Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Clearwater Lake Loop

Ocala National Forest, Florida · 3 min read

Distance
4 mi
Elevation Gain
50 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
October through April
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
2 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Clearwater Lake swimming and picnicking
  • Accessible short loop for visitors at the Clearwater Lake campground
  • Sandhill crane habitat in open flatwoods sections
  • Combines lake swimming with flat forest hiking
  • Good option for families based at the Clearwater campground

Overview

Clearwater Lake is a natural Florida lake in the southern portion of Ocala National Forest, developed by the USFS into a recreation area with a campground, swim beach, and picnic facilities. The 4.0-mile hiking loop circles the lake through sandhill and flatwood habitats, providing a shorter trail option that pairs naturally with a day of swimming and picnicking at the recreation area.

This is a short, flat, accessible loop without the demand of the longer Alexander Springs or Florida Trail sections. At 4 miles with 50 feet of gain, it is appropriate for visitors with children or those who want a gentle walk in the Florida forest without committing to a half-day hike. The loop shows the sandhill and flatwood habitats that characterize the southern portion of the forest, with gopher tortoises and sandhill cranes as the most commonly encountered wildlife.

The setting at Clearwater Lake is pleasant, though less dramatic than the boiling springs of the northern forest. The lake has a natural, undeveloped quality on its far shores even while the recreation area side is well-maintained.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.0: Lake shore. From the recreation area, the loop follows the lake shore through mixed oak and palm vegetation. The lake is visible throughout this section.

Miles 1.0 to 2.5: Sandhill interior. The trail moves into the sandhill habitat away from the lake. Gopher tortoise burrows are present. Open sections with longleaf pine and wiregrass provide habitat for sandhill cranes, which are often seen feeding in the sandy clearings.

Miles 2.5 to 4.0: Flatwoods and return. The loop passes through flatwood forest before returning to the recreation area along the western lake shore.

When to Visit

October through April: The recommended season for comfortable hiking.

Summer: The swim beach at the recreation area is most popular in summer, but trail hiking in Florida's summer heat requires early starts and adequate water.

What to Bring

Many hikers on this route carry:

  • 1-2 liters of water (individual needs vary)
  • Swimwear if using the swim beach
  • Insect repellent (recommended from March through October)
  • Sun protection for lake shore and open sections

Practical Details

Flush restrooms and drinking water at the recreation area. Day-use fee as of 2026; verify current rates at fs.usda.gov/ocala. America the Beautiful passes may be accepted.

Dogs are welcome on hiking trails. Leash requirements apply in the recreation area.

Cell service is limited. Download offline maps before your trip.

Alligators are present in the lake. Use the designated swim beach and follow Florida FWC safety guidelines. See the conditions guide for current USFS access information.

Getting There

From Paisley, FL, take CR 42 east approximately 6 miles to the Clearwater Lake Recreation Area entrance on the left. Signs direct visitors from the Paisley area.

From Leesburg, take US-441 south to CR 42, then east to the forest. The drive from Leesburg takes approximately 35 minutes.

USFS Ocala National Forest: fs.usda.gov/ocala. Campground reservations: Recreation.gov.

Trailhead Parking

Clearwater Lake Recreation Area off CR 42 near Paisley, FL; day-use fee may apply (as of 2026). Developed recreation area with paved parking.

← Back to Ocala National Forest

More Trails in Ocala National Forest

easyloop

Alexander Springs Loop Trail

12 mi50 ft gain
October through April

A 12.0-mile loop from the Alexander Springs Recreation Area through the flatwoods and scrub of central Ocala National Forest. Florida's largest national forest spring loop hike, combining riparian scenery with open scrub ecology.

4 min read

easyloop

Big Scrub Hiking Trail

8 mi100 ft gain
October through April

An 8.0-mile loop through the Big Scrub, the largest contiguous area of Florida scrub habitat on public land. Ancient scrub ecology, Florida scrub-jays, and gopher tortoises in a landscape that looks unlike any other hiking destination in the East.

4 min read

easyloop

Buck Lake Loop

6 mi50 ft gain
October through April

A 6.0-mile loop around Buck Lake in Ocala National Forest through scrub, flatwoods, and lake-shore habitats. A quieter alternative to the busier spring recreation areas with good wildlife watching and minimal trail traffic.

4 min read

easyout-and-back

Florida National Scenic Trail Section

10 mi100 ft gain
October through April

A 10.0-mile out-and-back on the Florida National Scenic Trail through Ocala National Forest, passing through scrub, flatwoods, and wetland habitats with abundant wildlife. Flat terrain and year-round access make this one of the most accessible long-distance trail sections in the Southeast.

5 min read

easyloop

Juniper Springs Recreation Loop

7 mi50 ft gain
October through April

A 7.0-mile loop departing from the historic Juniper Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest. The route follows the Juniper Creek corridor and forest trails through a subtropical landscape of spring-fed water, ancient cypress, and sandhill habitats.

4 min read

easyloop

Lake Eaton Loop

6 mi50 ft gain
October through April

A 6.0-mile loop around Lake Eaton in Ocala National Forest through classic Florida sandhill and scrub habitats. One of the most accessible lake loops in the forest with consistent wildlife sightings and good birding year-round.

4 min read

easyout-and-back

Salt Springs Island Trail

5 mi50 ft gain
October through April

A 5.0-mile out-and-back on the Salt Springs Island Trail in Ocala National Forest, exploring the scrub and flatwood habitats surrounding one of the forest's major spring recreation areas. Year-round access with excellent bird watching.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clearwater Lake actually clear?
Clearwater Lake is a natural Florida lake with relatively clear water compared to the tannin-stained lakes common in other parts of Florida. It does not have the crystalline quality of the spring-fed swimming areas at Juniper or Alexander Springs, but it is a pleasant swimming and picnicking lake.
Is there a fee at Clearwater Lake?
A day-use fee may apply at the Clearwater Lake Recreation Area as of 2026. Verify current rates with the USFS Ocala website or by calling the ranger district directly.
Can I swim at Clearwater Lake?
Yes. The Clearwater Lake Recreation Area has a designated swim beach. Alligators are present in Florida lakes; use the designated swim beach and follow Florida FWC guidelines.
How does the Clearwater Lake Loop compare to the Juniper Springs Loop?
The Clearwater Lake Loop is shorter (4 miles vs. 7 miles) and offers a lake rather than spring experience. The Juniper Springs loop has more dramatic scenery at the spring head. Clearwater Lake is a good choice for visitors who want a shorter hike combined with swimming.
Are there facilities at the Clearwater Lake trailhead?
Yes. The Clearwater Lake Recreation Area has flush restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and a campground. It is a well-developed recreation area.