From Emeralda to Eustis: Finding 'a sacred moment' along 4 scenic Lake County drives

Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial
·2 min read

Recently, after Leesburg Bikefest, an entertaining, engine-revving annual event, I felt the urge to detox from the noise.

I had the perfect idea, and my other half, Danny, was a good sport and indulged me in my need for what Deepak Chopra calls "a sacred moment."

One of my favorite ways to get a meditative fix is to take slow, peaceful drives in quiet areas.

So, after Bikefest last Saturday, we ambled along the Emeralda Marsh Wildlife Drive, located of Emeralda Island Road in Leesburg.

Expansive and breathtaking, the Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area offers a 4-mile seasonal wildlife drive that allows nature lovers to view the marsh and see wildlife.

In 1974, the Emeralda Marsh area was designated as a National Natural Landmark through a program of the National Park Service.

The verdant, big sky-engulfing Emeralda Marsh Wildlife Drive is a narrow, sometimes bumpy one-way corridor that's 4 miles long and designated a Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
The verdant, big sky-engulfing Emeralda Marsh Wildlife Drive is a narrow, sometimes bumpy one-way corridor that's 4 miles long and designated a Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

The seasonal interpretive drive is open to vehicular access through the fourth Sunday in May (May 26). During those dates, the drive is open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Lake Eustis has many moods; here, on a stormy summer day.
Lake Eustis has many moods; here, on a stormy summer day.

Traveling southeast, a trip along Northshore Drive takes you by sweeping view of Lake Eustis and the mossy oak trees lining the winding road.

Sunnyside Drive is one of the most scenic stretches in Leesburg, a historic circular, narrow route with amazing views of Lake Harris, hillside meadows and lovely estates. Drive slowly if you take this road.

As you drive along its scenic stretch, palm trees and oaks line Sunnyside Drive, creating a postcard-like panorama.
As you drive along its scenic stretch, palm trees and oaks line Sunnyside Drive, creating a postcard-like panorama.

Pine Meadows Conservation Area has a driveable path, too. Encompassing 770 acres, the scenic preserve at 2280 Pine Meadows Golf Course Road, Eustis, offers than 6 miles of passive recreational trails, native landscaping, restrooms, picnic tables, a canoe and kayak launch area, gravel boat ramp and a dog-friendly loop trail.

There are other scenic drives, of course, that provide a much-needed moment of Zen in Lake County. Which one is your favorite?

Pine Meadows Conservation Area, a 770-acre public land featuring more than six miles of passive recreational trails, is a peaceful and scenic place to enjoy the sunset hour.
Pine Meadows Conservation Area, a 770-acre public land featuring more than six miles of passive recreational trails, is a peaceful and scenic place to enjoy the sunset hour.

My hope is to feature more in coming weeks. In the summer, it's often more pleasant to enjoy nature from the coolness of ones car to avoid bugs and heat (but visiting trails and preserves in the early morning and sunset hours can be pleasant during the hottest months too; wear bug spray).

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: 4 scenic drives: Get away without leaving Lake County