Little Big Econ State Forest

Rose of Plymouth
Brumley Rd Trailhead

The Little Big Econ State forest is a fairly large stretch of forest with many trailheads that allow you to see quite a variety of habitats and a diversity of wildlife that I have just recently come to appreciate.  These locations have some of the best birding within Seminole County. Thanks to the wonder of eBird "patches," I can tell you that so far I've seen 145 bird species among these trails and parks, though I've only given much attention to them this year. I've divided my treatment of the SF into two headings: west and east.  As you can see in the map below, there are two main sections of the SF connected by a thin strip along the northern shore of the Econ River.

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I've visited four trailheads in the state forest.  Snowhill Rd bisects the two main areas. West of Snowhill Rd are the Barr St and Jones East (mountain bike) trailheads, as well as an equestrian trailhead I've not traveled. That lets you see the area between SR-425 and Snowhill Rd.  East of Snowhill Rd are the Kilbee Tract and the Brumley Rd trailhead, which let you see the area near the St. John's River. I thought it would be helpful to include a brief description of each portion of the state forest, but I've also included links to my trail guides and field reports for each section if you're interested in more information.

West

Barr St. Trailhead 
[Field Reports]

Econ River
Barr St. Trailhead

The first time I visited this park (way back in 2013), I was struck by the fact that the river had cut a channel at time about 10-15 feet below the trail. You don't see that kind of relief in Central Florida all that often.  I still think this is one of the most picturesque areas in Seminole County.  There's a little spot here that is my "go to" spot for Hermit Thrushes in the beginning of the year.  They're always there, and it's an easy way to add that species to my year list.  The entrance is just off of SR-426 and the parking fee is $3 per car.

Jones East Trailhead
[Trail Guide][Field Reports]

Bachman's Sparrow
Jones East Trailhead

This spot is also called the "Mountain Bike" trailhead, but the sign says "Jones East," and since I don't use a mountain bike, I figured I'd use the name on the sign. This is one of the few areas where I've seen Bachman's Sparrows in Seminole Co, and it's quickly becoming one of my favorite place to look for species that like Pine flatwoods.  The Lower Wekiva River Preserve and the Econ River Wilderness Area are its best competition. The entrance is on Snow Hill Rd, and the parking fee is $3 per car..

East

Brumley Rd Trailhead
[Trail Guide][Field Reports]

St. John's River
Brumley Rd Trailhead

From the end of Brumley Rd, you can walk to the St. John's River right where the Econ River hits the St. John's River. On the map this area of the St. John's is called "Puzzle Lake."  Be prepared to walk between 7 and 9 miles if you decide to do this, but it's worth it.  This is some of the best birding in the county.  To my knowledge no one birded this trail before I did in February of this year.  Already it's one of the top hotspots on eBird for Seminole County.  Other parks, like Lake Lotus Park, Central Winds Park, and Marl Bed Flats, have more species, but they've been far more heavily birded for many years.  We'll see how this area pans out, but I think it holds a lot of promise.

Kilbee Tract

Eastern Phoebe
Kilbee Tract

This trail takes you from Sr-46 near C. S. Lee Park south along the west side of the St. John's River almost to the mouth of the Econ River. So far I haven't seen a way to walk out to the flats from here, but there may be a way.  If so, it may be just as valuable a hotspot as the Brumley Rd hotspot.

Nearby

Now there are a couple parks that are near the Little Big Econ SF that I think are worth mentioning. They aren't technically part of the State Forest, but they are nearby and are close to the Econ River, so If figured it would be good to mention them here.

Geneva Wilderness Area 

[Guide] [Field Reports]

Bobcat
Geneva Wilderness Area

The Geneva Wilderness Area touches sits just north of the Little Big Econ SF, and they even share some of the same trails. It's a beautiful little park with a prayer chapel with some very picturesque Pine Flatwoods.

Econ River Wilderness Area 
[Guide] [Field Reports]

Trees at Sunrise
Econ River Wilderness Area

The Econ River turns to the south towards Orange County.  This park is just north of the Orange Co border, just north of UCF. It offers a variety of habitats from Pine Flatwoods near the parking area to a hardwood hammock nearer to the Econ River.