• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Florida Hikes logo

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

  • Trails
  • Maps
  • Guidebooks
  • Search
  • Hike
    • Scenic Hikes
    • Loop Trails
    • Dog-friendly Hikes
    • Hikes for Kids
    • National Parks in Florida
    • Florida State Parks
  • Bike
    • Major Bike Trails
    • Paved Bike Trails
    • Off Road Biking
    • Biking Articles
  • Paddle
    • Canoe & Kayak Rentals
    • Paddling Destinations
    • Paddling Articles
  • Camp
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Car Camping
    • Primitive Camping
  • Florida Trail
    • Plan your Hike
    • Best Scenic Hikes
    • Best Backpacking
    • Section Hiking
    • Thru-Hiking
    • Trail Updates
  • Travel
  • Hike
    • Scenic Hikes
    • Loop Trails
    • Dog-friendly Hikes
    • Hikes for Kids
    • National Parks in Florida
    • Florida State Parks
  • Bike
    • Major Bike Trails
    • Paved Bike Trails
    • Off Road Biking
    • Biking Articles
  • Paddle
    • Canoe & Kayak Rentals
    • Paddling Destinations
    • Paddling Articles
  • Camp
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Car Camping
    • Primitive Camping
  • Florida Trail
    • Plan your Hike
    • Best Scenic Hikes
    • Best Backpacking
    • Section Hiking
    • Thru-Hiking
    • Trail Updates
  • Travel
Econlockhatchee River at Flagler Trail

Little-Big Econ State Forest

Spanning from Oviedo to Geneva and Chuluota, Little Big Econ State Forest encompasses more than 10,000 acres of diverse habitats.

Geneva      ( 28.683460, -81.117605 )      52.4 miles

194 shares

PORTIONS OF THE FOREST & TRAILS REMAIN CLOSED due to Hurricane Ian damage


One of the most popular destinations for outdoor recreation in the Orlando metro area, Little Big Econ State Forest offers expansive natural landscapes to explore.

It protects more than 10,000 acres along the floodplain of the Econlockhatchee River as it flows through lush forests towards vast marshes where it meets the St. Johns River.

With extensive trail systems dedicated to specific uses and several multi-use trails, it provides easy access to nature and a buffer between suburbia and rural lands in Seminole County.

Bike in front of bridges and signs Little Big Econ State Forest offers extensive hiking, biking, and equestrian trails


Resources

Florida Trail Hikes book cover The Florida Trail Guide book cover 50 Hikes in Central Florida 5 Star Trails Orlando

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


Overview

Location: Geneva, Oviedo, & Chuluota
Headquarters: 1350 Snow Hill Rd, Geneva
Primary Trailhead: 28.683460, -81.117605
Fees: $2 per person day use fee at Barr St, Snow Hill, and Jones East trailheads
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Florida Forestry Service
Phone: 407-971-3500

Leashed dogs welcome. Insect repellent a must. Primitive campsites available.

Hunting is permitted only in the Kilbee and Culpepper Tracts. Check hunt season dates and wear bright orange during hunts.

The forest is laced with a network of rough forest roads that can be used to interconnect signposted/blazed trails.

River view from bluff

While there are many miles of trail to explore by off-road bicycle, certain trails are off-limits to cyclists and/or equestrians.
 
Flooding can be an issue in this forest because of its proximity to river floodplains and the tributaries and swamps that feed the rivers. Check water levels in advance of your visit and never enter flowing water on foot.


Directions

 
See specific trail destinations for driving directions to trailheads.

About the Forest

Named in Muscogee, Econlockhatchee means “river of many mounds,” as evidenced by the middens found along the lower banks of this usually-placid river.

It is a floodplain river, which means heavy rainfall in the region will cause the waters to rise quickly, making all trails – land and water – unsafe.

River with fallen tree and willows Trees commonly fall off the banks due to flood scouring


The scouring nature of these floodplain events created significant bluffs, oxbow ponds, and dry side channels.

