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Welcome to EconOutfitters
Econ-River Canoe & Kayaking in Central Florida
Kayaking in Central Florida is Easy
Select a River, Rent a Kayak, and Get Shuttled Back to Your Vehicle for Free
If you are craving a canoe rental or kayaking in Central Florida, we've made the process super simple. Just select a shuttle trip listed below. Rentals are priced per boat. Additional paddlers with their own boats may be shuttled for a $20 fee. Just $15 if its just an additional person.Our staff will meet you at the take out location, then shuttle you, your boat, and gear to your chosen launch location. As you paddle at your leisure back to your car, calling us upon reaching the take out.
Everything you need is included: Boats, paddles, life jackets, and a shuttle.
Kayaking for All Levels
Choose a trip option that best suites your experience level and commitment. Costs don't change based on Trip Options. Click on any of the options below to view more details.
Central Florida Kayaking
The best way for kids and adults to break free, and enjoy nature in the most authentic, peaceful, and captivating way.
Kayaking in Central Florida on the Econlockhatchee River
The Waterway
Flowing past unmarred forests, including the Little Big Econ State Forest, paddlers can see a diverse array of wildlife, including sandhill cranes, bald eagles, ospreys, hawks, wading birds, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, waterfowl, shorebirds, deer, turkey and sometimes black bear. The Muscogee name for the river means “River of Many Mounds,” named for the multitude of Indian mounds found along this waterway. The second largest tributary of the storied St. Johns River, this delightful black water stream is narrow in places and canopied by cypress and Sabal palm.
The Central Florida Kayaking Experience
The designated 20 miles of the Econlockhatchee River is suitable for beginning to intermediate paddlers, depending on water levels. It is not advisable to put-in at SR 50 as downed trees may be heavy and numerous portages are required, especially if water is low. Check with outfitters for updated water levels and accessibility of the river between SR 50 and CR 419. Check USGS gauge for water levels; river is at flood stage if gage is over 18 feet. There may be downed trees in upper section if below 11 feet. When entering the St. John’s River, stay on the left side of the wide channel and paddle towards the left side of the bridge for takeout.
Kayaking in Central Florida Maps
View more details maps below by clicking on the map.
Kayaking Central Florida Paddle Trails Options
Trip Option #1:
Start: 419 Bridge, Little Big Econ Canoe Launch
End: Snow hill Bridge (8.5 mi paddle)
Start Address: 419 Bridge: 3801 Willingham Rd., Chuluota, Florida 32766
End Address: Snow hill Bridge: 2000 Snow hill Rd, Chuluota, Florida 32766
Access to the river is by walking about 100 meters from the parking area on Northeast side of CR 419 bridge down a grassy easement to the unimproved launch under the bridge. From the town of Oviedo, take CR 419 about 2.5 miles east to the northeast side of the bridge over the river.
Trip Option #2:
Start: Snow hill Bridge
End: C.S. Lee Park (12 mi paddle)
Start Address: Snow hill Bridge: 2000 Snow hill Rd, Chuluota, Florida 32766
End Address: C.S. Lee Park: 4600 Hwy 46, Geneva, Florida 32732
There is a boardwalk and canoe launch behind the Forestry Office. Go to the pavilion parking area and walk down a trail about 660 feet to the river. A fee is required; gates close at sunset. Overnight parking is allowed. From Oviedo travel northeast on CR 426 to Snow Hill Road, turn right (south) and proceed to Little Big Econ State Forest Headquarters.
Trip Option #3:
Start: 419 Bridge, Little Big Econ Canoe Launch
End: C.S. Lee Park (20 mi paddle)
Start Address: 419 Bridge: 3801 Willingham Rd., Chuluota, Florida 32766
End Address: C.S. Lee Park: 4600 Hwy 46, Geneva, Florida 32732
Access to the river is by walking about 100 meters from the parking area on Northeast side of CR 419 bridge down a grassy easement to the unimproved launch under the bridge. From the town of Oviedo, take CR 419 about 2.5 miles east to the northeast side of the bridge over the river. From Oviedo travel northeast on CR 426, turn right on Snow Hill Road to bridge over the river.
BASE CAMP
Camp your way down the river by renting our equipment for multiple days.
Primitive camping is allowed on the Little Big Econ State Forest. Call 407-971-3500 for a camping permit. There are no designated sites for camping. Please find a spot to camp anywhere between the beginning and ending GPS coordinates for the camp zone areas shown on the map on the north side of the river. The West Camp Area is approximately 2.8 river miles long and ends just east after the Flagler trail bridge. The East Camp Area is approximately 2.0 river miles long and ends at coordinates N 28.676453 W 81.068567.
The Florida National Scenic Trail crosses the river at the Little Big Econ State Forest and merges with the Flagler Trail for a short distance. The Flagler Trail is located along an abandoned railroad corridor, now featuring a new trail bridge over the river, and is a multi-use corridor with some primitive camping sites along the shady banks.
