Filled with rolling hills, glimmering lakes, and natural Florida beauty, Clermont is a perfect example of some of Florida's best-kept secrets and treasured locations.
Intertwined with gorgeous sights and things to do, Clermont is commonly referred to as 'The Gem of the Hills' and the 'Choice of Champions' - both fitting nicknames that speak to the adventures and active lifestyles that can be found throughout the area.
From nature preserves, recreation, and parks, to a pristine chain of lakes, exciting watersports, and a number of popular local hotspots - Clermont, Florida is truly an ideal location for enjoying the great outdoors and the best of Florida's nature.
Crooked River Preserve
In the early 90s, the Lake County Water Authority (LCWA) acquired a 63.4-acre site located between the junction of Lake Louisa and the Palatlakakha River. This unique strip of forested wetlands primarily hugs the Palatlakakha shores and is filled with unique and irreplaceable natural resources. Protection by the LCWA helps ensure its beauty and diverse quality and provides a great recreational location for Clermont residents and visitors.
Several convenient trails run throughout the Preserve, including the Cypress Trail, Sink Trail, Titi Trail, and the Fern Trail - each color-marked. The Cypress Trail welcomes visitors from the main parking area and provides access to the Sink and Titi Trails along its path. The Titi Trail is named after the 'Titi' shrub, a pretty little shrub that can be found in the late spring and early summer with tiny white flowers.
Along the Sink Trail, visitors can take in a little bit of 'old Florida' with canopies of laurel and live oak branches and draping Spanish moss. The Fern Trail is a short side trail that takes you deeper into the wetlands, and Lake Louisa views can be found on the southern portion of the Preserve as well. Canoes and paddles can be reserved through LWCA ahead of time for a day of exploration.
Lake Hiawatha Preserve
Located on the Western side of Lake Minneola, Lake Hiawatha Preserve is another great location in the Clermont area filled with recreation opportunities and the natural beauty of Florida. Visitors can enjoy this 220-acre nature park and variety of amenities, including trails, biking, dog parks, fishing pier, playground, observing wildlife, and so much more.
The park also extends the Lake Minneola Scenic Trail and favored among bikers as it adds to the serene and safe path for those seeking a longer ride.
Florida Scrub-Jay Trail
Bird enthusiasts and nature lovers afar hold Central Florida dear when it comes to rare species and beautiful nature sightings, and the Scrub-Jay and Clermont are a prized example. Found only in Florida, the Scrub-Jay bird is limited to a small number of areas. Areas with dry, sandy soil and oak scrub trees seem to be the ideal spots, and Clermont happens to be one of them.
The Florida Scrub-jay Trail trailhead in Clermont is a statewide, interconnected network of chances to see the beautiful Scrub-Jay. The trail stretches from the Lake Wales Ridge up to the Ocala National Forest and from Sarasota and over to Merritt Island and Cape Canaveral.
Chain of Lakes
Eleven beautiful lakes interlock throughout the area of Clermont, known as the Clermont Chain of Lakes. Totaling over 8,000 acres of beautiful shimmering water, the Clermont Chain is renowned for being one of Florida's most polished systems. Fishing and water sports can be found throughout and serve as popular pastimes for taking in all the gorgeous sights offered throughout the area.
On any good weather cooperating day, cruising the lake is one of the best ways to experience Florida's nature fully. Boat and watersport rentals can be found in various places, along with several boat ramps located throughout the community.
20+ Parks
The Clermont area consists of 20+ parks, making exploring the area's natural charm convenient and available in a variety of recreation opportunities. One of the most popular is Waterfront Park, which is located along the banks of Lake Minneola and only a short walk or ride from Downtown Clermont. With a fitness trail, benches, a splash pad, serene lakeside views, and more, it's easy to see why it's one of the most beloved spots.
Victory Pointe, connected at the end of Waterfront Park, offers a unique and innovative storm system to help sustain Clermont's prized elements and natural beauties. The system not only adds to the preservation of Clermont's clean lakes but also doubles as a great location for taking in the beautiful outdoors.
Palatlakaha River Park is another nature-filled destination that can be seen from some spots along the Crooked River Preserve as it's on the opposite side of the Palatlakaha River. It offers trails, fishing piers, a playground, an 18-acre natural habitat, and a live Oak-Bald Cypress Hammock to explore!
Lake Louisa State Park is also a favored gem within the Clermont area as it offers a variety of recreation and features to explore. It's described as being a 'natural theme park' with over 4,000 acres and offers a list of ways to take in the area.
Consisting of 3 main lakes, 11 distinct natural plant communities, miles of paved and unpaved multi-use trails, guided tours, camping, and so much more, it's a great representation of how beautiful natural Clermont is.
Experiencing Real Clermont
Throughout the area of Clermont, many aspects provide a serene experience and a peek into what locals like to call 'Real Florida.' The overall terrain is wrapped in unique and alluring features. Its beautiful scenes and complimenting pieces make it easy to see why it's loved by so many.
Combined with what seems to be an endless number of ways to take in the great outdoors, Clermont is truly a special place for exploring the natural beauties of Florida.
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