Several months ago, what seemed to be a small trailhead parking area appeared alongside Lake Pickett Road, not far from the Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area. Aside from an address number, the mysterious lot was unmarked and a locked gate prevented access. Then, with little fanfare at first, Ken Bosserman Econlockhatchee River Preserve was opened to the public mid-December. Named after an outspoken conservationist and founder of The Friends of the Econ, this Orange County property serves as a critical link in a chain of adjacent properties surrounding the Econ River and its sensitive natural communities.

The preserve offers a deep dive into the river floodplain forest, which lives up to its name when Central Florida experiences a heavy rain event. In fact, shortly after opening, a frontal system brought a monsoon to the area, pushing the river over its banks and submerging a portion of the main loop. Due to this regular inundation, the forest alongside the river is especially unique, and the trail invites visitors to venture to the waters edge, winding between cypress trees and cabbage palms to scenic views of this primordial blackwater river.

From the trailhead, a blue connector leads through a potentially muddy hydric hammock to the orange blazed main loop, which drops into the floodplain on its western side. It is best to walk the loop counterclockwise to find out quickly if the trail is underwater. Near the halfway point, a short, yellow blazed spur trail explores high ground alongside a swampy slough. A round trip from the parking area and back is about 1.2 miles. Picnic t near tables near the trailhead and the start of the orange trail offer spots to rest, as does a well-placed bench overlooking the river.