These provided a place to perch hiking and biking trails to optimize scenic views and surprisingly rugged terrain.

Cypress swamp Cypress swamp along the Flagler Trail


Hiking

Florida Trail

The linear hiking-only Florida Trail traverses more than 12 miles of the forest, stretching from Chuluota to Oviedo with one designated backcountry campsite along its length.

Thanks to its river views and varied scenic beauty as well as proximity to the Orlando metro, it is one of the most popular day hike destinations on the statewide Florida Trail.

Trail through palm hammock

Florida Trail, Little Big Econ State Forest

One of the most beautiful hikes near Orlando is rugged, too: the Florida Trail atop bluffs above the Econlockhatchee River through Little-Big Econ State Forest.

Flagler Trail

Spanning from Geneva to Chuluota, the linear Flagler Trail largely follows a 1910 spur of the Florida East Coast Railway.

In addition to showcasing the remains of the railroad trestle at the Econlockhatchee River, it provides a tie-in between most of the trail systems west of Snow Hill Rd.

two-track road in tunnel of forest Flagler Trail north of the river


A multi-use path, it is a narrow right-of-way traversing haunting cypress swamps and deeply shaded palm hammocks as well as former ranchland.

Trailheads at both ends provide access: In Chuluota, the prominent Snow Hill trailhead along Snow Hill Rd, and in Geneva, Geneva Wilderness Preserve.

Broad wooden bridge Multi-use bridge over the river along the Flagler Trail


As it is physically separated from another piece of the same railroad right-of-way for several miles, we refer to it as the Flagler Trail South.

The Flagler Trail North spans from the village of Geneva north into Lake Harney Wilderness Area, ending at the former trestle location across the St. Johns River.

Trail mile marker on unpaved rail trail

Flagler Trail South

Following a historic railroad route, the southern portion of the Flagler Trail provides a sometimes rugged, sometimes gentle offroad ride between Chuluota and Geneva.

Kolokee Trail

A white-blazed spur between the Florida Trail and the Flagler Trail, the Kolokee Trail offers a deeply forested landscape at a spot once occupied by a turn-of-the-prior century railroad town.

No horse no bike sign at trail Kolokee Trail junction with Flagler Trail


Using the three trails together, you can make a balloon hike of 4.7 miles from the Barr Street trailhead, with the trail bridge over the Econ the far pivot point of the hike.

Boardwalk in subtropical forest

Little-Big Econ Kolokee Loop

Tieing together the Florida Trail, the Kolokee Trail, and the Flagler Trail, the 5.6-mile Kolokee Loop in Little Big Econ State Forest shows off the best facets of the its humid subtropical forest.

River Trail & Culpepper Trail

Both of these lengthy trails, inside adjacent Bronson State Forest, can be accessed via the Brumley Rd trailhead of Little Big Econ State Forest.

Where they diverge, the River Trail follows the Econlockhatchee River upstream, a scenic round-trip hike with multiple deep scrambles along the river basin.

River view from bluff River view from a bluff on the River Trail


The Culpepper Trail follows the river downstream, leading into the vast floodplain where the Econlockhatchee flows into the St. Johns River.

Econlockhatchee River

Econ River Trail

A little-known trail in a remote corner of Little Big Econ State Forest, the River Trail offers outstanding views from the river bluffs and an archway of ancient oaks to get there.

Trail adjoining river on bluff

Culpepper Bend

One of the lesser-known trails of Little Big Econ State Forest, Culpepper Bend leads you to an outstanding panorama where the Econlockhatchee River meets the St. Johns River.

Hiking Trail Map (PDF)

 

Oak tunnel Tunnel of oak hammock on the River Trail


Biking

In addition to the multi-use Flagler Trail, there is a dedicated set of off-road cycling trails built and maintained by SORBA Orlando.

Primary access is via the parking area at Jones East, along Snow Hill Rd. The trail system, color coded for difficulty, can also be reached from the Flagler Trail just south of the Econlockhatchee River.

