Little Big Econ State Forest
Total Acreage: 9,563
Counties: Seminole
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
 The Econlockhatchee River.
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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.
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
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Other
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Hike |
Bike |
Horse |
Canoe |
Camp
sites |
with
Electric |
Leashed
Pets OK |
More Activities |
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none |
none |
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Picnicking,Fishing, Hunting |
Contact Us
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