LAKE COUNTY'S LAKES AND FORESTS ARE THE MOST NATURAL PLACES IN THE WORLD TO PLAY

In Lake County, the “road less traveled” takes vacationers on an adventure of a lifetime, where the natural habitat of flora and fauna provides a backdrop for an array of outdoor activities. The pace is leisurely, offering ample time to explore the local woods and waterways on foot, by bicycle, by boat or on horseback.

TWO-WHEEL DRIVE

The Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail in Paisley is an all-terrain trail that runs 22 miles through the Ocala National Forest, one of the most popular terrains in the state for cyclists. Shorter loops are available, such as the 11.1-mile Alexander Springs loop and the 10-mile Clearwater Lake loop. The Paisley Woods Trail is located in a scenic, relatively rural area of Lake County and often bypasses the Florida National Scenic Trail that runs north to south through the county.

For the recreational bicyclist, every weekend offers the opportunity to participate in an organized ride hosted by a local bicycling club. After a short briefing about the route and safety of the course, bicyclists can choose from a variety of rides, generally running from 25 miles to 60 miles. One of the most popular courses is the ride to Howey-in-the-Hills with a stop at Cracker Cove on Little Lake Harris for breakfast. Another popular ride is the annual Bicycle Festival in Mount Dora, which draws hundreds of bicyclists and is fun for the entire family.

Bicyclists of every age -- from 15 years old to 70 years and older -- will find a bike ride to suit their needs, whether for recreation or exercise. With challenging hills such as Sugarloaf, Buck Hill, the Wall and Grassy Lakes, even the most seasoned bicyclists won't be disappointed. CFT/Sommer Sports hosts the annual Breakaway To Sugarloaf with 35-, 40- and 60-mile rides and the Assault on Sugarloaf featuring 30-, 56-, and 112-mile rides. Florida Freewheelers Club conducts about three bike rides per month in Lake County and hosts the annual "Horrible Hundred" bike ride in November.

Another popular biking activity in Lake County is rail trails, which are abandoned railroad corridors that have been converted to recreational trails for bicycling, walking and in-line skating. For more information about bicycling in Lake County, call (352) 253-4982.

STROLL DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD

The best way to see all the details of Lake County's natural beauty is, perhaps, the slowest way. Hiking through the forest or strolling along waterfronts allows vacationers to absorb every sight, sound and smell along the way. The 70,000-acre Ocala National Forest offers numerous opportunities for viewing wildlife, bird watching and studying the native flora and fauna on the Florida National Scenic Trail.

Or visitors can enjoy a self-guided walk on the Timucuan Indian Trail, rich with local vegetation used by the early Indians in daily living activities. Located in Alexander Springs in Altoona, the trail meanders along a mammoth spring that pours forth 80 million gallons of crystal clear water each day.

OFF LAND'S EDGE

Lake County was named for its hundreds of shimmering lakes, which cover more than 200 square miles of its 1,200 square miles and provide plenty of waterways to explore. On Lake County's famous Harris Chain of Lakes, visitors can rent a small motorboat or pontoon for a leisurely day ride. The chain, if followed up the St. Johns River, takes cruisers all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Dora Canal, which connects Lake Dora and Lake Eustis in the Chain, can be experienced from the "Miss Dora," which sails daily from the Gator Inlet marina. On the pontoon boat tour, Captain Charlie points out great blue herons, osprey and snow-white egrets, ancient cypress trees and giant Japanese bamboo. Contact Captain Charlie at (352) 343-0200 for reservations or to hear any one of his tales gleaned from nine years of touring the Canal. Or join other guests for a sunset dinner cruise on "Mrs. Paddy" and enjoy a three-hour lake cruise to Cracker's Cove restaurant for dinner and back, taking the best advantage of nature’s late afternoon viewing opportunities. Call Irish Gator Lake Cruises at (352) 742-9399 for more information.

Other Dora Canal tours are given by Captain's Dave Sea Venture II in Tavares, which operates from October through April from the Waterfront Restaurant dock in Tavares; Heritage Lake Tours in Tavares; and the Rusty Anchor at Mount Dora's Yacht Club.

If sailing is more appealing, join the annual Mount Dora Sailing Regatta held every spring on the Harris Chain of Lakes. Or set sail from one of the boat ramps built just for sailboats at the Hickory Point Recreational Park, which also offers a two-story picnic pavilion, picnic area with barbecue grills, swimming, nature trails and a 76-slip day use marina.

HORSING AROUND

Fiddler's Green Ranch is located at the northern-most part of Lake County and borders the Ocala National Forest, which provides a one-hundred mile horse trail among its 70,000 acres of trails. Bring your own horse or use one from the ranch for guided trail rides or for group or individual riding lessons in English or Western saddle. Horse boarding is available for guests staying overnight at the ranch, as well as an outdoor and indoor arena, training pen, fenced paddocks, bridle path and obstacle course. Call (800) 94RANCH for more information. Sharpton Stables in Altoona also is located at the edge of Ocala National Forest and is one of the finest equestrian horse facilities in the southeast, offering summer camps with lessons in stable management; combined training and horse care; and numerous horse trials, clinics and schooling shows. The facility contains three dressage arenas, more than 100 cross-country jumps and a variety of show jumps. Every year, Sharpton hosts equestrian competitions with its dressage and stadium schooling shows and the USCTA/AHSA Trials. Call (352) 669-9982 for more information.

Lake County is an off-the-beaten-path destination less than one hour from Central Florida's famous attractions -- but light-years away. Quaint inns, graceful rolling hills, clean lakes, preservation areas and a family friendly atmosphere attract visitors looking for Florida the way it was, and the way it is today in Lake County.

For a free Lake County vacation guide, visitors can call (800) 430-LAKE.

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