Top 12 Lakes around Jacksonville

The St. Johns River, while not a lake, is a central hub for water-based activities like fishing, kayaking, and boating. For lakes, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Lake is popular for fishing and paddling, while Doctors Lake is known for fishing and kayaking. Big Lake Butler offers fishing, swimming, and boating for families.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Big Lake Butler is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, boating, and picnicking. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Lake, located within Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, features a renovated water playground for children and offers activities like pedal boating and canoeing. You can also find family-friendly trails at places like Spanish Pond and Red Maple Boardwalk.

Jacksonville offers excellent fishing opportunities. Doctors Lake is well-known for fishing, as is Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Lake, which is regularly stocked. Big Lake Butler is popular for bass, catfish, and crappie. Further afield, Lake George is renowned for bass fishing, and Rodman Reservoir is consistently great for trophy-sized bass.

Many lakes offer nearby trails. The Sawmill Slough Preserve features public and campus trails for foot-traffic, known for birdwatching. Doctors Lake has a nature trail, and Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park offers extensive hiking trails around its lake. For easy hikes, consider routes like the Timuquan Ravine Trail to Spanish Pond or the Red Maple Boardwalk. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Jacksonville guide.

Yes, several lakes are ideal for paddling. Doctors Lake and Crystal Lake are great for canoes and kayaks. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Lake permits kayaking, pedal boats, and canoes, and even offers adaptive kayaking. Lake Apopka also provides opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing.

Big Lake Butler features a public boat ramp, making it easily accessible for boaters. The St. Johns River has numerous waterfront parks like Stockton Park and Stinson Park providing public water access. For Lake Asbury, access to sections allowing boats and jet skis is typically for lake owners, though Lake Ryan is designated for paddle boats and canoes.

The lakes and waterways around Jacksonville are rich in wildlife. The St. Johns River is home to dolphins and manatees. Doctors Lake and Big Lake Butler host ducks, geese, and turtles. At Lake Apopka, you might spot osprey and bald eagles, while Crystal Lake is known for diverse fish species and birdwatching opportunities.

Crystal Lake is often described as a hidden gem, offering a more tranquil experience. It's surrounded by lush vegetation and boasts clear waters, making it ideal for relaxation, bird watching, picnicking, swimming, and kayaking.

Swimming is permitted in several lakes, including Big Lake Butler, Lake Apopka, and Crystal Lake, which also features beaches. However, it's important to note that swimming is prohibited in Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Lake. Always check local regulations and conditions before entering the water.

You can find various running routes that incorporate lake views or are near these water bodies. For example, the Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail offers a longer route, and the Hanna Park South Trail is a moderate option. More running routes can be explored in the Running Trails around Jacksonville guide.

Yes, the Red Maple Boardwalk offers a well-kept path through thicket with views of a lake, providing a family-friendly option. The start of the Spanish Pond Trail at Spanish Pond is also on a boardwalk, offering views of the water and surrounding forest.

At Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Lake, you can enjoy fishing (the lake is stocked), kayaking, pedal boating, and canoeing. The park also features extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, and a renovated water playground for children. Adaptive kayaking is available to make the sport accessible to more individuals. Note that swimming is not allowed in the lake. You can find more information about the park at jacksonville.gov.