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Little Econ Greenway... East Orlando Biking

Popular with bikers, runners, and skaters, this suburban trail runs along the Little Econlockhatchee River ("Little Econ"). Portions of the trail are very scenic, a big positive is that while the trail crosses several major roads, there are few road crossings but rather underpasses -- from Goldenrod to Roush Roads is five miles with one road crossing at Harrell. A negative is there is very little if any shade on this trail. (More photos, detailed map, and commentary below.)

Though centrally located, this Central Florida biking trail offers an outdoors experience with river views, scenic bridges and wildlife viewing -- osprey, ibis, and red-tailed hawks, plus turtles and alligators can all be sighted here. Blanchard Park is the focal point here, its 84 acres presenting many recreational and nature activities. Future links planned to University of Central Florida, and to Cady Way and Cross Seminole Trails.

COMMENTARY and BOBCAT'S PHOTO GALLERY (hover over photo for larger view)

Comments by Mudfish: Little shade, but lots water views (canal-side). Underpasses and wide field of views make the ride east from Blanchard Park ideal for road bikes looking for speed.
Forsyth Rd. to Goldenrod Rd.
This section of the trail is more of a neighborhood trail. The trail starts at Forsyth Road with little fanfare though eventually the trail will link to the Cady Way Trail from this spot. It follows Partridge Lane along basically a wide sidewalk and past residential neighborhoods before crossing a bridge over wetlands to Goldenrod Rd. At Goldenrod it's necessary to cross two streets.
Start of trail at Forsyth Rd.	Trail along Partridge Lane	Rest stop and trail toward Goldenrod Rd.	Approaching Goldenrod	Crossing at Goldenrod
Arcadia Acres to SR417 Underpass
Past Goldenrod, the trail goes past residential neighborhoods before reaching several parking options. From here, the trail follows the river and begins to be more scenic. Parking is available at Arcadia Acres soccer complex, a loop goes around a reservoir to a paved trailhead (off SR50 just east of Goldenrod, parking and picnic pavilion). The loop can be avoided by riding over a bridge from the soccer complex. Continuing along the trail is more parking at the Econ Soccer Complex, then an easy but unshaded ride along the river, to another parking area at Harrell Rd. Past Harrell, a bridge crosses the river to link to residential neighborhoods. The trail continues along the river before going under the SR417 expressway.
Parking at Arcadia Acres soccer complex	Bridge from Arcadia  Acres to trail	Trail access from Arcadia Acres via loop	Loop trail around reservoir to SR50 trailhead	SR50 trailhead
Leaving the SR50 trailhead	Trail along the river		Past Econ soccer fields (more parking here)	Parking at Harrell Rd.
Crossing at Harrell	Bridge over river	Continuing along the trail	Approaching SR417	SR417 underpass
SR417 underpass to Dean Road
Past SR417 is an easy if unshaded ride along the river, and two underpasses (at Econlockhatchee Trail and at Dean Road). Past the Econ Trail is another loop around a dammed-off area of the river, crossing a scenic bridge. We also saw some paddlers on the river on this section of the trail.
Ride along the river		Underpass at Econlockhatchee Trail	Bridge over river at loop	More of the trail
More of the trail		Paddling on the  Econ	Approaching Dean Road	Underpass at Dean Road
Blanchard Park
Blanchard Park is a great community asset; with sweeping views of the Little Econ River from its 87 acres, the park has access to canoe/kayak trails, parking, restrooms, water, picnicking, playgrounds, tennis, sports fields, and a butterfly garden. A bridge over a spillway on the river gives a nice view and leads to some off-road trails. A word of caution, there have been reports of crime in the area and it is not recommended to exercise alone or very early or late in the day.
Approaching Blanchard Park	Blanchard Park, popular with locals, families, and recreational visitors as well for biking, walking, jogging and rollerblading			Panoramic view from bridge over river, overlooking YMCA
Parking	The Little Econ River	Fishing	Picnicking	Chilling
Blanchard Park to Alafaya Trail
Leaving Blanchard Park, the trail turns away from the river. It winds past the YMCA and follows Jay Blanchard Trail to Rouse Road. At Rouse Road requires crossing two roads, then the trail continues along Rouse a short distance before going off road again. It passes behind University High School and then as a wide sidewalk along Lokanotosa Road to the terminus at Alafaya Trail. The University of Central Florida is a short distance up Alafaya with bicycle lanes, ultimately the trail will connect with the university.
Along Blanchard Park Trail toward Rouse Rd.	Crossing at Rouse Rd.	Trail past Roush toward University HS	Along Lokanotosa Trail at Alafaya	Terminus at Alafaya Trail

More information on the Little Econ Greenway (links open in new window):

- Orange County Parks & Recreation - Little Econ Greenway information
- Orange County Parks & Recreation - Trail Brochure (.pdf)

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