Lake Louisa

Located in Lake County and centered on the City of Clermont a few miles south of Orlando, the Clermont Chain of Lakes comprises 11 lakes connected to the Palatlakaha River. The chain is orientated from southeast to northwest and fed primarily by streams and groundwater flow. They make up the middle part of the Palatlakaha River, designated as an Outstanding Florida Waterway, which forms the headwaters of the Ocklawaha River.

The Clermont Chain of Lakes is an 8,600-acre spread with easy access to rich fishing grounds. It is one of the most pristine in central Florida, but water color varies according to water source. Some lakes are primarily spring-fed and clear, while others gain their water from nearby Green Swamp and offer water tinted by tannin caused from the large expanse of cypress tress along the shoreline. The brown color does not indicate poor water quality however, and these darker lakes are often preferred for swimming as the lack of light penetration keeps the water temperatures cooler than in clearer lakes.

The larger lakes are popular for waterskiing and are densely populated with water lovers. The largest of the lakes are Lake Minneola (1,888 acres), Lake Minnehaha (2,298 acres), Lake Louisa (3,634 acres) and Cherry Lake (401 acres). All four are on the main portion of the chain along the river and easily accessed by water.

The largest of these is Lake Louisa .  With over 3,000 acres for rich fishing and fun water sports.  Lake Louisa is located within a state park, Lake Louisa State Park, offering many off-the-water activities too! Watch wildlife like bald eagles, bobcats, gopher tortoises, and deer. Enjoy the seven miles of paved road, or 20 miles of unpaved trails, perfect for hiking or biking.   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.

The best place to launch is the Palatlakaha River Park & Boat Ramp. There is plenty of parking but it is a single ramp and so avoid peak times.  You can also access Lake Louisa via Lake Minneola and the Clermont Boat Ramp. Visitors pay $5 per day and can pay via credit or debit card at the kiosks located on either side of the boat ramp. City of Clermont residents can purchase an annual pass for $35 plus tax. This new ramp doubled the launch pads from two to four, increased parking from 77 to 102 spots, added 10 mooring slips for peak traffic and has new restrooms.

Over half of the lake's shoreline is part of the Lake Louisa State Park, but the rest is residential houses and neighborhoods.  Houses on the north west shore can even see the fireworks from Walt Disney World's nightly fireworks show!  This part of Lake County can still have a more rural feel while being close to major roads and areas of interest in Central Florida including Sea World, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World and Downtown Orlando.