This trail is part of South Lake Trail, which runs through Lake County. After biking the first section of South Lake Trail, I think it ought to be renamed "Hill County." The section called Scenic Minneola Trail was my favorite. It has beautiful scenery, plenty of animal sightings, and it was flatter than the first part of the trail.
I started at the Minneola Trailhead Bike Park. A fellow biker, who I had met on the hilly part of the South Lake Trail, gave me directions on how to access the trail the easiest way from the parking lot. Go down the street and take a left at the three-way intersection. Then you can enter the trail, which will be on your right.
You will pass under a noisy highway at the start, but in few minutes you will approach the lovely lake. This is a trail you can take a leisurely bike ride on. You will want to make some stops and take in the views.
There are a few restaurants by the lake, and downtown Minneola is just a few streets away. There are parks by the waterfront to enjoy a picnic or some downtime.
Scattered along the waterfront are big white birdhouses. The birdhouses look more like bird hotels, and they were full of guests. A sign next to it states that the Purple Martin travels from South America to here in Florida February through June to nest. So be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
Another reason I enjoy this trail is all the different types of paths and views. You will be biking on a nice paved bike trail, and then it turns into a boardwalk. The trail will run so close to the lake you can see the sand and hear any small waves.
Then it will have you galavanting over bridges. Next, you are biking on a park path covered by oaks with Spanish moss.
This is where I met my turtle friend! I was just biking along and he started running towards me. Well, run as much as turtle could...haha. So we stopped had a little chat. During "The Rona," chatting with animals was the most exciting interaction I would have. I started to feel like a Disney princess.
I biked to the end of Scenic Minneola Trail/South Lake Trail. It is about 7 miles one way from the trailhead. At the end of the trail, there is a bench and a tree providing shade. A nice place to rest and stretch before heading back.
I love being active, but I don't like working out at the gym. I would rather be doing something fun and active outside. Biking this trail is a nice workout while providing you with great views. And for me, while looking at the beauty around me, I'm not counting the minutes or the miles.
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