Seminole Ranch Hiking

This WMA (Wildlife Management Area) covers 6000 acres, from just above RT50 North up to the ST Johns River. It borders the Orlando Wetlands at one point. The Florida Trail winds through a major section of it. In the section near RT50 you will have the option to take the Florida Trail (orange blazed trail) or branch out a little, following a white blazed trail. The area is bordered on the East side by the St Johns River and on the West side by pastures. This means that you can pretty much go were ever you want without getting lost. As I’ve mentioned, if you wish to stay on the blazed trails, they are normally in fine shape. Many of the water crossings have bridges (I counted 7) created by the local hiking group. The grounds can be wet during the wet season, so be aware of that. Most of the trails below Wheeler Road have tree cover, so you are protected from the Florida Sun. Once at Wheeler Road most of the areas North are wide open. The road leading up to Orange Mound can be pretty with views of the St Johns River. I have hiked all the trails, as well exploring the complete area. I enjoy getting out near the St Johns River during the dry season. If you look hard you will find trails blazed by the local cattle population. These beasts might look pretty big and intimating, but my experience is that they don’t want anything to do with you. There is a small building on Wheeler Road that is a nice place to stop and take a break. It is there to be used during the hunting season for hunter monitoring. I suggest that you review my hunting calendar (Hunting Schedule) to see if any hunting is scheduled in the area. If you elect to enter the area during the hunting season (I’ve done it), please wear some bright clothing. If you are quiet, I’m sure you will see a wide variety of wildlife. I personally have seen all kind of songbirds, owls, deer, wading birds and a few reptiles.

Here are the coords for some of the places in the area; you can use Google Earth to “fly-to” them if you want to get an aerial view.

• RT50 Parking Area – N28 32.429 W80 59.280
• Wheeler Road Parking Area – N28 32.670 W80 59.019
• Wheeler Road Access Gate - N28 34.158 W80 59.648
• Hunter Monitor Station – N28 34.151 W80 59.404
• Orange Mound - N28 35.900 W080 58.223
• White Trail Start – N28 32.498 W80 59.059
• White Trail End - N28 32.987 W80 59.066
• Picnic Table On Orange Trail – N28 32.670 W80 59.019

You can see many of the pictures I've taken at Seminole Ranch WMA at - Seminole Ranch Panoramio Pictures

In conclusion, I highly recommend this hiking area. I have as I’ve said, been all over the place, enjoying every minute of the visit. I have created a couple of hikes I’ve taken and posted to the Internet - you can see them at WIKILOC Hikes - just look for Seminole Ranch in list.

Some of my wandering in Seminole Ranch area (click to enlarge)

Florida WMA Map (click to enlarge)

Small dam why up above Orlando Wetlands

Area of ranch near the St. Johns River

Hunters checkin station - you can stop here and take a break

Gate from parking area on Wheeler Road

Trail and small bridge

Bridge over small creek

Trail in the woods

Pasture on west side of ranch

Picnic table/rest area along the Florida Trail

St Johns River Indian Mounds - From RT46 to Below RT520

There is a mess of mounds along the St Johns River below RT46, down to below RT520. A few of the mounds are named and can be found on Topo Maps. If you search the Internet you can find reference to them (little information, but reference). They are as far as I’ve been told, remnants of when the Indians were here in the area. I have visited most of them with a friend (The Boonie Man) by boat. Most all of them can only be easily accessed by boat. I am only trying here to give as much information as I have about the mounds I have visited - I believe history should be accurate, so the actual facts I leave to those who know.
Some of them are just mounds of dirt and common Florida plants and trees. Others have been used for camping and other activities. I’m told that all of them have been gone over to access their archaeological value. If you should spot anything that relates to the history of the mound, don't touch or take it - it is history and should be preserved! There are many archaeological agencies in the State of Florida who would like to know about any finds, so notify them of what you have seen. There really shouldn't be anything left on these mounds, they have been gone over very extensively by archaeologists.

If you know anything more about any of the mounds, please email me and/or post a comment about it.

Please note: I have been trying to find out where Baxter/Persimmion Mound is. I have created a website which will show you what I have found, you can Click Here or go to https://sites.google.com/site/baxterpersimmonmound/

Here is a list of the mounds, with my description and pictures. Click on the pictures to see a larger version of each. I have listed them in order of location from below RT46 to below RT520.

• Palmer-Taylor Mound - N28 41.883 W81 02.086.
  This mound is a short distance from the Econlockhatchee River; about .23 miles walk from the river’s edge. This mound shows little sign of human activity. It does have a few spots where it looks like someone has been doing some digging. One or two things left by other people, but as I’ve said basically just a mound of Florida natural plants and trees.
  Palmer-Taylor Mound
  
  
  
• Buzzard Roost Mound - N28 41.499 W81 01.736
  This mound is on the south side of the Econlockhatchee River; about .21 miles walk from the river’s edge. It was a pretty wet walk the day we went to visit this mound. On this mound you will see signs of human activity, from an old charcoal grill to wooden planks nailed to trees. The mound is out in the open, with views in all directions. The cattle in the area had eaten the grass down pretty well all around the edge of the mound. The mound is made up mainly of palm trees and weeds.
  Buzzard Roost Mound
  
  
  
• Noah Mound - N28 39.815 W81 01.188
  Got closer to this mound today as the water level was much more favorable for getting to it with our boat. It is just a mound in the river covered with tall, thick weeds. Being that the weeds didn't look to great for digging through, we just did a spin around it and left. Later some local cattle may get to it and "weed it out", making it more accessible. I'm told there maybe a survey marker on it, but that has not been confirmed as of yet.
  
  
  
• Buck Point Mound - N28 39.184 W81 01.386
  Made it out to see this mound the other day. It was quite a wet trip from the boat to dry land, so if you want to visit this mound you might expect that. Much to our surprise, the mound at the coords provided didn't really look like an Indian mound, it was pretty flat. The mound in front of it, nearer the river, actually looked like it could be the actual mound. It is very possible that maps are showing the wrong location for this mound (have seen that in other cases), so if you find out more, let me know.
  
  
  
• Heiffer Mound - N28 37.900 W81 00.353
  This looks like just a mound of dirt with weeds on it. We where both surprised when we found that this was a named mound. I am assuming that under all that dirt is a pile of shells and Indian artifacts. You can see some shells and I did find a piece of looked like pottery at the river’s edge. During one visit there was an airboat flag atop it, but that was gone during the last visit. We meet some locals nearby and they informed us of a more colorful name they have for the mound.
  Heiffer Mound
  
  
  
• Saddle Mound - N28 37.784 W81 00.503
  This is a small mound in about .23 miles from Heiffer Mound. It is just a raised piece of land with some trees and weeds. It is a very pretty area, what there is of it. It is on the edge of what is currently (7/09) private property. We meet some Florida Forestry employees during one visit that informed us that this would be all public land in the not too distant future – that will be great! There is a USC&G Survey Marker located on the mound. Expect to encounter a lot of cow “paddies” when visiting this mound.
  Saddle Mound
  
  
  
• Moccasin Mound - N28 37.833 W81 00.819
  This is a small mound about .6 miles from Heiffer Mound. It is just a raised piece of land with some trees and weeds. It is a very pretty area, what there is of it. It is located within the Charles H. Bronson State Forest. You can get to it from the river or hiking in from the trailhead located at the end of Philipps Road (N28 35.513 W81 02.540).
  Moccasin Mound
  
  
  
• Orange Mound - N28 35.900 W80 58.223
  This mound does not appear on Topo Maps, but it does show up on many maps used to reference the area. It is a large mound, right on the edge of the river. I noticed from the boat that areas washed away revealed a shellfish shell base. We walked around it, as there are signs of human activity all through it. It is just about completely covered by palm and other trees.
  Orange Mound
  
  
  
• Indian Fields Mound - N28 36.051 W80 56.703
  This mound does not seem to appear on maps, I was shown it by a friend. It rises quite a bit above the land around it, with a huge oak tree near the top. I was told it is considered an historical place, but like so many things in Florida, information about it is hard to come by. It is located in the Salt Lake WMA. You can get to it by boat (kayak) or by land. If you don’t mind crossing a creek, the closest access point is from the observation tower gate on Hatbill Road (N28 37.853 W80 56.851). You can take the long way in from the main entrance to the Salt Lake WMA (N28 38.401 W80 53.397). The area around it has quite a few wild grapefruit and orange trees, as this once was an orchard quite a ways back.
  Indian Fields Mound
  
