top of page
P1010354.jpeg

GUIDED PADDLE TOURS

LAKE NORRIS
KAYAK TOUR

AND DWARF CYPRESS SWAMP

Lake Norris is a spectacular darkwater lake and the Lake Norris Conservation Area was purchased to protect the extensive hardwood swamp that lies on the western shore of the lake and the shoreline of Black Water Creek, a major tributary of the Wekiva River. The upland portion of the conservation area consists of improved pasture, scrub and pine.

​

The two highlights of this property is its high concentration of osprey nests. The cypress that ring the outer perimeter of this blackwater lake boasts one of the highest concentrations of nesting osprey in central Florida, over 100 active nests. The second is the gnarly twisted dwarf cypress forest located on the lakeshore. This is a photographers paradise so bring yours and a waterproof container!

​

Snacks are provided during the tour and bottled water is always available.

Tour meets at:  Lake Norris Conservation Area   24542 Blackwater Creek Rd, Eustis, FL 32736

 

All tours begin at 9:00 am and finish around noon. Please show up about 10 minutes early.

Min Person(s)

4

$ / Person

100

Miles

6-7

Hours

3.5

ABOUT LAKE NORRIS PADDLE TOUR

Norris Lake Kayak Rentals Information

Welcome to Norris Lake, one of Florida’s lakes, where numerous water-related leisure possibilities await you.

​

Norris Lake covers an area of about 1,100 acres and has both salt water and fresh water is a true haven for family-friendly activities. Whether you love kayaking or just admire the lake's gorgeous shores, Norris Lake will not disappoint.

​

We believe Norris Lake is the ideal location for personal and family vacations. Several marinas on the lake provide a range of lodging options, including hotels, condominiums, cottages, campers, mobile houseboats, and floating cabins.

Marinas include the famous Norris Lake kayak rentals, restaurants overlooking the lake with theme parties, special events, and live entertainment throughout the season and year, as well as some of the friendliest and most helpful individuals in the area.

​

Are you looking for a way to boost your physical and mental health? Kayaking on Norris Lake is a fun and fantastic way to do that. With the help of professional Norris Lake Rentals like the Wekiva River Kayaking Outfitters, you get to exercise your body, heart, and intellect while exploring nature and the true beauty of the environment.

​

This article contains information about Norris Lake, Norris Lake Kayak Rentals, and many other exciting details. The article will do well to answer some of your most pressing questions like “where is Lake Norris located?” History of the lake, benefits of Kayaking on Lake Norris, and many more. Read on to find out more.

​

Where is Lake Norris Located?

Lake Norris is a beautiful dark water lake in the Lake Noris Conservation Area along Norris Road in Lake County Florida. The Lake Norris Conservation Area is a property owned by the St. Johns River Water Management District.

It was purchased to protect the extensive hardwood swamp that lies on the western shore of Lake Norris and the shoreline of Black Water Creek. Lake Norris and the Black Water Creek are major tributaries of the Wekiva River.

The  St. Johns River Water Management District bought the large hardwood swamp on the western border of the lake and the shoreline of Black Water Creek together. This resulted in the creation of the 2,229-acre Lake Norris Conservation Area.

​

This cypress swamp is considered one of the oldest in Florida due to its geological age. The majority of Lake Norris' shoreline is covered in dwarf cypress trees, which not only contribute to the lake's distinctive landscape but also offer some protection from the wind. 

​

The water is unusually dark, and there is a substantial amount of canopy above the creek. Asides from the cypress trees, you will witness a wide diversity of plant life as you paddle down the creek, including ferns, seasonal orchids, and other kinds of plants.

​

The high number of osprey nests is one of the unique features that make it stand out from others. In the cypress trees that surround this blackwater, there is one of the largest osprey nests in central Florida.

​

More than one hundred active nests have been counted in the cypress trees that surround the lake, according to the employees of a Boy Scout Camp that is situated on the lake's northern bank.

​

Kayaking on Blackwater Creek from the trailhead located off Lake Norris Road is a fun activity for visitors to this area. Guests have the opportunity to hire Blackwater Kayak for the day through the Lake County Water Authority.

​

Why Should You Go Kayaking on Lake Norris?

Undoubtedly, the beautiful scenery of Lake Norris is the best reason to rush to a Norris Lake Kayak rental and start your trip right away. However, beyond the beautiful and peaceful atmosphere of the environment, there are many other benefits of Kayaking at Lake Norris that you never thought about. The following are some of them.

​

Community

There aren't too many activities that allow you to talk to other people or just be by yourself, like kayaking. Kayaking is a one-of-a-kind activity since it allows participants to see some of nature's most breathtaking sights while connecting with others. It is an activity that can be enjoyed by individuals, couples, and groups of friends.

​

As such, kayaking may be considered a social activity. You can obtain double kayaks, allowing you to converse and socialize with another kayaker in the same vessel. Most people kayak as part of a group activity, such as a club or a class.

​

Reduced Levels of Stress

Kayaking is said to be beneficial for relieving stress, even in calm lake waters like Lake Norris. It is an excellent strategy to reduce stress to get some exercise outside in the fresh air and be among nature.

​

After long and stressful work days, you may find kayaking on Lake Norris much more practical to unwind than pouring yourself a bottle of wine.

​

Mental Wellbeing

Water, sometimes known as the "blue gym," has frequently and significantly been related to positive effects on mental health. Kayaking is one of many activities in natural water, and it brings a variety of mental health advantages to participants.

​

Getting enough vitamin D is another benefit of exercising and doing other things outside in the fresh air.

​

In addition, it is a  cardiovascular activity that helps generate joyful and cheerful feelings by promoting the production of endorphins.

​

Do you need a Lake Norris Kayak Rental?

You may not need a Lake Kayak Rental. However, the benefits of hiring one are far too good to ignore. The following are some benefits that you gain from employing professional Norris Lake Kayak Rentals for your Blackwater Kayak Trip.

 

Getting the right equipment

To enjoy your aquatic experience on Lake Norris, you need the proper gear. For instance, if you are going as a couple, a group of teens, or young children, tandem kayaking might be suitable for you. Ideally, you should look for more stable two-seat kayaks.

​

If you don’t know what to get, don’t worry, gear selection is part of the job for expert Norris Lake Kayak rentals like the Wekiva River Kayaking Outfitters. Before you put the Blackwater kayak in the water, their guides will show you how to gear yourself and your boat and discuss the ideal kayak.

​

Learning how to use a Kayak

One of the advantages of kayaking is that it's an activity that beginners can try without experience. Before using the Blackwater Kayak, experienced experts like those at the Wekiva Outfitters can teach you how to paddle, maneuver, and practice safety.

 

Discover hidden treasures of Lake Norris

If you've never kayaked in Lake Norris, you may overlook its hidden beauties. Professional guides from Norris Lake Kayak Rentals, like the Wekiva Outfitters, know all the lovely sites in the area. When you visit, they will show you all of its beautiful animals, plants and essential places you should not miss.

​

Safety

Guided tours from professionals like the Wekiva Outfitters prioritize safety. They have guides trained to manage unforeseen scenarios and can help you in any emergency.

​

What Are You Waiting For?

Now you have seen answers to your pressing questions like “where is Lake Norris located?” Also, we have shown you some great reasons why you must try a blackwater kayak at Lake Norris. The truth is, there is more to see and experience out there than we can show you with words. To understand why this place is such a natural and rare beauty, you must come here and experience everything for yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to Wekiva Outfitters and book your Norris Lake Kayak rentals now!

​

bottom of page