Visiting Central Florida and the Theme Park area there are plenty of attractions eager to separate you from your hard earned money. So forget Gatorland and Gatorworld and immerse yourself on a free, yes FREE self drive wildlife trail. 

Lake Apopka is 15 miles north west of the city of Orlando and covers 20,000 acres. Cars travel at 10 mph on a one way trail between the lake and the disused Apopca – Beauclair Canal to marvel at the variety of wildlife that inhabits the shores and banks. There are passing areas along the trail as well as commentary of each area by tuning in to the posted radio frequency. 

The trail is open from 07:00 – 17:00 on Fridays, Saturday and Sunday and it is recommended that you arrive early. All vehicles have to be out by 17:00.

The trail is 11 miles long and will take between 90 minutes to upwards of three hours to complete. It is very well organised and there are portable toilets and shelters along the way. There is an abundance of wildlife to spot and there is no doubt that the alligator population will be prowling and skulking through the still waters in search of their next meal. 

It is thought that there are over 362 different species of birds to spot and there are some very keen photographers with some massive lenses you are sure to have to pass as you go around. 

It is a wonderful and relaxing experience and the directions are Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive begins on Lust Road and ends at Jones Road. The address of the entrance to Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is 2850 Lust Road, Apopka, Florida, 32703. 

The journey from the Kissimmee area was about an hour and we went avoiding highways and the route took us through some beautiful neighbourhoods.