Current Projects

The North Shore Trailhead and Scenic Overlook:

Although the Scenic Highway is the collection of actual roads, the concept of “scenic highway” actually includes the corridor of surrounding lands and communities. The corridor contains the important natural, ecological, historical, and cultural resources. One of our first significant tasks was the creation of the Corridor Master Plan. This plan looked at the current conditions within the corridor with the goal of preserving the historic characteristics of the area. The plan also addresses transportation issues, multi-use trail design, open spaces and land development. While this plan was being put together, a significant portion of the byway was being prepared for development. The development names include: Plaza Collina, Bela Collina, SugarLoaf Mountain, Hills of Minneola, and Black East. These developments represented thousands of new homes and millions of square feet of commercial real estate.

Fast forward to Spring 2011. The majority of the development along the byway has stalled or slowed significantly. The good news is that recreational opportunities are still available. The GMSB is now like a necklace that connects some “pearls” of parks and preserves. Like Newton Park in Winter Garden, the Oakland Nature Preserve, Truskett Park in Montverde, and the Ferndale Preserve. The Scenic viewsheds are still there.

The greatest pearl is about to join the string!

We are working on an 18-mile multi-use trail spanning the 20,000-acre Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area. This is a spectacular area, world renown by birders and to-date, only open upon special invitation.

For the last 10-15 years folks have been working on and dreaming, mostly dreaming about a “mythical” Lake Apopka Loop Trail. The Loop Trail would allow users to walk, hike, bike, rollerblade all around the Lake! When the North Shore Trail is added to the South Lake and West Orange Trails, the Lake Apopka Loop will be about three-fourths complete. The trail itself is already out there. The trail will follow the old farm roads traversing the tops of the dikes. The road base is crushed lime rock.

Several organizations are working on creating easy-access trailheads to this wonderful trail. In 2008, Orange County agreed to spend Park Impact fees to build a connection from the eastern terminus to Magnolia Park. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2011 with completion in 2012. Much more recently, Lake County Commission approved $171,000 as match for a federal grant to build a trailhead and overlook at the western end of the trail, just off CR 455. They also agreed to take management responsibility over building and maintaining the area and have agreed to work with us to see what we might be able to build with the money even if we don’t get a match. This makes the entire trail real.

The Northshore Trailhead and Scenic Overlook will include (depending on the funding):

  • A parking area, covered pavilion with picnic tables and a charcoal grill, restrooms

  • Approximately 130 foot elevated boardwalk leading to

  • A 20 x 20 foot overlook extending out over the trees for a possible view of downtown Orlando.

  • A switchback trail from the parking area out to the railroad bed connecting to the Restoration Area.

The facility will be located approximately 2 miles north of 561A on CR 455, on the top of the hill south of the existing roundabout. We expect this area to become:

  • A rest stop for bicyclists and motorcycle weekend cruisers.

  • A day-trip and picnic area, for Central Florida families.

  • A walking, bicycling, scenic overlook opportunity for families and seniors.

  • An educational opportunity for schools and civic groups.

  • The Primary western access point to the North Shore Restoration Area Trail for adventure hikers and bicyclers, and

  • The Primary access point to Clay Island and North Shore Restoration Area for bird watchers.

The preliminary construction estimate is $855,000. Lake County Government has pledged $171,000 as match to possible government or private grant opportunities. We have secured additional donations of $2100 from Friends of Ferndale, Friends of Lake Apopka, Oakland Nature Preserve, Green Mountain Scenic Byway, and you.

GMSB recently submitted a grant application to the Federal Highway Administration, National Scenic Byways Organization for $750,000.

On the horizon are additional trail possibilities. Orange County can still decide to connect a trail from Magnolia Park to the West Orange Trail. Lake County is working on a connection of the South Lake trail from Lake Minneola into Groveland and ultimately to the Van Fleet Trail which goes to Polk City in Polk County.

If GMSB and our sister organizations are successful, the future of Lake Apopka will be “the” destination of sustainable eco-tourism and recreational facilities, bringing lots of tourists and visitors to our communities where they will spend their time and their dollars.

How you can help?
Consider becoming a member!
Join in our fund raising efforts.
Contribute whatever you can.