Econlockhatchee River in Florida

Trip Overview

OUR TRIP - We put in and headed up stream. This was our first overnight out of the kayaks. We choose a river close to home and were amazed at the beauty of this river. The banks are high and sandy, the river is very clean. A true joy to paddle.

We paddled upstream all the way to the 419 Bridge (8.5 miles) (GPS N28 39.338 W81 10.179) it was tough going upstream against the 2mph current. But then again, we were pushing the pace. My girlfriend wanted to race!

We made the trip in 3:29, including a nice stop for lunch. During our trip up river we scouted out camp sites. Our plan was to make the bridge, float back downstream, set up camp and have a very short paddle out the following morning.

The best campsite we saw on the way up, was located at GPS N28 40.881 W81 08.714. While sitting around the campfire I got down on a knee and proposed to my girlfriend. We have thus named this spot "proposal point". She said yes, the river was incredible, and the paddling perfect!

All of the land between Snowhill Rd and 419 is part of the Econ State Forest, and thus open to primitive camping. Stop along the way to collect firewood, the most common camping sites were pretty baren. There are no facilities or trash cans at either bridge. There were no fees or registrations required for this section of river.

Thanks for reading!! Drop me a line if you live around Orlando and are interested in paddling with another couple!

Accommodations:

None

Outfitting:

14' Liquid Logic Pisgah Kayaks

Fees:

None

Directions:

From I-4 (north of Orlando), take Route 46 East, go South in Geneva at the only stoplight. Veer left onto Snowhill Road. Park at Bridge

Launches:

We put in and parked at the Snowhill Rd Bridge just south of Geneva (GPS N28 40.719 W81 06.866), the launch there was nice and easy. Since this was a round trip, we took out at the same place.

Resources:

Internet

"Paddler's Guide to the Sunshine State" by Sandy Huff