High Ridge Ranch

Located on the south side of FM 747 near Jacksonville, this rural tract combines paved FM road frontage, two gated entrances, on-site electric, rolling terrain, open pasture, mature mixed timber, and several water features. The land transitions naturally from accessible pasture near the road into timbered cover, creek corridors, and higher terraced ground. A 5-acre lake, Gum Creek, smaller springs, and feeder creeks add water resources and visual variety, while existing routes allow side-by-side access through most of the property.

The Land

The terrain is one of the defining features. Elevation ranges from about 340 feet to 500 feet above sea level, creating a mix of lower drainage areas, rolling pasture slopes, and elevated ridges. Terraced pastures reflect the property’s agricultural history and provide usable open ground for grazing, hay, wildlife plantings, or other rural uses, subject to buyer plans and any needed approvals. About 70 percent of the tract is in pasture, with a mix of improved and native grasses and weeds. Mature mixed timber is scattered through the property, especially along edges and drainages, giving the land a balanced combination of open space and cover.

Native vegetation in the broader Piney Woods region commonly includes loblolly pine, post oak, blackjack oak, sweetgum, elm, ash, yaupon, beautyberry, greenbrier, blackberry, bluestem, and other grasses and forbs. On this tract, the combination of pasture, timber, elevation change, and water creates multiple habitat types. Pasture edges, wooded draws, creek bottoms, and shaded timber pockets each add a different layer of use and character to the land.

Water and Drainages

Water is present in several forms. The 5-acre lake provides a central surface water feature and a natural gathering point for wildlife and recreation. Gum Creek runs through the tract, with smaller springs and feeder creeks adding to the drainage network. These water features help shape the landscape, creating travel corridors, shaded riparian areas, and natural breaks between pasture and timber. They also add practical value for livestock, wildlife, and general land enjoyment, while giving the tract a more varied layout than pasture alone.

Access, Utilities, and Improvements

The property fronts FM 747 and has two gated access points, allowing practical entry from the paved road. Internal routes support side-by-side travel through most of the tract, which helps with checking pasture areas, viewing the lake and creek corridors, and accessing timbered sections. Electric is already on site. Craft-Turney WSC is reported as the water provider for the area, and availability should be verified by the buyer or buyer’s agent.

Improvements are limited, which leaves the land flexible for future use. An old barn is present and is not assigned value. Cattle pens and equipment associated with the agricultural tenant are not included and will be removed. Agricultural use is also reflected in the current ag exemption. No established food plots are reported. With road frontage, utilities, elevation change, and open ground, there may be several potential rural building locations, subject to buyer verification of access, utilities, soils, permitting, and intended use.

Hunting, Wildlife, and Recreation

The land has the habitat components typically associated with recreational property in this region: open pasture, timbered edges, creek corridors, surface water, elevation change, and internal access. Native wildlife in the area may include white-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, reptiles, and amphibians. The lake, Gum Creek, springs, and feeder creeks provide water sources, while the pasture and timber transitions create travel routes and natural observation areas.

Recreational uses may include hunting, fishing, trail riding, wildlife viewing, grazing, and general outdoor use. The existing access routes make it easier to move through the property by side-by-side, and the varied terrain gives the tract multiple settings for stands, blinds, trails, or future wildlife plantings, subject to buyer plans and local requirements.

The Area

The property is located near Jacksonville, with convenient access to fuel, groceries, restaurants, farm and ranch suppliers, and other local services. Rusk, Bullard, Palestine, and Tyler are also within regional driving distance, giving the property a rural setting while keeping larger service centers accessible. Nearby recreation includes Lake Jacksonville, which offers public access and fishing opportunities, and Lake Palestine, which provides additional public boat launches, bank-fishing access, and regional water recreation. Historic railroad excursions between Rusk and Palestine along the Piney Woods Route add another local attraction, while Neches River National Wildlife Refuge provides wildlife viewing and permitted public hunting opportunities through current application and permit processes. Buyers should verify current public access, seasons, rules, and permit requirements before relying on any off-property recreational use.