Blue Creek Run

The 4-mile Blue Creek Run (8 miles roundtrip) leads paddlers from the community of Astor to the St. Johns River. Blue Creek is known for its diverse wildlife, including a large population of alligators. Evening boaters have been known to spot as many as a dozen gators along the creek bed.

Astor is known for its quaint-style of living with family-owned restaurants and small vacation homes. Once a bustling commercial center on the St. Johns River, citrus from Lake County groves was sent to Astor by rail and then shipped to Jacksonville by steamboats. According to Emmett Peter Jr., author of Lake County, Florida: A Pictorial History, Astor is surrounded by the Ocala National Forest, where man coexists with the black bear, the osprey and the majestic eagle, a world “Created by God and not yet spoiled by man.”

Places to Stay and Things to Do Near the Blue Creek Run

Cities around Blue Creek Run include Altoona and Astor. The Astor area is known for its quaint-style of living with family-owned restaurants, small vacation homes and bed and breakfasts. As you plan your stay in the Blue Creek Run area, why not consider a couple of nights at the Castaways on the River and maybe a night at the Villa Elena vacation property. You might want to mosey on down to the Blackwater Inn and dine at William’s Landing for a family style dining experience, then take an airboat ride in Blue Creek or Juniper Run area.

Area Lodging

Astor's Florida Inn Riverside Bed & Breakfast
55336 Claire St., Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 759-3395
Web site: www.astorsfloridianinn.com

Driving Directions
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area
24511 County Road 42, Paisley, FL 32767
Phone: (352) 669-0078
Web site: www.camprrm.com

Driving Directions
Villa Elena Vacation Homes
24650 Fox Rd., Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (904) 655-4108
Web site: www.villaelenaastor.com

Driving Directions
Blue Creek Area Vacation Rental
56546 Pecan Road, Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 759-3377
Web site: www.astorflorida.com

Driving Directions
The Castaways on the River
55530 Front St., Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 759-3422
Web site: www.castawaysontheriver.com

Driving Directions

Dining

William’s Landing
55716 Front St., Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 759-2802 Web site: www.blackwaterinn.com

Family | Outdoor Dining Available

Driving Directions
Sparky's Place
24646 State Road 40, Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 759-3551

Italian
Driving Directions
Beans BBQ
55522 Front St., Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 516-2469

Barbecue | Outdoor Dining Available

Driving Directions
Sterling Restaurant & Lounge
23525 State Road 40, Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 759-3833

Family
Driving Directions

Fun Things to Do

Alexander Springs Recreation Area
49525 County Road 445, Altoona, FL 32702
Phone: (352) 669-3522 Web site: www.reserveusa.com

Alexander Springs features a variety of activities. While the crystal-clear waters attract splishs-plashing youngsters, Alexander Springs features a variety of activities that can make the perfect vacationing getaway for the entire family. The recreation area offers a 67-unit campground that can accommodate tents and recreational vehicles up to 35 feet.
Driving Directions
Fire Storm Marine Air Boat Tours
1605 Paradise Lane, Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (407) 463-8961 Web site: www.firestormairboattours.com

Fire Storm Airboat Tours offers fun and educational airboat tours for Lake George, Juniper, Blue Creek and many other areas. Many wildlife sightings include deer, wild hogs, alligators and occasionally a black bear. Price range varies, depending on length of tour and location.
Driving Directions

This list is not all inclusive. For a complete list of accommodations, shopping, dining, attractions and events, visit the Lake County Tourism website at: www.lakecountyfl.com

About the Run
empty
Length:
4.1 miles (6.6 km)
Bodies of Water:
Blue Creek
Permit Number: 05-001
Paddlers Rating: 2
Difficulty: 3
Ease of Access: 2
Wildlife Viewing: 1

Run Interactive Map
Overall Interactive Map
Featured Wildlife
 
Osprey
Nickname:
Fish hawk

Habitat:
Near body of water providing adequate food supply

Wingspan:
4-6 feet

Diet:
Fish, sometimes catching 6 to 8 a day to feed a new family
Rate this Run
Paddling Difficulty:
Ease of Access:
Wildlife Viewing: