Walk Past Walls of Ancient Coral at Windley Key

Walkers stroll past sheer walls of exposed crosscuts of the fossilized, once-living coral reef. This Key Largo limestone, remnants of the rock-cutting operations associated with the construction of Henry Flagler’s Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad, clearly shows remnants of several coral species — star coral, brain corals and porous coral. 

Also on display at Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park are examples of the popular decorative building material called keystone and the equipment used in its creation. 

Besides strolling past the 8-foot-high ancient coral walls, walkers can follow five trails through the native hardwood forest and mangrove estuary at this gem of a Florida state park. 

Botanical enthusiasts should request to borrow one of the excellent printed trail guides. Numbered markers on many trees and plants coincide with detailed descriptions in the guide, with over 40 species that are native to the Florida Keys. 

Allow one to two hours to walk the 1.2 miles of trail routes, and to browse the large quarry areas that contain some of the fascinating turn-of-the-century equipment used in the quarrying process. 

The five nature trails are marked with numbered signs that correspond to descriptions in the guide. The .5-mile Green Hammock Trail is the longest route, which takes people through the hardwood hammock and then meanders through several transitional habitats into the Russell Quarry, the oldest quarried area of the park. 

Nearby in the Flagler Quarry visitors will find several picnic tables. 

Bird watchers should bring binoculars to catch glimpses of black-whiskered vireos, white-crowned pigeons and various warblers. During the spring and fall migrations, Caribbean species including the Bahama mockingbird and western spindalis might be spotted. 

Trails are primarily well-maintained gravel pathways with some gentle hill sections. The park has one mobility Action Trackchair available for guests free with park entry. 

The park is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). The Alison Fahrer Environmental Education Center features displays on Flagler’s railroad, Keys hardwood hammocks and Florida Keys geology. 

Difficulty level: Easy 
Best for: Geology and history buffs, nature lovers
Admission: $2.50 per person
Address: 84900 Overseas Highway
Nearby lodging: Three Waters Resort & Marina, Coconut Cove Resort & Marina
Nearby dining: Ocean View Inn, Tiki Bar and multiple restaurants at Three Waters Resort, Hog Heaven Sports Bar