  

• Paw Paw Mound – N28 31.254 W080 54.275
  This one is a strange one as far as GPS coords are concerned. Topo maps show one spot, but as far as everyone who goes there, those are wrong - Topo map coords: N28 30.301 W80 54.271 – My coords: N28 31.254 W080 54.275
  No idea what is causing this problem, but it is generally accepted that the actual mound is located at my coords.
  This is a huge mound, right near the river. It is a major destination for airboaters, so expect to see some if you visit this mound. It has a variety of greenery, from oak trees, orange trees and palm trees. You will see a major human present affecting this mound. This is one that you can walk into quite easily from RT50. There is a USC&G Survey Marker located on the mound. I highly recommend a visit to this area; I have been here a number of times.
  Paw Paw Mound
  
  
  
• Mulberry Mound - N28 21.801 W80 52.469
  This a huge mound located just below RT520. As far as I know, boat access is the only way in, but I suspect that it could be accessed by land during certain times of the year. Again, being so close to the river you will encounter a large present of human activity – fires, trails and at times litter. There is at least one memorial to a passed airboater. It is pretty much covered with all kinds of trees, even some wild oranges. Orange trees where suppose to be left by the Spanish.
  Mulberry Mound
  
  
  Map Locations of Mounds (click to enlarge)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Well that is about it on the named mounds, like I mentioned earlier; if you have more information or know of anymore named mounds in the area of St Johns River I’ve covered, please leave a comment. You can see some of my boat trips detailed in WIKILOC. I ask you to please “take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints” when visiting any areas in the wild.
  

Wickham Park in Melbourne - Hiking etc

Right in the center of Melbourne is Wickham Park. It provides a number of different areas for people to enjoy. I personally like the small wooded section on the east side, but I have also walked around the open scrub section quite a bit. The main usage area is the area around the paved road that runs through about half the park.

Wickham Park has a number of different attractions
· Swimming allowed pond
· Multiple other ponds
· Multiple picnic areas
· Multiple restrooms
· Large children’s playground
· Dog park
· Archery section
· Sidewalk and picnic pavilion section
· Soccer field
· Senior center
· Disk golf course
· Amphitheater
· Marked bike trail
· Marked hiking trails
· Multiple GEOCaches
· Equestrian center
· Variety of wildlife and birds
· Variety of wildflowers
· Youth camp
· Camping/RV section

On any given day you will see a large number of people enjoying any of the things I’ve mentioned. As I mentioned, most all of the activity is concentrated in the southern section of the park. If you just want to get away from the crowds, try wandering around the scrub and wooded sections. The only problems I have encountered while out there is the litter left by inconsiderate people. I am afraid that the county will sooner or later consume all the scrub area for use on what it considers more favorable things. I’m sure that if the gopher tortoises had a say in the development, they would stand behind me and say "enough is enough"!

I have created a couple of hikes I’ve taken and posted to the Internet - you can see them at WIKILOC Hikes - just look for Wickham Park in list.

Note: Click on picture to enlarge As you can see from this picture I have covered a fair amount of Wickham Park

The locals are unhappy with the development also

"Buddy" trees in the park

One of the Scrub Jays I spotted

Some local flowers





Trail marker


I hope this fellow I spotted on a trail is not someday a meal or kill thrill for the feral cats which are quite prolific in the park. While walking and exploring I have seen feeder stations for these cats - I also have seen people driving up and feeding them. I certainly don't want to alienate those people, but don't they realize how cats love to hunt and kill things. I can only imagine how many baby (and adult) squirrels, rabbits, scrub jays and other birds are being hunted and killed by those cats.


One final note, please "take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints"! This is just one bag of the many bags of litter I have picked up along the trails during my visits to the park.

These made it to the recycle bin, so that is a good thing!

