Seminole Ranch is a huge wildlife management area (over 28,000 acres) that covers both sides of the St. Johns River and spans 4 different counties. The southern section, where most of these pictures were taken, is located just north of the town of Christmas. Most of the hiking trails that Seminole Ranch has to offer are in this section. The northern section, located west of the town of Mims, has trails also but they are mostly for horse back riding.
Where there is hunting, you can expect to find a check station nearby. Since the picture on the left was taken, they have gotten rid of the old trailer home and built a small shed in its place.
At one time Seminole Ranch had some very scenic back roads that went out towards the St. Johns River and Lake Cone. They have since been removed in order to return the area back to it's natural state.
A large portion of the area was once grazing land for cows. You can still find water troughs and petrified cow chips through out the area.
Located on the southern edge of Seminole Ranch near the town of Christmas is Eckerd Academy - a youth rehabilitation facility. The Florida Trail passes through this area before heading south towards Tosohatchee State Reserve. Nearby is a lake with huge marble-size grapes growing along the western bank. Yum! Don't see those often around here.
Another old house being saved and hauled away to nearby Fort Christmas. This one happened to be near the entrance to Orlando Wetlands & Seminole Ranch off of Wheeler Road.
