Black Hills Trail – Clermont Chain of Lakes
Florida's unexpected hill country
The Black Hills Trail winds through some of Central Florida’s most unexpected terrain — rolling sandy hills covered in scrub oak and pine, dotted with crystal-clear lakes that seem lifted from the north woods. This network of forest service roads and old logging tracks connects the chain of lakes around Clermont and Mount Dora, crossing through sections of Lake County Forest and connecting to the Palatlakaha River. The route passes by Lake Louisa State Park and skirts the edges of several smaller conservation areas, with plenty of opportunities to camp along the lakeshores.
Easy to moderate difficulty depending on recent rains — the sandy roads can get soft and rutted, but any high-clearance vehicle handles it fine in dry conditions. Best run October through April when humidity drops and bugs retreat. No permits required for the forest roads, though camping restrictions apply in some areas. You’ll find decent cell service near the towns but expect dead zones in the deeper woods. It’s a refreshing reminder that Florida has more to offer than just swamps and beaches.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 45 mi / 72.4 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 312 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Clermont, Florida |
| Land manager | Lake County Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail without a lift?
Yes. Minimum requirement is high-clearance 2WD, so a stock Tacoma or 4Runner is more than enough. The sand sections benefit from airing down to around 20 PSI — don't skip that.
Is this trail accessible in summer or does Florida heat shut it down?
The trail stays open year-round, but summer (May–September) means brutal heat, humidity, thunderstorms, and bug pressure that will test your patience. October through April is the window locals actually use — cooler, drier, and far more enjoyable.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp overnight?
No permit is currently required to drive or camp on this Lake County Forest route. Dispersed camping is allowed — follow Leave No Trace and pack out everything, since there are no facilities out here.
What's the hardest section and what makes it technical?
The most demanding sections are the loose sand stretches through the low areas — not rock crawling, but deep sand can swallow a street-tire rig fast. Aired-down tires and momentum management matter more here than lockers or lift height.
How serious are the water crossings and is there anywhere to refill drinking water on trail?
The water crossings are shallow and generally passable without drama in dry season, but can rise after heavy rain — check conditions locally before you go. There's no potable water on trail, so carry everything you need from Clermont before you head out.
Trail track
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