Sorba Orlando logo on trail marker Marker along the off-road trails


Cyclists are also welcome on the forest roads of the Kilbee Tract along SR 46 just west of the St. Johns River.

Biking Trail Map (PDF)

 

Forest road sign and two track road in prairie Forest road in the Kilbee Tract


Paddling

Nineteen miles of the Econlockhatchee River winds through the forest, with take-out points at the eight mile mark and at C.S. Lee Park along SR 46 after the river melts into the St. Johns River floodplain.

Upriver access is from a small parking area off Chuluota Rd (CR 419) at Willingham Rd in Oviedo. Intermediate access is at the bridge at Snow Hill Rd.

Paddlers on the Econlockhatchee River

Econlockhatchee River Paddling Trail

Along a blackwater river surrounded by dense subtropical forest, the Econlockhatchee River Paddling Trail offers a remarkable perspective of Florida landscapes from the water.

Paddlers should keep watch for obstructions such as snags and sandbars. Alligators commonly sun along the banks of the river, which is tannic.

Paddling Trail Map (PDF)

 

River beach with cypress knees Some sloping grades provide pulloffs for paddlers


Camping

One primitive camping area with several reservable sites — West Camp — is only a quarter mile east of the Barr Street trailhead via the Florida Trail.

One of the sites is dedicated for group use. All sites must be reserved online in advance.

West Camp Map (PDF)

 

Waterway pouring into river River access for water near West Camp


Equestrian Trails

Shown in brown on the official State Forest map, the network of equestrian trails provides both loop and round-trip options.
Access to these trails, with ample parking for horse trailers, is located along Snow Hill Rd close to Forestry Headquarters.

Equestrian Trail Map (PDF)

 

Equestrian junction Junction of equestrian trail with Flagler Trail


Other Activities

Birding

Birders should focus on the open ranchland, hammocks, and expansive river floodplain reached via Brumley Rd access to the Culpepper Trail and the north end of the River Trail.

Watch for flocks or families of sandhill cranes in the broad prairies, and migratory birds across the river basin.

Hiker staring at trees Listening for warblers in the forest


The Kilbee Tract provides palm-dotted prairies adjoining the confluence of the rivers, another good spot for migratory birds.

Hike the Florida Trail northbound from Snow Hill Rd to enter prime Florida scrub-jay habitat within the first quarter mile.

Birding Checklist (PDF)

 

Great egret in grassland Great egret at the Kilbee Tract


Botanical Study

During the summer months, pink marshmallow and red swamp hibiscus blooms color the prairies along the rough roads of the Kilbee Tract.

Bogs in the easternmost reaches of the forest are known for their clusters of hooded pitcher plants and sundews.

Pitcher plant Careful eyes will spy botanical treasures


In the ancient live oak hammocks, giant air plant and butterfly orchids can be spotted high up in oak limbs.

Southern magnolia and wild citrus scent the perimeter lands that the Florida Trail follows south of its junction with the Flagler Trail.

Lush forest Lush subtropical forest along the Florida Trail/Kolokee Loop


The humidity around the river encourages the riotous growth of air plants in the oaks and cedars along its bluffs.

A long tunnel of palm hammock is a highlight of the Flagler Trail south of the river.

Bright red Florida hibiscus blossom Swamp hibiscus in the Kilbee Tract


Fishing

Anglers with a Florida freshwater fishing license are welcome to either boat or paddle up the Econlockhatchee River or use the trail system to walk in and fish from the river beaches.

Boat on river viewed from bluff A pontoon with anglers makes its way downriver


Hunting

Seasonal hunting is permitted on two tracts of Little Big Econ State Forest in accordance with FWC regulations for fall deer season and spring turkey season, Kilbee and Culpepper.

Most of the remainder of the forest is crisscrossed by trails and remains entirely off-limits to hunting during those open seasons to protect other visitors.

