Tucker Ranch Recreation and Nature Complex — Attraction in Winter Garden

Don't get me wrong the park is beautiful and the facilities are nice. I like to paddle board on John's Lake so I stopped by the park to check out the kayak/canoe launch. I parked in the parking area by the playground which is the only place to park as far as I can tell. I followed (walking) the signs to the area where the launch is which is also the dog walk. Not sure of the distance but it was at least a quarter mile to a gate that was closed/locked leading down to the water. It looked like a beautiful area to launch but it appeared it wasn't open just yet. The path to get there was from the parking lot a walk across a small field, over a little bridge, and onto a well packed single lane road. There was another locked gate on the road by the little bridge and as I was leaving driving around the playground I noticed another locked gate just to the right of the road to the SW of the playground. Curious about access to the launch I called the city's Parks Dept. I left a message with a supervisor who did actually call me back. He told me that the launch wasn't open due to high water levels at the moment which I didn't understand how that would negatively affect someone launching a kayak or canoe. Perhaps environmental concerns? Doesn't stop the boaters on the other side of the lake. As we spoke I asked if we would be able to drive back and unload near the launch to which he responded paddlers will be expected to haul their gear to the launch because they didn't want vehicles back by the primitive campground and associated areas. I kind of chuckled and told him it will likely remain a very nice unused launch area because while there are some hardcore paddlers that may haul 100 lbs+ worth of boats and gear 1/4 mile or so they are in the minority. Even with a cart. I have a 14' paddle board that weighs 60 lbs and when I go by myself only carry 10-20 lbs of gear and I go out about every other day but when I can put in to the side of the boat ramp and carry my stuff 25 feet or even put in off the little dock down the road at the County Conservation Area which isn't ideal but still better than lugging my stuff that far, I can't see many people using it. The gentleman I spoke with was very nice but seemed clueless as to what would attract paddlers to the launch which is true of most of the local municipalities from what I can tell. Ease of access (within reason) and a sandy or grassy shoreline that we can pull in/out of and step beside our paddlecraft while doing so is all we need for a launch. As far as parking the City/County/State need to realize while some car top or carry in a truck bed, many people with multiple boats/paddlecraft have small trailers as well. Lastly, 5:00 close time is rather early particularly in the summer when it's light until 8:30. I hope someone who makes decisions will read this and take it into...

AN UNEXPECTED WONDERLAND!

This park has so much variety to offer. We visited primarily for a day hike and a backpacking picnic. The hiking trails take you for a stroll along pristine woodlands with towering oak trees, along with rich grasslands, wetlands, marshes and a beautiful lakeside with spectacular views of John’s Lake. Natural beauty abounds all around! The trails are relatively easy to navigate and are well maintained.

I’m eager to return to launch a kayak very soon. A cart would be required since the launch site is far from the parking lot. Perhaps it was just the time of year, but the launch site had much debris and muck, which would make launching a kayak somewhat challenging.

Long range plans for this park include more recreational areas, a working and teaching farm and market. Also there is a playground, open recreational areas, and picnic tables under majestic oak trees. To top it off – the park is dog friendly.

I’m looking forward to return for hiking, picnicking and kayaking.

Definitely a must do...

This beautiful place, located in Winter Garden near Apopka, FL, was the perfect escape my friend and I needed. We went there to reconnect with nature, and honestly, it was an incredible experience. We left behind the weight of work and stress for a while… simply by hugging trees, breathing deeply, and letting the peace of the surroundings sink in. The trails are amazing — surrounded by lush greenery, fresh air, and a calm that's hard to find in everyday life. It’s one of those places that invites you to slow down, be present, and reconnect with what really matters. If you're looking for a place to unplug and recharge, you definitely need to come...