July 9, 2019

Harris Chain Of Lakes

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Set amongst the quaint towns of Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares and Leesburg, is the Harris Chain of Lakes. This chain is a part of the Ocklawaha River Basin and includes Lakes Dora, Beauclair, Carlton, Eustis, Apopka, Harris, Little Harris, Griffin and Yale. All are connected by navigable waterways, with the exception of Lake Yale. It’s the largest chain of lakes in Florida covering over 50,000 acres of fresh water in the Lake County. The chain has become an extremely popular boating destination for many reasons. Here’s a few the Harris chain should be next on your boating destination list!

Wildlife/Sight Seeing – There’s nothing like a leisurely cruise to relax, unwind and just take in the sights.  Fresh air and sunshine are good for the soul. Unlike many of Florida’s lakes that are shallow and filled with obstructions, the lakes on the Harris chain are deep and virtually clear of obstructions.  You can cruise worry free taking in the sites along with birds and other wildlife that abound on the lakes & canals. Called the most beautiful mile of waterway in Florida, the Dora Canal is absolutely beautiful this time of year.  After a day out on the water, nothing beats watching a Harris Chain of Lakes Sunset from the comfort of your own boat with your family.

Activities – Pretty much check off all the boxes. All the lakes are great for watersports. Tube, ski, wake or kneeboard and surf to your heart’s content. Horseshoe Island on Lake Harris or the west side of Deer Island on Lake Dora are great swimming spots. Water depths of 3 to 5 feet and solid sandy bottoms make them great places to spend a sunny afternoon just hanging out on the water.  Home to several bass tournaments, the chain is known for its terrific fishing.  Large mouth bass, speckled perch, bluegill, catfish are just a few of the species found in abundance. For even more ideas, check out our Get Out on the Water Blog!

Places to Eat – Pack a picnic or dine out.  There are lots of options.  Trimble State Park on Lakes Beauclair & Carlton or Hickory Point Park on Lake Harris offer docks as well as great picnic areas, playgrounds and rest rooms. Don’t want to pack your lunch? That’s O.K. Stop at one of the many restaurants on the water including HurricanesJB BoondocksThe Crazy GatorHideawayPalm GardensPuddle Jumpers, and more!

We maybe a little partial because this is our home.  When you decide to head this way, you won’t be disappointed.  A fantastic day on the water awaits.  This is where your boating adventure begins!

Check out our map of the Harris Chain of Lakes.

Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina | Mount Dora, Florida Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina | Mount Dora, Florida
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