Florida’s Tallest “Mountain” Offers a Rare Vantage Point

By Michael Warren

CLERMONT, FL — The tallest mountain in Florida would barely count as molehill in many other states. But as the highest point on the peninsula, Sugarloaf Mountain offers a rare, scenic view of the surrounding landscape. In fact, on a cool morning with fog in in valleys, you might forget for a moment that you’re in Florida!

Sugarloaf Mountain Road — Sugarloaf Mountain is located off the beaten path in Lake County, about 15 minutes north of Clermont off County Road 561. (Click for Map.) As you turn west on Sugarloaf Mountain Road, you’ll drive past rolling hills and farms on the approach to the 312 foot summit. This road is a popular destination for cyclists, who flock to the mountain to enjoy a punishing workout.

Florida's Most Prominent Point — Although it’s not the highest point in the State of Florida (that would be Britton Hill in the panhandle), Sugarloaf Mountain is the most prominent point in the state. It rises about 245 feet above the surrounding landscape, offering a terrific view of Lake Apopka and even the edge of Orlando. It is also the most isolated point in Florida, with no comparable elevations for more than 200 miles.

An Ancient Mountain Range — Sugarloaf Mountain is near the northern edge of the Lake Wales Ridge. This unusual mountain range is an ancient sand dune that extends 150 miles from Lake County in the north almost to Lake Okeechobee in the south.

Citrus Groves & Vineyards — The Lake Wales Ridge, named for Lake Wales in the middle of the ridge, was the location of Florida’s booming citrus industry that began in the early 1900s. The additional elevation was perfect for citrus crops. But a series of freezes eventually caused growers to move the bulk of the citrus production further south along the ridge. The region around Sugarloaf has also been used for vineyards, and the famous Lakeridge Winery is just a few miles to the south.

Lake Wales Ridge — The Lake Wales Ridge isn’t much of a mountain range, but its white sands are clearly visible from space!

Development Controversy — Sugarloaf Mountain and the nearby town of Minneola has a rural flavor that could change with controversial new housing developments that may bring thousands of new homes to the area.

Green Mountain Scenic Byway — The gentle, rolling hills near Sugarloaf Mountain are perfect for a weekend drive or cycling tour. The Green Mountain Scenic Byway winds past the east side of the mountain. This designated scenic highway winds 45 miles around the west side of Lake Apopka and connects Winter Garden to Mount Dora.

Flatter than Kansas? — Florida has the lowest high point in the country and it’s the flattest state over all — much flatter than Kansas, in fact. But looking east from Sugarloaf Mountain, this part of Florida doesn’t look flat at all. To enjoy this landscape, hop off the Florida Turnpike at Clermont and head north on Country Road 561.

Unless otherwise attributed, photos are copyrighted by Michael Warren. All rights reserved.

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futuret says
August 2, 2017 at 2:03 pm
THANK YOU FOR THIS BLOG!!! MY FAMILY AND I HAVE A PASSION TO MOVE TO FLORIDA AND BECOME FLORIDIANS. DEFINITELY WILL KEEP A TELESCOPE AND A PAIR OF BINOCULARS OUT FOR YOUR BLOG!!! HAVE A HAPPY FLORIDA DAY!!!
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Maggie King says
October 7, 2021 at 1:42 pm
Do NOT allow development!!!!!!
Our town allowed out of state developers, crowing that growth is good, provides jobs and tax $.
When I responded at meetings that those jobs for us were low pay menial jobs such as housekeeping staff and front desk clerks, that not ALL growth was good, I was attacked as anti progress, anti biz, basically a backwards commie. No, I advocated for town meetings where residents would see plans and be allowed to ask ? and voice objections. City is answerable to US. We need to face growth with a plan, with limits if necessary, with common goals, or set asides for greenspace and protection of both permanent residents and our waterfront and water ecosystems.
A common vision. But too many get bored with complex issues. I read 100s of pages of engineering specs til my eyes bled, and found some questionable items.
Out of state developers and 2nd home owners are not invested in community, the fabric of our town. Sure they pay property taxes, but I’m talking the safety, beauty, schools, crime, health, occupations and prosperity of every individual. Not just those that contribute to reelection coffers. We are selling our bayou home because the character and values changed. Expensive toys of the affluents are protected behind fences and cameras. We DON’T WANT your stuff, we just want you to leave.
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