Please consult the FWC Hunt Dates link below for a map of permitted hunting zones and exact dates of upcoming hunts.

Forest sign with hunting symbol The Kilbee Tract off SR 46 is primarily used by hunters


Trail Map

Please see the link at the bottom of the page to download the full state forest trail map.


Explore More!

Slideshow

See our photos from Little Big Econ State Forest


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Geneva Wilderness

Geneva Wilderness Area

Showcasing prairie ponds amid scrub on the edge of a pine flatwoods, Geneva Wilderness Area offers two loops of gentle paths on which to explore the habitats.

Florida Trail, Mills Creek Woodlands

Florida Trail, Mills Creek

As the Florida Trail follows the curve of the basin in which Mills Creek into a bowl of marshlands, enjoy old-growth trees and long boardwalks along this 2 mile hike

Pine flatwoods in Bronson State Forest

Bronson State Forest

Despite more than 40 miles of hiking and multi-use trails, Charles H. Bronson State Forest is a lightly-visited destination hidden behind more popular public lands.

Black Hammock Wilderness

Black Hammock Wilderness Area

Black Hammock is a bit of Old Florida in Oviedo, with a trail showcasing a delightfully long boardwalk and a loop through scrub habitats above Lake Jesup

Trail Map (PDF) Hunt Dates Reserve Campsite Official Website

Category: Access by water, Backpacking, Biking, Central Florida, Day Hikes, Equestrian, Florida State Forests, Hikes, Launch Points, Loop Hikes, Off Road Biking, Paddling, TrailsTag: Birding, Botanical, Chuluota, Dog-friendly, Econlockhatchee River, Florida State Forests, Geneva, Orlando, Oviedo, Primitive Camping, Rivers, Sanford, St. Johns River, Wildflowers

Reader Interactions

Have an update? Contact us.

Primary Sidebar

CENTRAL FLORIDA

CENTRAL FLORIDA OVERVIEW
East Coast Greenway. Florida Trail

Brooksville. Coast to Coast Trail. Cocoa Beach. Cross Florida Greenway. Crystal River. Dade City. Daytona Beach. Kissimmee. Lakeland. Leesburg. Ocala. Ocala National Forest. Orlando. Sanford. St. Petersburg. Tampa.

Our Newest Books

The Florida Trail Guide

The Florida Trail GuideOur definitive guidebook to planning backpacking trips on the Florida National Scenic Trail, now in its fourth edition. Full data charts and maps. B&W, 356 pages. $19.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now


Florida Trail Hikes

Florida Trail Hikes 2nd edition coverFifty of the best day hikes, overnights, and weekend trips on the Florida Trail. Full hike descriptions and maps, full color. 376 pages. $24.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now


Discovering the Florida Trail

Florida Trail mini coffee table book cover of trail into palm hammock
A visual journey the length of the Florida Trail, covering more than 1,500 miles from the Everglades to Pensacola Beach. Hardcover, 196 pages. $24.95 + tax & shipping.
Order Now


50 Hikes in Central Florida 3rd edition
Five Star Trails Orlando guidebook
Explorer's Guide North Florida & The Panhandle guidebook

Florida Trail Apps

Farout GuidesFarout Guides Comprehensive logistics and offline maps for the
Florida National Scenic Trail (1,500 miles), the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (108 miles), and the ECT Florida Connector (92 miles).

Explore More

Our recent park & trail updates in this region

Lengthy boardwalk heading towards mangrove flats

John R. Bonner Nature Park

John R. Bonner Nature Park
Boardwalk framed by live oaks and saw palmetto

George McGough Nature Park

George McGough Nature Park
Leaning sand pines in scrub

Balm Boyette Nature Preserve

Balm Boyette Nature Preserve
Dock edged by mangroves

Maximo Park

Maximo Park

Footer

FIND A TRAIL OR PARK

NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Apalachicola. Apalachicola National Forest. Blackwater River State Forest. Blountstown. Bonifay. Bristol. Cape San Blas. Carrabelle. Chattahoochee. Chipley. Crawfordville. Crestview. DeFuniak Springs. Destin. Ebro. Eglin Air Force Base. Fort Walton Beach. Freeport. Gulf Islands National Seashore. Madison. Marianna. Milton. Monticello. Mossy Head. Navarre Beach . Niceville. Panama City Beach. Pensacola. Ponce De Leon. Port St. Joe. Quincy. Sopchoppy. South Walton. St. Marks. St. Marks NWR. Tallahassee. Vernon. Wakulla. Wewahitchka

