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Tree reflections in river

Palatlakaha River Park

Picturesque waters flow between two lakes on a narrow river, immersing visitors who paddle within a corridor of cypress swamp abounding with wildlife.

Clermont      ( 28.504005, -81.749266 )      3.2 miles

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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.

Tree reflections in blue water Drifting northward


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

50 Hikes in Central Florida Paddlers Guide Florida Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


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.

River from a kayak


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 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.

Sand path next to fence 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.

Overhanging oaks 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.

Sign at boat ramp 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.

Tree reflections in blue water 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 reflections 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.

Cloud reflections in blue water 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 on log along river floodplain 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.

Sign and open water of large lake Lake Louisa


Trail Map

Palatlakaha River Park Trail Map
Red: Nature Trail. Light Blue: Paddling Trail.

Explore More!

Video

A virtual journey through Palatlakaha River Park


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Crooked River Preserve

Crooked River Preserve

On a 1.7-mile loop, Crooked River Preserve showcases a wide variety of habitats in a short hike on the northernmost extent of the Lake Wales Ridge in Clermont

Rolling hills at Lake Louisa State Park

Lake Louisa State Park

As longleaf pine reaches for the sky, the rolling hills of Lake Louisa State Park near Clermont return to their forested roots

Ferndale Preserve

Ferndale Preserve

On Lake Apopka’s western shore, Ferndale Preserve offers amazing panoramas of Florida’s fourth largest lake, along with serious elevation changes on its four miles of multi-use trails

Green Mountain Tower overlook above Lake Apopka floodplain

Green Mountain Scenic Overlook

At the Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead, the highest elevations in Central Florida provide a sweeping panorama of Lake Apopka and Florida’s longest set of trail switchbacks

Official Website

Category: Access by water, Central Florida, County Parks, Hikes, Launch Points, Loop Hikes, Natural Lands, Nature Trails, Paddling, Routes, Trails, WaterwaysTag: Birding, Clermont, Palatlakaha River, Walt Disney World, Wildlife Viewing

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