Lake Griffin Run

The most northern of three Blueway trails in the Oklawaha Basin, the Lake Griffin Run encircles the entire 9,428-acre lake. Griffin is one of eight in the Harris Chain of Lakes. The lake is the last link in the chain as the water continues to flow into the Ocklawaha River through the Ocala National Forest as it winds toward the St. Johns River and out to the Atlantic Ocean at Jacksonville.

The lake is a popular largemouth bass fishing spot and its shores were once well populated with Timaquan Indians. At the turn of the century, steamboats frequented the lake to provide transportation between ports on lakes Eustis, Harris and Griffin. Today, the lake is a popular recreational spot as Lake Griffin State Park lies on the west side of the lake near the City of Fruitland Park.

Places to Stay and Things to Do Near the Lake Griffin Run

Lake Griffin Run which encircles Lake Griffin is located near the Fruitland Park, Lady Lake, Weirsdale and The Villages area. Pack a picnic lunch and visit Lake Griffin State Park. The family friendly park offers canoe rentals for a small fee. The Villages Market Square offers entertainment every weekend and there numerous places to shop and dine.

Area Lodging

Blue Parrot RV Resort
40840 County Road 25, Lady Lake, FL 32159
Phone: (352) 753-2026
Web site: www.rvresorts.com

Driving Directions
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites at The Villages
1205 Avenida Central N., Lady Lake, FL 32159
Phone: (352) 750-3888
Web site: www.hiexpress.com

Driving Directions
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
1141 Alonzo Ave., The Villages, FL 32159
Phone: (352) 753-8686
Web site: www.marriott.com

Driving Directions
Comfort Suites
1202 Avenida Central N., The Villages, FL 32159
Phone: (352) 259-6578
Web site: www.choicehotels.com

Driving Directions
La Hacienda Hotel & Suites
1201 Avenida Central N., Lady Lake, FL 32159
Phone: (352) 750-6863

Driving Directions
Twin Palms Resort & Marina
35320 Cross Street, Fruitland Park, FL 34731
Phone: (888) 894-6756
Web site: www.twinpalmsresortmarina.com

Driving Directions

Dining

Bamboo Bistro Asian Fusion
700 N. U.S. Highway 441, The Villages, FL 32159
Phone: (352) 750-9998

Asian
Driving Directions
Captain Bell's Seafood
3295 U.S. Highway 441/27, Fruitland Park, FL 34731
Phone: (352) 728-3312

Seafood
Driving Directions
Pauly's Pizzeria
986 Alverez Ave., Lady Lake, FL 32159
Phone: (352) 750-6289

Italian | Outdoor Dining Available

Driving Directions
Margarita Republic
1102 Main St., The Villages, FL 32159
Phone: (352) 753-4660 Web site: www.margaritarepublic.com

Family | Outdoor Dining Available

Driving Directions
Legends Cafe
2468 U.S. Highway 441/27, Fruitland Park, FL 34731
Phone: (352) 728-0006

Cafe
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Silver Cricket Restaurant & Catering Co.
360 S. U.S. Highway 441, Lady Lake, FL 32159
Phone: (352) 561-4441 Web site: www.silvercricketladylake.com

Family
Driving Directions

Fun Things to Do

The Grand Oaks Resort
3000 Marion County Road, Weirsdale, FL 32195
Phone: (352) 750-5500 Web site: www.thegrandoaks.com

The Grand Oaks Resort is a premier vacation destination with over 400 acres of rolling hills blanketed with sweeping canopies of ancient Granddaddy Oaks and home to the world’s largest private collection of antique carriages and equine artifacts. Whether you envision an adventurous get-a-way immersed in equine activities, igniting your competitive nature by honing your carriage driving skills, fly-fishing in our fully stocked waters, or a relaxing retreat, your visit at the Grand Oaks Resort can be anything your heart desires.
Driving Directions
The Villages Market Square
1114 Canal Street, The Villages, FL
Phone: (352) 753-2270 Web site: www.thevillages.com

There’s nothing quite like this community. The square features many types of dancing and entertainment, unlimited shopping and quite a few amazing restaurants to boast of.
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:
16.72 miles (26.91 km)
Bodies of Water:
Lake Griffin
Permit Number: 05-003
Paddlers Rating: 1
Difficulty: 2
Ease of Access: 1
Wildlife Viewing: 1

Run Interactive Map
Overall Interactive Map
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Featured Wildlife
 
Largemouth Bass
Characteristics:
Two dorsal fins with a deep notch between spinous and soft-rayed portions, body longer than deep, upper jaw extends beyond rear of eye, dark lateral streak.

Habitat:
Shallow water habitats, among reeds, water lilies and other vegetation

Spawn:
Late spring or early summer

Diet:
Minnow, carp and practically any other available fish species including their own
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Paddling Difficulty:
Ease of Access:
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