Lake Apopka is the fourth largest lake in the state of Florida. It is located 15 miles northwest of Orlando. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (LAWD) is a one-way 11-mile drive that begins at Lust Road and ends
on Jones Road in Orange County, Fla.
The drive is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal
holidays between sunrise and sunset
Lake Apopka is in the headwaters of the Ocklawaha River. At approximately 48.4 square miles
in size the lake receives water from spring flow,
rainfall and stormwater runoff.
This is a birders paradise with 362 species seen on the property. They
include Anhinga, Bald Eagle, Black Vulture, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron,
Great Egret, Green Heron, Glossy Ibis, Little Blue Heron, Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-Winged Blackbird, Swallow-tailed Kite, Tricolored Heron, Turkey Vulture and White Ibis. Other
wildlife found here include alligator, turtles, bobcat, otter, raccoon, snakes and coyote.
There are plenty of gators to found and some take a trained eye to spot. If you are in the Orlando area and are looking for some peace and quiet away from the Disney madness, check it out!
The drive allows runners and cyclist to use the road as well. Many “locals” do the drive several times a week since its never the same.
Make sure you have a camera ready because you never know what you will see.
CHEERS
