Running in Lake County
Our running recommendations come from Coach Brian Boylan, an accomplished ultra runner who has been hitting the trails in Central Florida for over twenty years. This FloDash race director & high school science teacher loves to keep his running spots fresh. Destination training runs are certainly this speedster’s passion & one of his secrets to success come race day.
When it comes to picking out where he is going to run, we had to find out where these running gems are hidden; so why not get with the man himself to go over his favorite run routes in Lake County!
Lake Louisa State Park
7305 US-27, Clermont, FL 34714
What makes it great: A great network of well-marked trails coupled with nearly 10 miles of asphalt road makes this a runner’s paradise. LLSP is also home to over 20 miles of trail running. It is also home to the Lake Louisa Trail Project, a series of color-coded marked trails for runners of all levels.
Challenges: Few sections of trails are prone to flooding during the rainy season. It is also important to keep your bearings. With almost 20 miles of trails, it can be easy to get turned around.
The City of Howey-in-the-Hills
Howey-In-The-Hills, Florida 34737
What makes it great: Scenic run through old Florida. Beautiful run along the shores of Little Lake Harris. Great opportunity for hill repeats. Very light vehicle traffic.
Challenges: Aptly named, it is hard to find a flat stretch of road.
Pear Park
5241 Legacy Blvd, Leesburg, FL 34748
What makes it great: This Lake County park is a real gem. Beautiful, well groomed trails. Great location for glimpses of wildlife and dozens of acres of wildflowers. There is also a riverfront trail for those looking for a more technical run.
Challenges: Not a lot of shade. Make sure to wear sunscreen and wear a hat.
Green Mountain Overlook
20700 County Rd 455, Minneola, FL 34715
What makes it great: Western outpost of the Lake Apopka Scenic Trail (LAST). LAST is a network of trails along the north shore of Florida’s fifth biggest Lake. The main trail is a limestone road. There are a series of grass trails that branch off of the main trail as well. Great run for wildlife lovers.
Challenges: Be on the lookout for some of the biggest alligators you have ever seen, sometimes only feet away from the road.
The Clermont Clay Trail / Bradshaw Road
8928-9290 N Bradshaw Rd, Clermont, FL 34714
What makes it great: A runner’s paradise. This well-known loop provides a great alternative to the punishing impact of asphalt. Beautiful rolling hills with scenery for miles.
Challenges: Can be pretty crowded on weekends, especially during cross country season. Watch out for heavy vehicle traffic to and from Southern Hills Farm during blueberry season, April and May.
South Lake Trail – Waterfront Park
330 3rd St, Clermont, FL 34711
What makes it great: Beginning at the Orange County/Lake County line, this asphalt fitness trail is an extension of the West Orange Trail.
Challenges: This section is much hillier than its counterpart to the east.
Downtown Clermont
741 West Montrose Street Clermont, FL 34711
What makes it great: Come watch us grow. Downtown Clermont provides runners a unique charm with its quaint downtown and waterfront trail network. Exactly what you’d expect from a town that caters to the multisport athlete.
Challenges: Occasional road closures in this ever changing downtown.
Lake Hiawatha Park
450 12th St, Clermont, FL 34711
What makes it great: Great one-and-a-half mile loop through acres of old growth live oaks. Plenty of shade and seclusion.
Challenges: Pay attention to the trail marking to make sure you don’t go off course.
Kirk Park – City of Montverde
17436 Division St, Montverde, FL 34756
What makes it great: Small town feel. Explore the backroads along Lake Apopka. Some sections of path & also neat running trails around Montverde Academy. Roads throughout town are hilly, but light in traffic. Sunoco gas station is very endurance friendly.
Challenges: Not a set running route but some great areas if you are just looking to explore.
100 E Ruby St, Tavares, FL 32278
What makes it great: Run along Lake Dora has amazing views. Always plenty of action including Sea Planes landing around this Town. Runner/biker friendly roads.
Challenges: A bit of a drive from south Lake county (21 miles).
