Bluefield Ranch Preserve, Florida, United States

5Donna S 5:00 PM Jan 20, 2018

Lots more here than you may be aware of
This is a huge restored natural area, pretty much previously used as a cattle ranch and hunting camp. There's LOTS of wildlife native to FL. There are several hiking trails, open also for bicyclists and horseback riding. Primitive camping is available, but you have to carry everything in, as it's not near vehicle parking. The County's Dept of Environmental Resources occasionally leads guided hikes out here, by reservation only, but for free.

4Jane A 5:00 PM Jan 13, 2016

Great Introduction to Florida Scrub
This former cattle ranch and hunting preserve is the largest stand of scrub in St. Lucie County. This was our first exploration here and we walked the 4-mile white trail through scrub and scrubby flatwoods. Other trails branch off this one through various habitats and were saved for another day. We were glad we picked up a brochure on our way in. It highlighted points of interest and provided an aerial view of the preserve which let us follow our progress along the white trail as it looped through a narrow part of the preserve. The trail did not offer a great variety of habitat but was a marvelous introduction to Florida scrub--palmetto, pine, a few oaks. The trail was well-marked and easy to follow. Walking was occasionally complication by soft sand. The walk provided one of those rare opportunities for being away from human noise. Cattle on an adjacent parcel lowed reassuringly as we listened for bird songs. We saw no wildlife on this walk except for small birds, but saw an area where hogs had rooted and identified deer tracks on the trail. No water or restrooms were available. Much of the trail is not shaded so sun protection is advised.