Description
Explore this route below in the interactive map
The Econ River flows through Osceola, Orange, and Seminole counties in Central Florida, just east of the Orlando Metropolitan Area (east of State Road 417). It is a designated Outstanding Florida Waters. It’s full name, Econlockhatchee, is said to be a Muscogee name meaning “earth-mound stream”… which is fitting because there are white sugar sand burms and embankments all over this river, making it look quite different than most in Florida. It is COMPLETELY wild out here… there will be no signs of civilization between the launch and take-out spots… other than perhaps some other humans playing on the river. Wildlife you may encounter include numerous wading birds and birds of prey, lots of fish, possible deer and otters, and alligators.
This river does not get nearly enough credit, and is still a bit of a secret spot. It gets pretty low in the dry season, so the route paddled may need to be adjusted depending on season.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE ROUTE/TOUR
The put-in is at Little Big Econ Canoe Launch. You’ll want to prepare for a bit of a hike to the water from the parking lot. The lot does get crowded sometimes on the weekends, so I recommend choosing a weekday for your paddle if possible, as the parking lot is small. If you’re heading out to try this stretch on your own or with friends, you’ll want to arrange a shuttle (a way to get back to your car at the put-in from the take-out with your paddlecraft).
This is a down-river, one-way trip, making it a bit more like a lazy river ride than an open ocean paddle… just steer your craft and go with the flow! Paddle down the narrow burm-lined river, making sure to check out all the cool fish below in the shallow amber-tinged tanic water as you keep your eyes on the skies for birds of prey that frequent this area like hawks, ospreys, and eagles! There’s not many places in Central Florida left where you can feel this far away from development and the hustle and bustle of the city and the theme parks.
Alligators are plentiful on this river, and add to the feeling of true wilderness… despite their fearsome appearance and the bad press they get, alligators are really nothing to worry about… attacks are statistically very very rare. Keep your eyes peeled for all the other cool wildlife often sighted on this river, including otters, deer, wild pigs, raccoons, and many varieties of birds and fish.
You’ll drift/paddle yourself a meandering 8.5 miles before finally arriving at the take-out point, where, if you’re on a tour with me, we will have transportation arranged to bring you back to your vehicles at the put-in.
You’ll be back at your cars by around around 3-4 hours after you hit the water, at which point you can go enjoy the area by-foot, or head out and explore the nearby towns of Oviedo and Geneva!
If you come out on a tour with me, I’ll be snapping photos all along the way and will make sure to send them to you after the tour! If you’re heading out on your own, I HIGHLY recommend bringing a camera!
Paddlers trying this run should have some experience. Inflatable kayaks are not recommended on this river. Participants must know how to swim and must wear their provided life-jacket throughout the tour.
YOU SHOULD BRING;
– comfortable outdoor clothing
– a change of clothing and/or towel
– sunscreen
– water and/or other beverage of choice
– a camera of some sort
– an adventurous attitude
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO;
Want to paddle it yourself? Awesome! Click here to open the route, with they ability to pinpoint your GPS location, in your phone’s web browser and use it to navigate on the water!
Want me as a guide and a few of my Pakayaks as rental boats for this adventure? Simply add the tour to your cart, checkout, and I’ll contact you within 24 hours to get your preferred tour day and time, and any other information I may need from you. You’ll also be able to ask any questions you may have at this time. If you’d like, feel free to call before booking or after booking instead of waiting for me to contact you.
Private 2 person tours only at this time. Pakayaks are sit-inside touring style kayaks (not suitable for all sizes and experience levels)
ABOUT THE BOATS
A 14ft sit-in touring style kayaks, the Pakayak Bluefin 14 (Suitable for paddlers with some experience. Maximum suggested height 6ft. Maximum suggested weight 250lbs).