NORTH FLORIDA
Alachua. Amelia Island. Baldwin. Branford. Bunnell. Cedar Key. Chiefland. Crescent City. Dowling Park. Ellaville. Fernandina Beach. Flagler Beach. Gainesville. Green Cove Springs. High Springs. Jacksonville. Keystone Heights. Lake Butler.Lake City. Live Oak. Mayo. Macclenny. Micanopy. Olustee. Orange Park. Osceola National Forest. Palatka. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. Palm Coast. Perry. Salt Springs. St. Augustine. Starke. Steinhatchee. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Suwannee Springs. Talbot Islands. Timucuan Preserve. Trenton. Welaka. White Springs. Williston

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo

MULTI-REGION
Big Cypress Swamp. East Coast Greenway. Everglades National Park. Florida National Scenic Trail

CENTRAL FLORIDA
Apopka. Belleview. Brandon. Brooksville. Bushnell. Canaveral National Seashore. Christmas. Chuluota. Clearwater Beach. Clermont. Coast to Coast Trail. Cocoa Beach. Cross Florida Greenway. Crystal River. Dade City. Daytona Beach. De Leon Springs. DeBary. Deland. Deltona. Dunedin. Dunnellon. Frostproof. Geneva. Inverness. Kenansville. Kissimmee. Lake Mary. Lake Wales. Lakeland. Largo. Leesburg. Longwood. Melbourne. Melbourne Beach. Merritt Island. Merritt Island NWR. Mims. Mount Dora. New Port Richey. New Smyrna Beach. Ocala. Ocala National Forest. Ocklawaha. Orlando. Ormond Beach. Osteen. Oviedo. Palm Bay. Ridge Manor. Sanford. Silver Springs. Spring Hill. St. Cloud. St. Petersburg. Tampa. Tarpon Springs. Titusville . Walt Disney World. Weeki Wachee. Winter Springs. Withlacoochee State Forest. Withlacoochee State Trail. Yeehaw Junction

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Bradenton . Charlotte Harbor. Ding Darling NWR. Englewood. Estero. Fort Myers. Immokalee. Naples. Pine Island. Port Charlotte. Punta Gorda. Sanibel Island. Sarasota. Venice

SOUTH FLORIDA
Arcadia. Basinger. Big Cypress National Preserve. Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. Clewiston. Everglades City. Fisheating Creek. Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Lake Placid. LaBelle. Lakeport. Moore Haven. Okeechobee. Pahokee. Port Mayaca. Sebring. South Bay

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Big Pine Key. Biscayne Bay. Biscayne National Park. Boca Raton. Boynton Beach. Coral Gables. Davie. Delray Beach. Northeast Everglades Natural Area. Florida Keys. Fort Lauderdale. Fort Pierce. Hobe Sound. Hollywood. Homestead. Islamorada. Jensen Beach. Jupiter. Juno Beach. Key Biscayne. Key Largo. Key West. Marathon. Miami. Ocean to Lake Greenway. Overseas Heritage Trail. Palm Beach. Port St. Lucie. Redland. Sebastian. Stuart. Vero Beach. West Palm Beach

  • Trails
  • Parks
  • Beaches
  • Gardens
  • Springs
  • Ecotours
  • Attractions
©2006-2023, Sandra Friend & John Keatley | Disclosure | Site Index | Work with Us | Advertise with Us
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy | Florida Hikes PO Box 93 Mims FL 32754| Contact