Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner    -    Michael C. Long, Director
Little Big Econ State Forest:
Map: LBESF (pdf, 149k)
Map: Snow Hill Bike Trail
Map: Trails (pdf, 376k)
Birding Checklist (pdf, 445k)
Links:
LBESF (SJRWMD)
Wildlife Management Areas
Mountain Biking at LBESF (article from outdoortravels.com)
State Forests:
State Forests
Fees and Other Information
Recreation
At-A-Glance Recreational Activities
Recreation Guide to Florida's State Forests (pdf, 62 pp, 5.3M)
Volunteer Opportunities
Friends of Florida State Forests

Florida Trail logo.
Little Big Econ S tate Forest is part of the Florida Scenic Trail



 

Little Big Econ State Forest

Total Acreage: 9,563
Counties: Seminole
State Forest Activities
  • Join Us for the American Cancer Society's
    "Relay For Life" on May 30-31, 2008
  Little Big Econ State Forest location map

Little Big Econ State Forest's name comes from combining the names of the Little Econlockhatchee River and the larger Econlockhatchee River which flow through the property. The forest's most notable feature is the narrow, winding Econlockhatchee River which is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water (OFW) and singled out for preservation.

Location

Little Big Econ State Forest is located in Seminole County, 3.3 miles east of the town of Oviedo on County Road 426.

Natural Features

Photo of the Econlockhatchee River. The Econlockhatchee River.

The area that makes up and surrounds Little Big Econ State Forest supports a wide variety of wildlife and provides a roaming corridor which connects the southern part of the Econ Basin to the Tosohatchee State Preserve and other public lands along the St. Johns River for approximately 100 miles. The numerous species of wildlife found in this corridor include: gray fox, river otter, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcat, resident and migratory waterfowl, woodstorks, wading birds, shorebirds and numerous upland species such as deer and turkey. Other common sightings include: sandhill cranes, roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, ospreys, and hawks.

Little Big Econ State Forest is historically significant since it contains the first means of crossing the Econlockhatchee River. The Old SR 13 railway and trestle was part of the Flagler Railroad System in the early 1900's and today is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail and is used by hikers to cross the Econlockhatchee River.

Recreation

Little Big Econ State Forest has an abundance of recreation opportunities. Canoeing along the Econ is a favorite pastime with many visitors, improved canoe launch areas have been established along the river. Three trailhead parking areas have been established for hiking, horseback and mountain bike riding, with 1 hiking trail (Kolokee) in the Florida Division of Forestry's Trailwalker and Trailtrotter Programs.

Birding Trail image
Little Big Econ State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Download Birding Checklist (pdf, 445k)

Other activities include fishing, bird-watching, picnicking and nature study. Primitive camping for canoeists is available with a special-use permit which can be obtained from the Little Big Econ State Forest office.

The forest is managed as a Wildlife Management Area in cooperation with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Fishing is permitted in all waterways of the forest unless otherwise posted. Hunting is permitted on the Kilbee Tract only. Non-hunting recreationists are encouraged to check the Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting the Kilbee Tract. Visit MyFWC.com/hunting for information.

Trails

Campsites

Other

Hike
Bike
Horse
Canoe
Camp
sites
with
Electric
Leashed
Pets OK
More Activities
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Picnicking,Fishing, Hunting

Contact Us:

Division of Forestry
Little Big Econ State Forest
1350 Snow Hill Rd.
Geneva, FL 32732
Telephone: 407/ 971-3500 or Email Little Big Econ State Forest
Division of Forestry Shield


Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services