Rolling Hills,and Cypress Trees

A half hour from WDW Magic Kingdom is another kind of magic place ? a land of rolling hills, cypress trees draped thickly with Spanish moss, old citrus trees, gopher tortoises, deer and other wildlife. Directly west of Disney World this natural world is available to visitors of Lake Louisa State Park, located off US 27 just south of Clermont.

A key charm of Lake Louisa are the new cabins available for rent for $110 a night. Calling them cabins totally undersells what you'll find, two bedroom/two bath homes with expansive screen porches with rocking chairs (pictured here) overlooking a lake. The kitchen has microwave, dishwasher and everything you need to set up housekeeping. With a sleeper sofa, the cabins sleep six and are ideal for families. In the winter, visitors cozy up around the gas fireplaces.

Other charms of Lake Louisa:
• a swimming beach with white sand studded by ancient cypress trees.
• 20 miles of hiking trails, many leading to small picturesque lakes.
• Hills! Yes, hills over 100 feet high make this very exotic for flat-landers.

A short drive from Orlando, this park is noted for its six beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and scenic landscapes. Lake Louisa is the largest in a chain of 13 lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River, which is designated as an Outstanding Florida Waterway. Lake Louisa, Dixie Lake, and Hammond Lake, the park's most accessible lakes, provide access for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Anglers can fish in four of the park's six lakes, but gasoline-powered boats are not allowed; only boats powered by trolling motors or without motors are permitted. Camping facilities and more than 15 miles of horse trails are available for equestrians. For hikers and backpackers, the park has over 20 miles of hiking trails with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Dixie Lake has a fishing pier, canoe/kayak launch, and a picnic pavilion.The park also has a full-facility campground, fully furnished cabins for rent, and primitive campsites. Lake Louisa State Park is located just seven miles south of State Road 50 in Clermont on U.S. 27.