Palatlakaha River Park

Palatlakaha River Park protects 23 acres of wetland and scrub habitat between Lake Louisa and Lake Susan.

These bodies of water are considered the headwaters of the Ocklawaha River, an important refuge for numerous species along its 74-mile span to the St. Johns River.

The park offers a launch for paddlers to access the scenic river, and a short hiking trail through Florida scrub jay habitat.

Drifting northward

Resources

Resources for exploring the area

Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover

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Overview

Location: Clermont
Length: 2.5-mile paddle, 0.7-mile hiking loop
Trailhead: 28.504005, -81.749266
Address: 12325 Hull Rd, Clermont, FL 34711
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Yes, at the launch.
Land manager: Lake County
Phone: 352-253-4950

Open sunrise to sunset.

Directions

From the interchange of SR 50 and US 27 in Clermont, head south on SR 27 for a half mile, and turn right onto Brogden Dr. In 0.3 mile, turn left onto S Lakeshore Dr. Continue for a mile and a half, then turn right onto Lakeshore Dr. In 1.4 miles, make a left onto Hull Rd, and the parking area will be on the left in one mile.

Hike

The 0.7 mile hiking loop is accessible from the parking lot adjacent to the boat ramp. Head southward into the woods and cross the road in 100 feet.

A large kiosk stands next to the trail, full of information about native plants and pollinators found in the area.

Kiosk at trailhead

Circumnavigating a scrub jay habitat, the sandy trail runs alongside a wire strung between posts to mark the interior, which is restricted to official personnel.

A variety of native vegetation lines the pathway, with multiple signs that display pictures along with common and scientific names.

Sandy pathway

Crossing the road again in a half mile, the habitat rapidly transitions to a dense oak hammock. Large live oaks arch overhead, shading a leafy pathway through a sea of palmettos.

In a quarter mile, the trail emerges from the woods, completing the loop at the parking area.

Oak Hammock

Paddle

At the boat ramp, a large sign displays rules and information about the park. After launching at the ramp, continue down the canal for 100 feet.

Turn left onto the river. It is best to float with the current downstream to Lake Susan first.

Boat ramp

The waterway is extraordinarily scenic, bordered on both sides by stately cypress trees adorned with Spanish moss.

Dark tannic waters originating from the Green Swamp move slowly northward, surrounded by grassy banks.

Along the narrow river

In a quarter mile, the river bends to the right, passing submerged cypresses to the left, and the launch for Crooked River Preserve to the right.

Columns of cypress continue to border the western edge, and cattle may be seen browsing in a small field through the trees.

Cypress-lined shore

Shortly after passing the small pasture, the river snakes around two islands. These tree covered specks of land are small enough that going left or right around them does not matter.

The river opens to Lake Susan in 0.2 mile, after skirting the second island.

Speed warning sign in open water of lake

Lake Susan

Turning around at Lake Susan, head back upstream towards Lake Louisa.

The glassy waters move slowly between the larger bodies of water, though a bit more paddling effort is needed compared to the downstream float.

Reflecting on the river

Teeming with aquatic life, the water ripples as gar and other freshwater fish stir the surface.

Turtles perch on submerged logs and alligators float near shoreline vegetation, the tops of their prehistoric heads bobbing on the surface.

Turtle sunning on a log

In 1.2 miles, a sign for Lake Louisa protrudes from the water next to a small cypress. This expanse of water is frequently turbulent due to the large size of the lake.

Turning back towards the river, a leisurely float downstream brings the craft back to the ramp in a half mile.