Econ River Wilderness Area

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Parks

Florida

Nearby: Lake Mills County Park Oviedo Riverside Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Econ River Wilderness Area is a 2400-acre nature preserve located in the state of Florida.

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Summary

It offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore natural Florida in its native state. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, snakes, and a variety of bird species. The Econ River itself is a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

Some of the points of interest within the Econ River Wilderness Area include the Little Econ Greenway, the Flagler Trail, and the Econlockhatchee River. Visitors can hike, bike, or ride horses along the trails, which wind through pine forests, oak hammocks, and grassy meadows. The Little Econ Greenway is a paved trail that runs along the river and is popular with joggers, walkers, and cyclists.

Interesting facts about the Econ River Wilderness Area include that it was acquired by the state of Florida in 1994 and is managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District. The area is home to several endangered species, including the Florida Scrub-jay and the gopher tortoise. It is also home to the largest contiguous sand pine scrub ecosystem in the world.

The best time of year to visit the Econ River Wilderness Area is during the winter months, when the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. The summer months can be hot and humid, and mosquitoes can be a problem. Visitors should also be aware that the area is prone to flooding during periods of heavy rain, and some of the trails may be closed during these times.

Overall, the Econ River Wilderness Area is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse range of ecosystems, wildlife, and recreational opportunities, it offers something for everyone.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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