A striking beautiful landform, Orange Lake Overlook provides distant vistas that are rarely encountered in Florida.
Inhabited by the Timucua centuries ago, the hillside eventually became a large farm with citrus groves and cattle.
Iconic of old roadside Florida attractions, a building at the top of the hill once served fresh orange juice to folks traveling through the area.
Acquired by the Alachua Conservation Trust in 2019, the property hosts a marked loop trail of 1.2 miles, with a 0.3 mile shortcut trail near the middle.
Trailhead for the loopResources
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Overview
Location: McIntosh
Length: 1.2 miles
Trailhead: 29.438444, -82.222389
Address: 19865 N US 441, Micanopy
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Alachua Conservation Trust
Phone: 352-373-1078
Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.
Directions
From Interstate 75 exit 368 between Ocala and Gainesville, head east on CR 318 for 2 miles before turning left onto US 441. In 2 miles, the parking area will be on the right side of the road next to a historic building with a prominent windmill.
Hike
Starting at the parking lot in front of the old citrus shop, head around the left side of the building to find a trailhead kiosk next to a pair of picnic tables.
A sliver of Orange Lake is visible on the horizon while walking towards a sign indicating the beginning of the loop trail.
Old citrus shop and windmillTake a right turn to begin a counterclockwise circuit around the loop, following posts marked with red diamonds towards a tiny hammock of oaks and cabbage palms.
The trail passes through this shady spot before curving eastward towards another cluster of trees.
Mowed trail leading to a hammockAt 0.3 mile, a junction with the blue cross trail provides an option to shorten the hike to a 0.7 mile loop.
Continue down the slope towards the marshes fringing Orange Lake. A distinct tree line appears before the trail enters a shady forest of oaks draped with Spanish moss.
Under the oaksThe trail swings westward to begin an ascent up the hill at 0.8 mile, leaving the trees along a clearly mowed pathway.
As the windmill comes into view near the end of the hike, look behind you for one of the best views of Orange Lake in the distance between a pair of tall cabbage palms.
Orange Lake on the horizonTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking Orange Lake Overlook
Nearby Adventures
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Tuscawilla Preserve Peek through thick curtains of Spanish moss beneath grandfather live oaks to watch sandhill cranes dance along the shores of an ancient lake in Micanopy.
Micanopy Native American Heritage Preserve On the high ground above Lake Tuscawilla, an ancient village once stood. The Micanopy Native American Heritage Preserve is dedicated to its memory and preservation. 
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