Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge Trails
Exploring the trails in the National Key Deer Refuge requires a spirit of adventure that may be rewarded with sightings of the diminutive Key deer, birds and other wildlife that live on and around these protected lands in the Lower Keys.
The refuge is wild Florida at its finest and that means there is the possibility of encountering potentially hazardous wildlife or plants on your travels.
Prior to visiting the trails, it is suggested you familiarize yourself with poisonwood, a native tree that can cause similar skin irritation as poison ivy or poison oak. While less likely to create unwanted encounters than poisonwood, American alligators, American crocodiles and Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes all live within the refuge, although sightings are rare.
One place where an alligator may be spotted is the Blue Hole at the end of the Blue Hole Trail on Big Pine Key. This short trail is located on Key Deer Blvd. three miles north of U.S. 1.
Originally a limestone quarry, the Blue Hole is now filled with freshwater, which is why it can support an alligator. American alligators prefer freshwater environments, which is in relatively short supply in the Keys. The observation platform at the end of the Blue Hole Trail may be your best bet to spot one while visiting the island chain.
Alternatively, American crocodiles thrive in saltwater. Unlike Nile crocodiles, American crocodiles are shy and reclusive. Areas they might be found within the Key Deer Refuge are either closed to the public or hard to access so sightings are few and far between.
Just a short drive away from the Blue Hole Trail is the entrance to the Mannillo and Watson Nature Trails. The Mannillo Trail, named in honor of Lower Keys environmental advocate Fred Mannillo, is a short out-and-back trail that ends at an observation platform overlooking a freshwater wetland area.
A significant part of what makes Big Pine Key unique is its layer of oolitic limestone that contains freshwater lenses, which float on saltwater in the aquifer. The availability of natural freshwater resources is partly why the Key deer population has survived here.
The Watson Trail, named for the first refuge manager Jack Watson, is a two-thirds mile loop trail taking hikers through pine rockland, freshwater wetland and hardwood hammock habitats. Both the Mannillo and Watson trails are open to full sun. For comfort and the best chance to spot Key deer, early morning and late afternoon visits are recommended.
Explorers interested in more natural lands in this part of the refuge should head next to No Name Key. One the way, a stop for refreshments is recommended at No Name Pub, a Florida Keys iconic spot known as “a nice place if you can find it.” It is located just before Old Wooden Bridge that connects Big Pine and No Name Keys.
There are several rustic trails on No Name Key that double as fire roads. Unlike the trails on Big Pine Key, bicycles are allowed on these trails but be advised the terrain is rough. Out here is where your newfound knowledge about poisonwood may come in handy since those and other tree branches may overhang the trailways.
National Key Deer Refuge lands also extend 12 miles to the west, where hikers and bicyclists can find two rustic trails. The three-mile out-and-back Upper Sugarloaf Trail is located at the end of Crane Blvd. on Upper Sugarloaf Key. The Lower Sugarloaf/Saddlebunch Key “End of the Road” Trail is a seven-mile out-and-back journey along the remains of State Road 4A, the original roadway to Key West. Both trails are paved with uneven surfaces that may be overgrown with vegetation. Plenty of water, sturdy shoes and sun protection are important for both routes.
While many wildlife watchers come to spot Key deer, birders are likely to be amply rewarded with multiple sightings of many year-round and migratory bird species within the refuge.
Of great importance for the health and safety of the endangered Key deer is that visitors resist the urge to try to pet or feed the deer. This makes them less wary of humans, increasing the risk of them being hit by cars and also disrupting their natural digestive system.
Difficulty level: Big Pine Key trails easy and flat; No Name Key trails may have rough terrain and overhanging branches. Shade is limited on Sugarloaf trails.
Best for: Wildlife watchers, nature explorers
Admission: Free
Address: 36850 Overseas Highway, Lower Keys.
Nearby lodging: Tiny Houses at Fiesta Key RV Resort, Old Wooden Bridge Marina on Big Pine Key; Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa and Faro Blanco Resort in Marathon; Parmer’s Resort, Little Torch Key; Sugarloaf Key Hotel at KOA Resort.
Nearby dining: Forks & Stix, No Name Pub on Big Pine Key; Boondocks Grille & Draft House on Ramrod Key; Murray’s Market, Summerland Key.
Key deer bucks, or adult male Key deer, are about the size of a big dog. Photos: JoNell Modys
A stop at No Name Pub is highly recommended. The out-of-the-way restaurant is known for its wings, pizza, fish dip and other menu items as well as its fun and funky atmosphere.
The Blue Hole has a lens of freshwater that sits atop saltwater beneath, attracting wildlife including alligators, birds, Key deer and more.
The Mannillo Trail has an observation platform overlooking a freshwater wetland area.
Trail walkers are likely to spot diminutive Key deer, especially if visiting early in the morning or late afternoon approaching sunset.