Ranch Road

Trail Overview

This trail is located within the Green Swamp West Wildlife Management Area. This trail and WMA are open to public access year-round, except during the special-opportunity archery, general gun, and spring turkey seasons. Access is limited to only registered motor vehicles. The use of all-terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles (side-by-sides), swamp buggies, tracked vehicles, or unlicensed or unregistered motorcycles is prohibited. Vehicles may only be operated on the named and numbered roads. Access during the special-opportunity archery, general gun, and spring turkey seasons require specific permits purchased through the Florida Wildlife Commission. In addition to the special opportunity hunt permits, it is required to have a current wildlife management area permit as well. The trail is a mixture of compacted rock and shell on the southern end and transitions to ungraded dirt and sand through the northern half. The southern portion is graded, with moderate washboard effects and potholes. The northern portion has several areas of deep soft sand that extend the full width of the trail. The northern segment is not graded, has many whoops, ruts, or soft areas that could be very muddy following or during rain events. 4WD is required along the northern segments. Trail width for the majority of the trail is two vehicle wide, with pull-off areas in the more narrow sections. The trail leads through a variety of landscapes, ranging from pine/oak Hammocks, hardwood swamps, and wetland/marsh areas. Maintenance along the northern end is not to be expected following rains and or storms. There are many camping, picnicking, and hiking trails available to explore. Along with many opportunities for fishing, bird watching, kayaking/canoeing near or closely located. Many horseback riders frequent the area and the trails. Wildlife is teeming along this trail, and the possibility of observing a wide variety of wildlife and game is high. There is also active agriculture and ranch operations along the management land. Cattle may be seen on or along this trail. During periods open to hunting, the trails are closed only to those in possession of area-specific hunting permits.

Photos of Ranch Road

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Difficulty

This trail follows uneven dirt and sand surfaces with frequent ruts that can affect traction and ride comfort.

History

These lands are rich with history. They were explored by Hernando De Soto in the 1500s, served as a battleground, base, and critical refuge for the Seminole Indians during the first and second Seminole Wars. This area later became a critical part of Florida's timber, cattle, and turpentine industries before being declared an area of Critical Concern by the Florida legislature in 1974, which helped to preserve and protect this area.

Technical Rating

Ranch Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV