Stagger Mud Lake Run

Start a paddling adventure along the Stagger Mud Lake Run at the Butler Street boat ramp in Astor, this trail’s only entry point. 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.

The Stagger Mud Lake Run begins south from Astor through the St. Johns River and Lake Dexter before entering Stagger Mud Lake. The 203-acre lake is primarily known for an occasional manatee sighting. The average adult manatee is about 10 feet long and weighs between 800 and 1,200 pounds. Gentle and slow moving, manatees spend most of their time eating vegetation, resting and traveling. Please do not disturb the endangered species.

Places to Stay and Things to Do Near the Stagger Mud Lake Run

Stagger Mud Lake Run begins south in Astor from the Butler St. Boat Ramp, and continues to the St. Johns River. Two cities located near Stagger Mud Lake Run are Altoona and Astor. The Little Creek Ranch Bed and Breakfast is nestled in the southwest corner of Astor and is only about 3 miles from the Butler St. boat ramp. To make your trip complete, why not stop in Beans BBQ in Astor for some good ole down home BBQ.

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
Little Creek Ranch Bed & Breakfast
22240 Little Creek Lane, Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 759-2239

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
Fiddler's Green Ranch Resort and Guided Trail Rides
42725 W. Altoona Road, Altoona, FL 32702
Phone: (352) 669-7111
Web site: www.fiddlersgreenranch.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

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

Barbecue | Outdoor Dining Available

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

Italian
Driving Directions
Dog House Saloon
54801 County Road 445a, Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 759-2037

Sports Pub | 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

Fiddler's Green Ranch Resort and Guided Trail Rides
42725 W. Altoona Road, Altoona, FL 32702
Phone: (352) 669-7111 Web site: www.fiddlersgreenranch.com

Located on the border of the Ocala National Forest, the ranch offers vacation villas and guided horseback riding adventures. From the beginner to the experienced horseback rider, you’re sure to have fun and enjoy Lake County’s natural tourism.
Driving Directions
Fishing Unlimited
24948 Butler St., Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 759-2446 Web site: www.fishingunlimitedastor.com

This is a professional fishing guide service offering both full day and half day tours at reasonable prices you can afford. Roger Dillon, owner of Fishing Unlimited, is very supportive of the catch and release program which is a way of keeping the supply of fish above the demand.
Driving Directions
Florida from a Kayak
12540 County Road 561, Clermont, FL 34711
Phone: (352) 406-0904 Web site: www.floridafromakayak.com

Imagine gliding quietly through the water with your face into a gentle breeze. The sun is warm against your arms as you paddle along enjoying the moment. It is now that you are greeted by the kind face of a manatee as it comes up to your kayak just to see what you are.
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
small area map
Length:
8.63 miles (13.9 km)
Bodies of Water:
St. Johns River, Lake Dexter, Stagger Mud Lake
Permit Number: 05-001
Paddlers Rating: NA
Difficulty: Not rated
Ease of Access: Not rated
Wildlife Viewing: Not rated

Run Interactive Map
Overall Interactive Map
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Featured Wildlife
 
Burrowing Owl
Length:
17-20 inches

Weight:
1-2 pounds

Wingspan:
38-44 inches

Diet:
Varied diet of small mammals,small rodents, birds, arthropods,fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates

Interesting Fact:
Typically hunts at night or at dusk by sitting on a high perch and looking and listening for prey
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