Econlockhatchee River

2011-01-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

Trip Overview
Come paddle the eight miles through the mysterious, moss covered cypress forest of the Little-Big Econ State Forest. Somehow escaping the uncontrolled growth dominating Orange and Seminole Counties, the tightly winding upper portion slowly becomes a widening, lazy river. Wildlife abounds; on past tours we have encountered bald eagles, red shoulder hawks, heaps of large wading birds, river otters, and of course alligators. The high sandy banks shade us with enormous live oaks, pine, palm, and ancient cypress. Our catered lunch will be served picnic style at the Boy Scout Bridge on the Florida Trail.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:

419 BRIDGE:

Take the 408 east, merge onto 417 north heading towards Sanford. Exit at Red Bug Lake Road. Travel east on Red Bug Lake crossing 426 and 434(Red Bug Lake turns into Mitchell Hammock) when the road ends at a traffic light turn left onto Lockwood rd. At your first light make a right onto Chuluota Road (419) the bridge is half a mile away, after crossing the bridge make an immediate left into the parking lot. You will see a large white van and a trailer full of boats.

SNOWHILL ROAD BRIDGE:
Take the 408 east, merge onto 417 north heading towards Sanford. Exit at Red Bug Lake Road. Travel east on Red Bug Lake crossing 426 and 434(Red Bug Lake turns into Mitchell Hammock) when the road ends at a traffic light turn left onto Lockwood rd. At your first light make a right onto Chuluota Road (419) Travel a few miles and turn left at the light onto Snowhill Road. Its about a three mile drive to the bridge. Before crossing the bridge pull onto the dirt road to the right and park under the bridge. You will see a large white van and a trailer full of boats.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sun screen)
Wear clothes that can get wet and possibly dirty
Water proof camera
Tips for your guides