Little Big Econ State Forest
Little Big Econ State Forest
4.5
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Spt2323
Orlando, FL164 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Really fantastic afternoon. The weather was gorgeous and the trail was great. Had no idea there were big, white sand dunes along any river in FL. Trail is well marked, easy to hike, and it’s beautiful.
Written 13 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay
Geneva, FL29 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
The Little Big Econ State Forest is a 5,048 acre forest located within Central FL , established in the year of 1990. Entry can be made at parking lots on Snow Hill Road & County Road 426. The Forest Office is located on Snow Hill in Geneva , FL. The most notable and gorgeous feature of the forest is the Econlockhatchee River ( Econ for short ) and winds through the forest. It's believed that the name derived from the Muscogee Word meaning ( Earth Mound Stream ) or more commonly , the River of Mounds. At one time , several Indian mounds lined up and down the river. If you know where to look you can still find remnants of these mounds.
The Econ State Forest has an ideal network of hiking paths as well as bicycling paths and is also ideal for horseback riding. The Econ river is absolutely gorgeous and beautiful and is ideal for kayaking and canoeing but i'd recommend only the experience to navigate the river. Fallen trees , brush and the river's current can make it difficult to navigate at times.
The old Oak Hammock forest is beautiful and is the closest thing to seeing traditional forest. It's ideal for birdwatchers , nature seeker's , picnicking , fishing & hiking.
A portion of the old Henry Flagler Railroad Network System ( The K-Branch Railroad ) use to run through this forest. What is noted as the Flagler Trail is actually the route of the old railway. Remnants of the old bridge trestle pilings can still be seen at the river.
The Econ State Forest has an ideal network of hiking paths as well as bicycling paths and is also ideal for horseback riding. The Econ river is absolutely gorgeous and beautiful and is ideal for kayaking and canoeing but i'd recommend only the experience to navigate the river. Fallen trees , brush and the river's current can make it difficult to navigate at times.
The old Oak Hammock forest is beautiful and is the closest thing to seeing traditional forest. It's ideal for birdwatchers , nature seeker's , picnicking , fishing & hiking.
A portion of the old Henry Flagler Railroad Network System ( The K-Branch Railroad ) use to run through this forest. What is noted as the Flagler Trail is actually the route of the old railway. Remnants of the old bridge trestle pilings can still be seen at the river.
Written 15 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
donOrlando
Orlando, FL1,927 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
I've visited Little Big Econ twice in two weeks. It really is beautiful. I entered from the Barr Street trailhead. Nominal $2.00 charge. Within a few steps you enter an oak forest with trees twisting over the trail. Several options of route are well marked, but do get a trail map or photograph the map at the entrance. Great scenery on the orange blazed Florida National Scenic Trail/FNST. Hike on the bluffs or cliffs along the Econlockhatchee or find a secluded river beach and enjoy the day. The trails can be narrow, twisty, uneven, and have roots or trees to dodge. They're not boring. Probably one of the most scenic areas near Orlando. Great places for picnics. Bring water and consider bug spray later in summer.
Written 19 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vann F
Flat Rock, NC59 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
Moderate hike off the HWY 46 entrance river very high few wildlife signs no real way to make it to the Econ through this access point go around to snowhill entrance
Written 9 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FLHarlock
Tavares, FL4,942 contributions
Feb 2017 • Solo
Spent the morning hiking the Florida Trail along the Econlockhatchee River with my bff Buc. This trail is amazing! Sections run along vistas about 20 ft above the river, which translate into incredible views and photos. Trail is nicely blazed and well maintained. Easy to follow, especially with the wear. Must be traversed frequently. I arrived at 8am and the parking area at Barr St Trailhead was packed. Never seen this many vehicles at a Florida State Forest. There's usually just my truck. Ha! Best part.. I only ran into a handful of fellow hikers. Spent majority of time alone in the forest, just how I like it. No amenities at Barr St, just a kiosk with maps and Iron Ranger who needs $2 admit fee. Totally worth it just for the hiking serenity.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
Written 18 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrStevenH
Orlando, FL26 contributions
Nov 2016 • Solo
I have hiked through most of the state and county parks of Indiana, Delaware and Maryland. This was the first park in which I've hiked since moving to Florida, and, if the rest of the state parks are this good, I'm really going to enjoy this state! But first, It's going to take me several trips to see everything in Little Big Econ State Park. The park is quite large, with several different entrances to the many hiking trails. from what other hikers told me, every area is quite different from the rest. There are also horse trails and mountain bike trails, but I just spent my time on the hiking trails, photographing the many beautiful scenes. The positives: the trails are all marked extremely well. I have gotten lost many times in Indiana, but there was no chance of getting lost in Little Big Econ. Not only were the trails worn well in the ground, but there were also marks painted on the trees (at some points this became annoying, though, as many scenic views ended up having paint-splotched trees in them), and there are also signs every several hundred feet with location markers on them. Apparently, if you have some sort of emergency, you can call 911 from one of these signs, tell them your location (as marked on the sign) and someone can rescue you. I was a bit leery - why did they have to have these signs? did people get attacked by bears or alligators or snakes? hopefully, it was just something attorneys told them to put up to avoid litigation. the down sides really had nothing to do with the park itself, more with my unfamiliarity with Florida. I did not expect to need insect repellent in mid-November, but, every time I stood still to get a drink of water or take a photo, the mosquitoes descended on me en masse. the morning wasn't as bad as the afternoon. I was unaware of any restrooms/outhouses anywhere. There were a lot of benches (most of which were apparently built by Eagle Scouts - really cool!), which I could have enjoyed more if not for the mosquitoes. I hiked for about 4 hours and saw most of two trails. i even saw my first wild alligator! I will be back to see more of the trails. I will bring my citronella, and I will enjoy it even more! note: there are envelopes at the trail heads - you are supposed to insert $2.00 per car to park for the day -- a true bargain!!
Written 9 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Questovia
Wells, ME1,130 contributions
Dec 2020
Met my sister here for a five mile hike into the river for a picnic lunch. The trails are nicely maintained and marked. It was a great morning and other hikers were being cautious to give space/wear mask. My favorite thing about the hike is that it offers a bit of challenge with all of the roots, so you do have to watch your footing but it makes for a great hike.
Written 7 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David C
Kirklin423 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
We visited the park on 3/29/18. Only a few cars in the parking lot. There is a small station that has map of area, and trails. Bridge over the river was closed, so road was closed. We took a hike down to see the river. The forest is a combination of pine trees, palm trees and deciduous trees. Paths are easy to walk, mainly sand. A few areas of the paths have many tree routes, so tread carefully. Only took about 20-25 minutes to reach the river. Saw several lizards, a centipede, and birds. No gators out sunning at the river. Overall a nice park, and also great for using your fat tired bikes or mountain bikes.
Written 2 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Radrev
Winter Park, FL480 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
We come here to hike as a family on the numerous trails by the river. We also come with friends to trail ride our mountain bikes. Both activities can be very fun if you avoid the heat of summer.
Written 11 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ccapozzia
Geneva, FL12 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Fishing, swimmin, cooking out riding horses biking trails there is a lot to do here. My kids grew up swimming and fishing in the little Econ river which runs through the park.There is plenty of nature to look at as well. Including Aligator, turtle birds racoon and deer. There is a canoe launch in Oveido that will take you down the river through the park. I don't think their is anyone renting them though. I know there is also walk in primitive camping but that is all I know about that. On Snowhill road there is a pavilion before you head into the woods on a raised board walk through nature. Which ends right a the Little Econ river. I don't know if the grill is still there. Bring your portable grill and have a cookout by the river. Small fee applies.
Written 17 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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