Hal Scott Preserve Hiking

This is an interesting area to visit. It took me two days to hike the complete area. Most of what are called "trails" are actually roads leading through the area. It is a mostly a scrub area, with some forest where the Econlockhatchee River can be found. The complete area is surrounded by civilization, which is creeping up to the very edges of the preserve. There are few areas you can be in that you do not see some thing that is not manmade. From powerlines running through the middle, to the view of a coal burning power plant through the trees, to views of houses from many spots. That being said, it still is a very nice area to visit. Being that you are exposed to the open sky a good deal of the time, I recommend that you try the long hikes in the winter time. You have the option to hike, bike or ride your horse in it. Hal Scott Preserve borders RT528, you may have noticed Dallas Boulevard as you drove to/from Orlando. You can not get on Dallas Boulevard when going West on RT528, but there is an exit going East. I recommend getting to Dallas Boulevard by taking Maxim Parkway off RT520 and working your way back to the preserve. There are number of primitive campsites located in the preserve, these are located in the southern section of the preserve. The entrance is off Dallas Blvd in Wedgefield. From the entrance walk in about .3 miles to decide which way you want to go on the white trail.

Marked Trails -

• White Trail Loop - listed as 4.3 miles. You must take the white trail to get to the other two trails. The "canal 3 campsite" is off the this trail. If your desire is to do the red trail, bear to the right at the trail intersection just outside the parking lot. If your going to do the yellow trail, bear to the left at the intersection. Intersection is at N28 29.170 W81 06.009
• Yellow Trail Loop - listed as 6.3 miles. As mentioned before, you must take the white trail to get to this trail, which adds distance to the trip. There is a bridge you use to cross the Econlockhatchee River - this is a pretty section also. This loop is in the open, but you do get near a cypress swamp area where you could venture into if you so desire. I walked out one road at N28 29.659 W81 08.028 which was very nice, but then I emerged into a housing development, much to my surprise. Two of the primitive campsites are off this trail - Hancock and Yates Campsites. The entrance to this trail is at N28 28.962 W81 7.017
• Red Trail Loop - listed as 6.1 miles. As mentioned before, you must take the white trail to get to this trail, which adds distance to the trip. Like the other trails, this is mainly just a road and is open most all the way. You cross under some pretty impressive powerlines at different times. At different spots you can explore the cypress areas if you so desire. The entrance to this trail is at N28 29.658 W81 07.436. There is a small stream you may have to ford at the beginning of the trail - the day I was there it was pretty dried up.

Trail View (Click to enlarge)


There are a couple of bridges over the Econlockhatchee River, with one being the main way to the yellow trail loop. There are a number of other ways to cross the river if you wish to do some exploring. While out exploring, I did find the old yellow trail and hiked that to give it a look. I have no idea why the powers to be decided to do away with that section of the trail, but they did. As I've said, I've hiked all the trails, as well as doing some exploring into some of the areas off the marked trails.

Here are the GPS coords for different items in the preserve

• Parking area - N28 29.169 W81 05.823
• White Trail Loop Start - N28 29.170 W81 06.009
• Canal 3 Campsite - N28 28.649 W81 06.725
• Old Yellow Trail Start - N28 28.611 W81 06.425
• Hancock Campsite - N28 28.324 W81 07.010
• Yates Campsite - N28 28.723 W81 07.223
• Yellow Trail Start - N28 28.962 W81 7.017
• Red Trail Start - N28 29.658 W81 07.436

So, the bottom line is that this is a nice place to get out and see a variety of Florida ecosystems. It can be a long hike, but I did enjoy my time in the area. I saw some wildlife and some flowers. I took a mess of pictures while hiking around. I think it is a very nice place to hike, bike and explore. Just make sure you bring plenty of water, as it can get pretty dry out there!

SJRWMD has provided a PDF brochure and trail map at http://www.sjrwmd.com/trailguides/pdfs/Hal_Scott_TG.pdf
My hikes at Hal Scott can be viewed/downloaded at - Hal Scott WIKILOC Hikes - just look for Hal Scott Hikes in list

Viera Wetlands Wildflowers and Grass

Update:
These photos were taken a few years ago (how time flies) - it seems during my recent visit all the flowers are gone! I am assuming that Brevard County has lost their interest in maintaining the beautiful flowers which once were so abundant around the berms. I guess they assume that people will come just to drive around the berms, sad!

Original Entry -
While out walking around the Viera Wetlands the other day I came across a mess of wildflowers and some pretty grass. Here are a few of the many, many pictures I took that day. Even being "shade blind" I still enjoy the bueaty of nature! Just double-click on a picture to see the screen size version. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Wildflowers and Grass - Click to Enlarge