After several attempts at its pronunciation, it's easy to see why Central Florida folks refer to the Econlockhatchee River simply as "The Econ". This blackwater river, stained with tree tannins, originates in the swamps of Osceola County. The slow flowing river meanders and weaves its way through central Florida's forests of pine, palmetto and cabbage palms, eventually emptying into the St. Johns River.
   Escaping city noise and snarled traffic, the Econlockhatchee River Basin offers a quiet get-away for residents of the sprawling metropolis of Orlando. The Little Big Econlockhatchee Wildlife Management Area, surrounding both the Little and Big Econ rivers, provides a 7000 acre forested corridor in Central Florida. The state forest preserve not only protects the river from storm water runoff and pollutants, but is home to numerous wildlife species as well, including deer, river otter, fox, wild turkey, bobcats, bald eagles, hawks and wading birds. When coupled up with other adjacent state lands, this natural "greenway" extends for a hundred miles.
   The remains of a railway and trestle date back to the early 1900s when the first railroad was established by Henry Flagler. Today, this bridge aids hikers when crossing the Econlockhatchee River as they tackle this section of the 1000 mile Florida Scenic Trail. Canoeing, hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding and mountain biking are the popular recreational activities in this Outstanding Florida Water Preserve.

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