Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive reopens for public use

gator walking g across a path

Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting District lands. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal.

gator walking g across a path

Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting District lands. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal.

PALATKA, Fla., Oct. 27, 2022 — The St. Johns River Water Management District will reopen the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive for public use beginning Oct. 28. The drive has been closed since the end of September when Hurricane Ian left the property inundated with water.

The drive is a one-way, 11-mile drive meandering through the eastern portion of the District’s Lake Apopka North Shore property. Visitors will want to plan for approximately one to three hours to complete the experience, depending on the usage and how many stops they choose to make along the way. Stopping is limited to designated pull-outs provided along the length of the drive.

The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive entrance gate is open for vehicular traffic between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. All vehicles must exit the drive by 5 p.m.

For the more information and to access an audio tour, visit our website at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/lake-apopka/wildlife-drive.