Drives Florida Orlando, Tampa Bay and Central Florida
Green Mountain Scenic Byway
Old State Road 50 · Oakland → Howey Heights
The drive
The Green Mountain Scenic Byway follows CR 455 and Old 50 through the hills west of Lake Apopka. This drive starts at Oakland and heads north for 15.6 miles through Montverde and Ferndale, around Sugarloaf Mountain, to Howey Heights at CR 561. Montverde means green mountain in Spanish, which gives the byway its name.
Sugarloaf Mountain, at 312 feet, is the highest point on the Florida peninsula. It is a rolling road with sweeping bends, rare for Florida, and the whole byway runs about 45 miles from Winter Garden to Mount Dora; this is its hilly core.
The byway is one of Florida's best-known cycling roads, drawing riders for training and for triathlon routes.
Along the way
- Oakland
- Howey Heights (CR 561)
Good to know
- Expect cyclists, especially on weekends; give them room on the climbs.
- Stopping at the Sugarloaf Mountain curve is prohibited; slow through instead.
- Cars, motorcyclists and car clubs also use the byway.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Florida 511.
Questions about this drive
How long is the Green Mountain Scenic Byway drive?
From Oakland to Howey Heights the drive is 15.6 miles and takes about 30 minutes.
What is the highest point on the Green Mountain Scenic Byway?
Sugarloaf Mountain, at 312 feet, is the highest point on the Florida peninsula.
Is the Green Mountain Scenic Byway popular with cyclists?
Yes. Its rolling hills and winding road draw cyclists, so expect riders, especially on weekends.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.