Lake Apopka North Shore to open following safety assessment

The St. Johns River Water Management District will open the Lake Apopka North Shore Loop Trail for pedestrian traffic beginning Oct. 7. The Red Trail will remain closed due to flooding.

The Lake Apopka Loop Trail follows the lake’s edge through the property, covering more than 20 miles and providing hiking and biking opportunities. There are four trailheads for the Loop Trail with restrooms at the Green Mountain, North Shore/McDonald Canal boat ramp and Magnolia Park trailheads and port-a-lets at the historic pump house. No drinking water is provided along the trail.

The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive will remain closed this weekend to allow for water levels to continue to recede and to ensure the safety of our visitors.

“The shoulders of the road remain incredibly wet, and if a visitor were to pull off to take a photo or enjoy the property, they may end up in the canal or stuck,” said the St. Johns River Water Management District's Executive Director Mike Register. “Not only could this cause damage to the property, but it could also be a dangerous situation for the public.”

While some properties are open for public use, some activities may be limited. Before venturing out, visitors are encouraged to check the District’s website to see if there are any restrictions in place.

For the most up-to-date list of open District properties, visit our website at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/announcements/. 

About the St. Johns River Water Management District

St. Johns River Water Management District staff are committed to ensuring the sustainable use and protection of water resources for the benefit of the people of the district and the state of Florida. The St. Johns River Water Management District is one of five districts in Florida managing groundwater and surface water supplies in the state. The district encompasses all or part of 18 northeast and east-central Florida counties. District headquarters are in Palatka, and staff also are available to serve the public at service centers in Apopka, Jacksonville and Palm Bay.

For more information about the district, please visit www.sjrwmd.com.