Helena Run

With an entry point at the City of Leesburg’s Singletary Park, Helena Run skirts the west side of Lake Harris before entering Helena Run, which this Blueway trail was named after. About two miles into Helena Run, paddlers will come to a fork. To the left is Bugg Spring Run, which winds to Bugg Spring, and to the right is Lake Denham.

From Helena Run to Lake Denham, this run immerses paddlers in the Lake County Water Authority’s 2,300-acre Flat Island Preserve. This preserve is a popular location for bird watching, hiking and primitive camping. A canal north of Lake Denham leads to a dock and a 440-foot boardwalk, which connects to Daubenmire Trail, the main loop trail of the preserve. Canoes, paddles and floatation devices are available at the end of the boardwalk. Call (352) 343-3777 for details.

Places to Stay and Things to Do Near the Helena Run

Helena Run is located in the Leesburg area and is known for its many fun events such as the Leesburg Mardi Gras Festival and the Leesburg Bike Festival, held in downtown Leesburg each year. Along with events and festivals, Leesburg is one of the best places to catch crappie fish in the state of Florida. Below is helpful information and we hope you enjoy your stay.

Area Lodging

Best Western Chain of Lakes Inn & Suites
1321 N. 14th St., Leesburg, FL 34748
Phone: (352) 460-0118
Web site: www.bestwestern.com

Driving Directions
Hampton Inn Leesburg
9630 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg, FL 34788
Phone: (352) 315-1053
Web site: www.leesburgtavareshotel.com

Driving Directions
Sleep Inn
2476 N. Citrus Blvd., Leesburg, FL 34748
Phone: (352) 326-9002
Web site: www.choicehotels.com

Driving Directions
Days Inn
1115 W. North Blvd., Leesburg, FL 34748
Phone: (352) 787-3131
Web site: www.daysinn.com

Driving Directions
Microtel Inn & Suites
9700 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg, FL 34788
Phone: (352) 315-1234
Web site: www.microtelinn.com

Driving Directions
Stay & Save Inn
1308 N. 14th St., Leesburg, FL 34748
Phone: (352) 787-0500

Driving Directions

Dining

Cedar River Seafood
8609 S. U.S. Highway 441 , Leesburg, FL 34748
Phone: (352) 728-3377

Seafood
Driving Directions
Gator Bay Bar & Grill
10320 County Road 44, Leesburg, FL 34788
Phone: (352) 365-2177

Sports Pub | Outdoor Dining Available

Driving Directions
Magnolia’s Oyster Bar
201 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg, FL 34748
Phone: (352) 323-0093

Seafood
Driving Directions
China House
27615 U.S. Highway 27, Leesburg, FL 34748
Phone: (352) 787-3384 Web site: www.chinahousechinesefood.com

Asian
Driving Directions
Habaneros 3 Mexican Restaurant
10601 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg, FL 34788
Phone: (352) 315-1777

Mexican
Driving Directions
Naples Italian Restaurant
1107 W. North Blvd., Leesburg, FL 34748
Phone: (352) 323-1616 Web site: www.naplesitalian.com

Italian | Outdoor Dining Available

Driving Directions

Fun Things to Do

Leesburg Center for the Arts
429 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg, FL 34749
Phone: (352) 365-0232 Web site: www.leesburgcenter4arts.com

The center houses a gallery, an art institute, and various other activities throughout the year providing an educational pathway for both adults and children alike. The center also hosts the Leesburg Fine Arts Festival which attracts talented artists, artisans, musicians and appreciative audiences.
Driving Directions
Leesburg Saturday Morning Farmer's Market
Downtown Leesburg (Main Street Square), Leesburg, FL 34748
Phone: (352) 365-0053 Web site: www.leesburgsaturdaymorningmarket.com

Vendors are selling produce, plants, flowers, cooked and prepared specialty foods, bakery items, jellies, jams & honey, and much more. These products vary from week to week so there is always something new to enjoy.
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:
7.6 miles (12.2 km)
Bodies of Water:
Lake Harris, Helena Run, Lake Denham
Permit Number: 05-003
Paddlers Rating: NA
Difficulty: Not rated
Ease of Access: Not rated
Wildlife Viewing: Not rated

Run Interactive Map
Overall Interactive Map
Download Run Map
Featured Wildlife
 
Florida Red-bellied Cooter
Length:
8 to 15 inches

Active:
Year-round, it is often seen basking with Florida Cooters and River Cooters on logs or floating mats of vegetation

Diet:
Mostly herbivorous, but will also eat carrion, such as dead fish

Intersting Fact:
Easily identified by distinctive red-tinged belly and two cusps on its upper beak
Rate this Run
Paddling Difficulty:
Ease of Access:
Wildlife Viewing: