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Little Big Econ State Forest Orlando

4.8

·818 reviews·Geneva, United States

Explore over 200 acres of lush forest with hiking trails and canoeing on two rivers, teeming with wildlife.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow

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Little Big Econ State Forest Orlando

Best Time

Mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore over 200 acres of lush forest with hiking trails and canoeing on two rivers, teeming with wildlife.

4.8

(818 reviews)

"A peaceful escape with beautiful river views and abundant wildlife."

TIP

👟 Conquer the Sand

Expect deep sand on many trails; wear sturdy hiking shoes.

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry plenty of water, a hydration pack is recommended.

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 818 reviews

Type

State Park

Address

1350 Snow Hill Rd, Geneva, FL 32732, USA

Website

fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Little-Big-Econ-State-Forest

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Little Big Econ River Trail

Along the Little Big Econ River

Meander alongside the river, enjoying scenic views and abundant wildlife. Perfect for a peaceful nature escape.

Snowhill Road Trailheads

Snowhill Road

Access point to numerous trails, offering a true wilderness experience with sandy paths and river access.

Wildlife Spotting

Throughout the forest

Keep your eyes peeled for diverse fauna, from colorful dragonflies to the occasional alligator.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild: Trail Tips

Little Big Econ State Forest is known for its sandy trails, especially near the entrances. Be prepared for deep sand if it hasn't rained recently. Consider sturdy footwear and a hydration pack for longer hikes.

River Access & Wildlife

The forest follows the Little Big Econ River, offering beautiful views and opportunities for canoeing. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including dragonflies and alligators.

Best Times

When

Mornings

Why

Beat the heat and crowds

Crowd

Low

When

After rain

Why

Firmer trails, lush scenery

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Things to do in Orlando just got better. Enjoy the outdoors and over 200 acres of trails! Book now! 📞 #SpringBreak #atvrentals #orlando #visitorlando

@luxerentals

45.5K likes • 1.2M views

👟 Conquer the Sand

Expect deep sand on many trails; wear sturdy hiking shoes.

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry plenty of water, a hydration pack is recommended.

Orlando by the Alphabet O - Old Sugar Mill Pancake House at De Leon Springs State Park 🥞🏊🏼‍♀️🚣🏼‍♀️💦🌳 The deets: 🗺️ 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs 🎟️ $6/vehicle (park entrance), $9/person (unlimited pancakes) ⏰ 8 am - sunset (park), 8 am - 4 pm (pancake house) The skinny: • The restaurant is small so the wait can get over 2 hours on the busiest days. You can paddle, swim, or hike while you ...

@katieandthesunshine

36.2K likes • 479.9K views

On October 23, 2022, we went on a hike to the Little Big Econ wildlife management area in Seminole County, northeast of Orlando, to see how things were after Hurricane Ian. It was a bright, sunny day and the ground was drying out, and it was good to see that this Carolina Saddlebags dragonfly had survived. I tried to take a photo of it while it was backlit, and that seemed to work out, so I hope y...

leavensgary

95 likes • 0 views

🐊 Wildlife Awareness

Be mindful of alligators and other wildlife.

🗺️ Trail Navigation

Trails aren't always well-marked; aim for the river.

1 hike, 5,000 steps, 3 gators and unfortunately zero birds. 🐊🪾🦅 So hot but so fun! • • • #floridatrails #ﬁtness #hiking

lexcfitnflow

42 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Conquer the Sand

Expect deep sand on many trails; wear sturdy hiking shoes.

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry plenty of water, a hydration pack is recommended.

🐊 Wildlife Awareness

Be mindful of alligators and other wildlife.

🗺️ Trail Navigation

Trails aren't always well-marked; aim for the river.

🛶 River Adventures

Canoeing opportunities are available on the rivers.

What Travellers Say

4.8

(818 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Little Big Econ State Forest for its natural beauty and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. The river access is a highlight for those seeking water activities. However, some find the sandy trails challenging and note that trails can be poorly marked, requiring a good sense of direction.

"My favorite spot to swim and run around. Gators are not fed here so they do not approach you and are quite chill. Fun dead trees to climb on and beautiful energy to meditate and pray. And hey all you visitors pick up your trash, please. Never come out empty-handed. Been coming here for years and the spirits and trees are very friendly. It is also well-maintained."

Alicia Alexander

"This is a great place for a day getaway. There are miles of biking and hiking trails. The river is good for a secluded kayak adventure. You'll see jumping fish, turtles, water snakes, and lots of alligators."

Gerald Hartling

"The Little Big Econ State Forest, located right near Oviedo, has over 5,000 acres of pristine natural Florida wilderness! This place has hiking, bird and animal-watching, fishing, primitive camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, and so much more! I have been here several times now, and every time I always love it. You’re in for a treat if you venture over here!

I park at the Barr Street Trailhead and head into the forest via one of their many trails, and it’s always so cool to see how much sand is everywhere. Did you know Florida was once under the ocean? When you hit the river (which is only like a 10-minute walk), there are massive sandy banks all along the windy river! It’s murky, brown (with alligators) that I wouldn’t recommend swimming in, but is really neat to see from the bluffs above! This is a very different environment than what you see elsewhere in Central Florida. You frequently see squirrels, skinks, lizards, alligators (saw one today on the riverbank), birds, big bugs, and more. You’re out in the wilderness here, and it’s awesome!

I’ve also parked at the bridge north of the Jones East Trailhead. That bridge is supposedly haunted and you see something called the “Oviedo Lights” - orbs of colored lights that float in the swamp/over the bridge at night. I did an overnight challenge here twice before and never saw anything, so I’m not really convinced. However, sketchy people do sometimes come here at night so I would advise against doing that just to be safe!

Getting back to the forest, this is one of the best and closest places to go on a little walk in the Florida wilderness away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s always a great coming here. Bring bug spray, watch out for alligators (meet an eye on your kids and pets), and don’t step off the trail as you might walk into fire ants! If you follow all that, enjoy - you’ll have a great time!!"

Michael

What People Like

Natural beauty

River access

Wildlife spotting

What People Dislike

Sandy trails

Unmarked paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Little Big Econ State Forest is located northeast of Orlando. The most common access point is via Snowhill Road. Driving is the primary way to reach the forest, and it's about a 30-40 minute drive from downtown Orlando.

Public transportation options are very limited for reaching Little Big Econ State Forest. It is best accessed by car.

The main trailheads are often accessed from Snowhill Road, which provides access to various trails and the river. +1

Yes, using GPS with 'Little Big Econ State Forest' or specific trailheads like those on Snowhill Road will guide you there.

Yes, parking is available at designated trailheads, especially along Snowhill Road. Arrive early on busy days.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Typically, there is no entrance fee for Little Big Econ State Forest, making it a great free outdoor activity.

The forest is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Always check official park websites for the most current hours.

No, advance booking is not usually required for general entry to the forest. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.

For specific activities like extended camping or certain group events, permits might be necessary. Check with the Florida Forest Service for details.

Dogs are generally allowed in Florida State Forests but must be kept on a leash at all times. Always confirm specific regulations.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Many visitors enjoy trails that lead towards the Little Big Econ River. Snowhill Road offers access to various paths, though they can be sandy and less marked. +1

While one visitor reported zero birds, the forest's diverse habitats make it a potential spot for bird watching. Bring binoculars!

Yes, the Little Big Econ River and St. Johns River offer opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. You can launch from designated areas.

Expect to see various wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and numerous insect species like dragonflies. +1

Basic facilities may be available at some trailheads, but it's advisable to come prepared with your own supplies. Check official park information for specifics.

📸 📸 Photography

The riverbanks offer scenic views, especially during sunrise or sunset. Look for interesting wildlife and unique tree formations along the trails.

The lush forest and river provide ample opportunities for landscape photography. The sandy trails can also add a unique texture to your shots.

You might capture images of dragonflies, birds, turtles, and alligators. Patience and a good zoom lens are key. +1

Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. Wildlife is often more active during these times.

A wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife are recommended. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions.