Tsala Apopka Lake is a chain of lakes located within a bend in the Withlacoochee River in Citrus County, north central Florida. The lake system covers over 19,000 acres and consists of three main open water pools: the Floral City Pool, the Inverness Pool, and the Hernando Pool. The Floral City Pool is made up of Hampton Lake and Floral City Lake.

A popular paddling route starts at a launch point on E Gobbler Drive, about 1.5 miles east of Highway 41. This unmarked, gravelly launch is on the southwest corner of the bridge connecting Hampton Lake and Floral City Lake. From here, paddlers can embark on a 3.4-mile round trip to the Sleepy Hollow Restaurant and Bar.

The paddle begins in open water on Floral City Lake, with depths around 15 feet along common routes. Following the northern shoreline, paddlers will encounter dense cypress trees, maiden cane, and buttonbush. About 0.8 miles from the launch, paddlers will spot the "Bra Tree," a lone cypress decorated with various items including bathing suits and an American flag.

Entering a narrow distributary on the northeast corner of the lake, the waterway meanders around Hick's Island, averaging about 100 feet wide. This section is lined with lush cypress trees and features entertaining decorations from local homeowners, including pirate flags, skeletons, and quirky mannequins.

Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, as the Tsala Apopka system is renowned for its freshwater fisheries. The name "Tsala Apopka" comes from the Seminole language, meaning "the lake where bass are eaten".

The area holds historical significance, with the de Soto expedition crossing through the middle section in 1539. Numerous archaeological sites are scattered throughout the region.

Paddlers should be prepared for occasional rain showers, which can occur suddenly but often pass quickly. The lake system offers numerous side paddles for exploration on future visits. Overall, Tsala Apopka Lake provides a pleasant paddling experience with a mix of open water, narrow passages, and interesting sights along the way.