Named after an outspoken conservationist and Pals of the Econ founder, Ken Bosserman Econlockhatchee River Protect protects over 240 acres of ecologically delicate land.
It lies inside its namesake river basin to the east of Orlando, north of SR 50.
Orange County started buying parcels within the Nineteen Nineties to make up the protect, which varieties a wildlife hall with neighboring protected lands to the north and south.
As soon as the county established a path system, this distinctive property opened to the general public in late 2025.
Alongside the Orange PathThe well-marked, mountaineering solely trails include 1 / 4 mile strategy path, a 0.6 mile essential loop and a brief spur that explores swampy sloughs adjoining to the river.
Alongside the route, two picnic tables and a bench present choices for taking a break whereas immersed on this patch of scenic wilderness.
As a result of its proximity to the river, elements of the path are usually muddy after heavy rains, and the western facet of the loop will likely be underwater if the river is flooded.
Riverside bench throughout a floodSources
Overview
Location: BithloLength: 1.2 milesTrailhead: 28.584278, -81.164944Address: 14801 Lake Pickett Rd, OrlandoFees: FreeRestrooms: NoneLand supervisor: Orange CountyPhone: 407-836-1400
Open dawn to sundown. Leashed canines welcome.
Instructions
Hike
Starting the hike at an data signal subsequent to a picket fence, observe blue path markers as they lead alongside a tree line and into the woods.
A large hall bordered by dense palmettos winds northward beneath a cover of combined hardwoods and sporadic pine timber.
Shortly after passing a picnic desk, the trail curves to the west, crossing a large clearing beneath excessive pressure powerlines.
Picnic desk close to the trailheadThe path enters a shady forest on the opposite facet the place low spots have potential to carry water, which can require fancy footwork to maneuver with out getting moist footwear.
At 1 / 4 mile, the path opens to a grassy area the place a home as soon as stood. Comply with orange path markers to a picnic bench standing alongside a memorial magnolia.
Puddle on the Blue PathFrom this level, search for orange blazes to the west to start out the loop in a clockwise vogue, reaching the river extra rapidly in case flooding blocks the trail.
A mixture of oak, cabbage palm, and sweetgum rises from the leafy forest flooring because the path descends in direction of the wetlands.
Heading into the floodplainAs the trail curves northward, conspicuous cypress knees jut out of the darkish soils, accompanied by massive cypresses climbing excessive into the overstory.
Orange blazes lead throughout a shaded panorama sprinkled with tufts of grass amongst timber displaying distinct waist-high waterlines.
Because the river turns into extra seen via the timber, an oxbow sends tannic waters previous a big dwell oak at a very scenic confluence.
River junctionShortly earlier than turning away from the water, a well-placed bench gives a spot to take a seat and luxuriate in peaceable surroundings alongside the financial institution.
Bushes from the alternative shore are mirrored on the river’s glassy floor. The path continues north, climbing ever-so-slightly from the river.
Traverse rolling terrain between sloughs, reaching a junction with the yellow spur in 0.2 mile.
Riverside benchYellow blazes lead alongside brief loop on raised floor between the river and a swampy slough, returning to the principle path in a couple of tenth of a mile.
Comply with the Orange Path because it weaves southward whereas ascending right into a hydric hammock with drier soil.
In lower than a half a mile, flip left the place the loop concludes, persevering with alongside the Blue Path for one more quarter mile again to the trailhead.
Yellow LoopPath Map
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Video
Climbing Ken Bosserman Econlockhatchee River Protect
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