Chains

Butler Chain

The Butler Chain of Lakes (also known as the Windermere Chain of Lakes) in Southwest Orlando consists of nine interconnected lakes totaling 4,720 acres. Lakes making up the chain include Lake Butler, Lake Down, Lake Tibet, Lake Sheen, Lake Isleworth, Lake Blanche, Lake Louise, Lake Chase, and Pocket Lake. These lakes are typically clear and have sandy bottoms. Lakes on the south side of the chain are a little more tannin stained. The canals are shallow and impassable during low rainfall periods. There are two public access ramps, one on Conroy-Windermere Road across from Isleworth and at Keene's Park of Chase Road. Lots on the Butler Chain are at a tremendous premium.

Conway Chain of Lakes

Located south of downtown Orlando, these four interconnected lakes are collectively known as Lake Conway. The chain has nearly 1,800 acres of clear water and hard sand bottom. Public access is located at a ramp off Hoffner Ave., two blocks east of Orange Ave. Lakefront real estate prices are more reasonable than the Butler Chain or Winter Park Chain.

Winter Park Chain of Lakes

Located in the heart of Winter Park, Lake Virginia, Lake Osceola, Lake Maitland, Lake Mizell, and Lake Minneola make up this interconnected 2,781 acre chain. Canals connecting the lakes are narrow but relatively deep. Water is typically tea colored. Real estate on this chain comes with the area's highest prices. The chain is home to many older grand palatial estates. Public access is available off 17-92 at Lake Maitland or at a ramp next to Rollins College. A ramp use permit is required from the City of Winter Park or the City of Maitland.

Harris Chain of Lakes

Also know as the Ocklawaha Chain, this huge chain of lakes in Lake County has its principal headwaters in Lake Apopka. Lakes include Lake Harris (13,788 acres), Lake Eustis (7,806 acres), Lake Dora (4,475 acres), Lake Griffin (16,505 acres), Lake Yale (4,042 acres), Lake Beauclair (1,111 acres), and Lake Denham (269 acres). There are numerous public access ramps. While some of the lakes are spring-fed and the lakes are well know for there fishing, the water quality is generally poor and the water is mostly murky. Real estate prices don't approach those closer to the Orlando area. These lakes have large gator populations.

Kissimmee

These lakes make up the headwaters for the entire Everglades system. The upper part of the chain originates in Orange County with Lake Hart (1,850 acres) and Lake Mary Jane (1,158 acres). The chain continues south through Lake Center (410 acres), Trout Lake (273 acres), Coon Lake (148 acres), Lake Lizzie (792 acres), Alligator Lake (3,406 acres), Lake Brick (616 acres), East Lake Tohopekaliga (11,968 acres), and Lake Gentry (1,791 acres). These lakes are very acidic and tannin-stained. The lower Kissimmee Chain is comprised of Lake Tohopekaliga (18,810 acres), Cypress Lake (4,097 acres), Lake Hatchineha (6,665 acres), Lake Jackson (1,020 acres), Lake Marian (5,739 acres), and Lake Kissimmee (34,948 acres). These lakes are shallow and have periodic navigation problems with hydrilla. Access is available in downtown Kissimmee, St. Cloud, and several other places.

Clermont Chain of Lakes

This eleven lake chain in south Lake County has lakes ranging in size from 20 acres to 3,634 acres. Most are tannin stained and tea colored. Many are not navigable due to the drought and it is not uncommon to find dry docks on the Clermont chain. The city of Clermont sits on Lake Minneola (1,884 acres). Lake Minneola is the only lake in the Clermont chain with clear water. There is also a state recreation area on Lake Louisa (3,634 acres). Access is available at several different locations.

Seminole County Lakes

Lake Monroe

This 9,406 acre lake is a mainstream reservoir on the St. Johns River and is home to the City of Sanford. The lake is relatively shallow with a sand bottom, making it home to several world hydroplane records. Lake Monroe is tannin-stained, and home to a large gator population. Access is available at Monroe Harbor Marina in downtown Sanford or at two different ramps located at the 17-92 bridge.

Lake Harney

This 6,058 acre lake is another mainstream reservoir of the St. Johns River. Land around the lake is mostly undeveloped and access is limited to ramps on the St. Johns River. Mostly sand bottom.

Lake Jessup

While Lake Jessup can be accessed by the St. Johns River, it is not a mainstream reservoir. With its polluted water and mud bottom, the lake is home to a huge gator population.

Lake Brantley

Lake Brantley is a clear sand bottom spring-fed 350 acre recreational lake in the Altamonte Springs and Longwood area. Known for its water skiing and wake boarding use, the lake is only accessible by private ramps in surrounding developments. Real estate prices on the lake come at a premium.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is a crystal clear spring-fed, sand bottom 460 acre recreational lake between Altamonte Springs and Apopka. Access is limited to a few private neighborhood ramps and a Florida Power recreational facility for employees and their families. Real estate prices have risen dramatically in the last few years but Bear Lake is still much more affordable than Lake Brantley. The homes are typically smaller and more modest than you'll find on Lake Brantley but many are being torn down to make way for larger homes.

Rivers

St. Johns River

One of only a few rivers in the world that flow north, the St. Johns River originates in Brevard County and winds its way all the way to Jacksonville where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is well-known for its many fishing, boating, and sightseeing opportunities.

Wekiva River

The beautiful Wekiva River winds sixteen miles from Wekiva Springs to the St. Johns River. A Protected Florida Waterway, the Wekiva is virtually unspoiled and is a popular canoeing spot. It is located within Orange, Seminole, and Lake counties. Canoers are likely to see gators, otters, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and black bears. Seminole and Timacuan Indians lived along the river for some 7,500 years.

Econlockhatchee River

Also a popular canoeing spot, the Econlockhatchee River stands on Orange and Seminole County's eastern frontier. The Econ winds for 18 miles through forested flatlands, swamps, and pasture and eventually empties into the St. Johns River.

Springs

Wekiwa Springs State Park

The cement walled main spring and swimming area is just a small part of this 8,000 acre park in northwest Orange County, just west of the Seminole County border. There are miles of trails through all kind of terrain for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. 48 million gallons of water pour daily into the Wekiva River from this spring and Rock Springs. A beautiful park and popular swimming area.

Rock Springs (Kelly Park)

This county run park in northwest Orange County is popular with shark's teeth hunters and tubers with its _ mile tube run. The spring pumps out 26,000 gallons of water a minute so the current is strong enough to enjoy a float down a natural "lazy river".

Gemini Spring

Nice county park with swimming area just over the Seminole County line in Volusia County. Great place to take your dog. Named for the twin springs that flow into the St. Johns River.

Blue Spring State Park

Located in Orange City in Volusia County, this beautiful park just off the St. Johns River is accessible by both boat and car. Winter resting spot of manatees because of the 72 degree temperature of the spring run. Best to start swimming at the boil and let the current take you upstream. Spring run is crystal clear and a great place to scuba dive or snorkel.

Deleon Springs

Former sugar and corn plantation in the late 1,700's located just north of Deland in Volusia County. The sugar mill from the old plantation is still there and houses a popular restaurant where you can cook your own pancakes on a built-in griddle in the middle of your table. This is a great place to take out-of-town visitors. Concrete walled swimming area too. Best to call ahead for reservations for the Sugar Mill Restaurant as wait times can be quite long.