Paddling on the Space Coast Pg 5 Brevard County FL Kayaking

Upper Econlockhatchee River

SR 50/Hidden River Campground to CR 419: This section of the Econlockhatchee River will bring paddling force to the fore as sharp turns, cypress knees, deadfalls and moderately swift currents present a challenge. Check on stream conditions before attempting this trip. During low water the river twists and turns in a narrow channel, and the number of carry-overs can become intolerable. The river can be dangerous after major rainstorms. In times of high water, the river leaves its banks, providing a unique chance to paddle through the woods. Towering cypress trees, blanketed in bromeliads and occasionally orchids, keep this part of the Econ in perpetual shade, which makes it attractive for summer paddling. The beauty of the cypress swamp and the lack of development provide a memorable trip; sights and sounds of civilization are few.

Directions: Launch from Hidden River Park (modest launching fee). Hidden River has rental boats available and will make shuttle arrangements. From the intersection of SR 50 and I-95 in Titusville, go west on SR 50 about 20 miles. Hidden River Park is on the right immediately after crossing the Econlockhatchee River, west of the town of Bithlo. Take-out is at CR 419, approximately eight miles downstream.

Middle Econlockhatchee River

CR 419 to Snow Hill Road: This section of the Econ River is characterized by narrow, high-banked, riverine channels that alternate with broader river sections that flow through dense woods. Seasonal wildflowers add color and interest. Ancient cypress trees and hydric hammocks near the beginning of this stretch give way to mesic hammocks of live oaks and cabbage palms, then sand pines and xeric oaks on high sandy bluffs, remnants of ancient beach dunes that date back to the Pleistocene Era. Ancient scrub habitats atop the relic sand dunes are among the oldest habitats in Florida. During low to medium water levels, plenty of inviting snow-white sandbars are available for rest stops where the river’s current has sliced through the dunes. The Florida Trail runs parallel to the Econ for several miles along this stretch.

Directions: Launch from the CR 419 Bridge. From I-95, take SR 50 west about 18 miles to CR 419 (Chuluota Rd.). Follow Chuluota Rd. north until just before the Econ Bridge. From the dirt parking area on the right, you can unload boats and drag them to the river. Take-out is at Snow Hill Rd., approximately 10 miles downstream (see directions to Snow Hill Rd., approximately 10 miles downstream (see directions to Snow Hill Rd., in Lower Econ description).

Lower Econlockhatchee River

The paddling is easy on this 12-mile section from Snow Hill Rd. to SR 46 on the St. Johns River. The current is slow and no carry-overs are required. The riverbanks are high, sandy and shaded by oaks during the first part of the trip. Eventually the banks become lower and the oak trees are replaced first by cabbage palms and then by grassy prairie as the St. Johns River floodplain is entered. The final two miles are on the open waters of the St. Johns River.

Directions: Launch either from the Snow Hill Rd. Bridge or the Little-Big Econ State Forest recreation facility. From the intersection of SR 50 and I-95 in Titusville, go west on SR 50 about 18 miles to CR 419 (Chuluota Rd.). Turn right on Chuluota Rd. and go north through Chuluota. On the north side of Chuluota, the road makes a big sweeping curve to the west. Just beyond the curve, look for Snow Hill Rd. on the right. Turn right on Snow Hill Rd. and follow it to the Econ River. The Little-Big Econ State Forest recreation facility is on the left about a half-mile after you cross the bridge. Take-out is at C.S. Lee Park, where the St. Johns River crosses under SR 46, 11 miles west of the intersection of I-95 and SR 46.

Thousand Islands

Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands are a flood-tide delta deposit, formed in the past by a breach in the barrier island from a strong storm surge. The natural movement of beach sand has since closed the inlet, but the islands remain. The canals provide shelter for manatees, dolphins and a wide variety of birds. This area is rich in both tropical and temperate plant species, some of which are found not much farther north than the Thousand Island. The vegetation communities of the Thousand Islands include three habitat types: natural marsh, dredge-spoil and tropical hammock associated with shell middens. Middens are trash piles of clam and oyster shell; all that remains of Florida’s original inhabitants – pre –Columbian Native American Indians. These unique tropical hammocks provide resting space and feeding areas for neotropical migrant bird species; the wetlands and ponds are a haven for many wading birds and migratory waterfowl. Salt marshes in the Thousand Islands are somewhat different than salt marshes found in other areas of the Banana River. Instead of the typical temperate cord grass/needle rush plant community found on Merritt Island (a good example is Kaboord Sanctuary), Thousand Islands salt marsh is dominated by tropical salt marsh plant species such as glasswort and is fringed by all three species of mangrove.

Directions: Launch from the end of Ramp Rd. in Cocoa Beach. From the intersection of SR 520 and Highway A1A, go south on A1A for several miles. Just past the Minuteman Cswy., turn right on 5th St. South, Go one block west to North Brevard Ave. and turn left. Take the first right on Ramp Rd. and go to the park.

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