D Ranch Preserve

J. Ray

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Absolutely a nature lovers dream. Thank you Conservation Florida. ❤️ You’ll find tons of native wildflowers and bushes. I saw many gopher tortoise dens. I was there mid day in the hottest of the hot so didn’t see much wildlife. I did see the donkey and cattle. Port o Potty near entrance. Trash buckets provided but I didn’t see ANY trash in a couple hour visit. Marker arrows along the way. Picnic tables in a few spots. One near the front and one near the end for sure. Some shade. Look forward to seeing what each season brings.

Dave Witt

4 out of 5 stars★★★★☆

Will rate this one incomplete as I didn’t venture too far off the path (it may or may not have been hunting season and I was not wearing orange ha). So I did the loop hike on the west side of the road this is the Kratzert wildlife management area. It is adjacent to east shoreline of Lake Monroe and eventually I’ll make my way over. The hike is pleasant enough I walked it clockwise so started out in mostly shaded pathways that well marked and takes less than a mile. Then you pop out into open full sun area and it’s noticeably different habit (tree types change wildflowers change gopher tortoises abound). This finishes off the last approx 3/4 mile of the hike, about 1.5 miles total. I’m hoping they will add more access onto the area alittle closer towards the lake would be nice. For bow it’s a nice very short hike, kids would be fine doing this. Take water if in afternoon, probably can’t hurt to treat shoes socks etc w/ insect repellent. I intend to hike the other half (east of 415) soon.

Floris van der Breggen

4 out of 5 stars★★★★☆

Nice area for hiking and running. The white loop on the other side of the road is the true highlight though. Wish it was 10 miles it 2 ;)

Derya Zor

3 out of 5 stars★★★☆☆

Giving only 3/5. I support the mission and statement of the preserve. Upon walking towards the trail, there were maybe 15 or so cows casually grazing. We veered right to avoid them and to not bother them. The one cow came charging at us full force. We decided to end our walk right there as if we would’ve walked any further it would’ve not been a good outcome. We tried our best to avoid the wildlife. I would exercise great caution.

Frank Decot

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Nice place to go hiking. There are a few different hiking trails through a variety of habitats. The trails near the wetlands have some nice views to enjoy. Lots of cows.