Känd som Econ River för kort, flödar Econlockhatchee från Lake Conlin genom tre län i centrala Florida. Dess namn härstammar från "floden med många högar", uppkallad efter de indiska högarna längs vattnet.
Området har ett unikt, tätt skogsområde. Vattennivån varierar beroende på nederbörd, men det finns vanligtvis mycket djurliv att se. Den övre delen av floden är sumpmark, och bosatta alligator-observationer tenderar att vara frekventa. Kanot- och kajakpaddling är ett vanligt sätt att njuta av flodens naturliga skönhet.
Andra vilda djur som kallar floden hem inkluderar havsörn, sandkranar, fiskgjuse och andra vildfåglar, samt rådjur, kalkon och flodtrar. Floden ansågs vara en enastående Florida Waterway och är en av få orörda floder i centrala Florida. Det strömmar genom mossbelagda cypress- och palmskogar och omfattar några av statens vackraste naturlandskap.
The river is a tributary of St. John's River, and it runs roughly from Lake Conlin outside of Orlando north to St. John's River, joining it near Puzzle Lake. En route, it passes several protected wildlife areas, including the Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park, Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area, and Little Big Econ State Forest. For the best experience, head to the 19 miles (30 kilometers) of designated paddling areas in Little Big Econ near Seminole.
Paddlers should look for eagles, sandhill cranes, ospreys, and other wildfowl, as well as alligators and river otters.
The river derives its name from Muscogee for “River of Many Mounds,” after the American Indian dirt mounds along its waterfront.
The Florida National Scenic Trail crosses the river in the Little Big Econ State Forest.
The designated paddling area is suitable for beginning to intermediate paddlers, depending on water levels.
The best river access point is in Little Big Econ State Forest, located on the east side of Seminole County in Geneva, less than one hour from Orlando by car. Paddlers can start at the Seminole County canoe launch on Willingham Road and kayak 8 miles (13 kilometers) up to the Snow Hill Road canoe launch.
The Little Big Econ State Forest visitor center is open Monday through Friday, from morning through early evening, with an hour closing for lunch. Florida is a year-round destination but experiences monsoon-type summer rains that can affect water levels—check with the park or the United States Geological Survey before paddling out.
The most convenient river access point is within the Little Big Econ State Forest—but the state forest offers more than paddling. Head to the Barr Street hiking trailhead to access parts of the family-friendly Florida National Scenic Trail or stay for camping. Equestrians head to the Equestrian Trailhead on Snow Hill Road, while bikers hit the trails from the Jones East Trailhead. Parts of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail also traverse the park.
