Black Hills Trail – Clermont Chain of Lakes

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.