Things to Do in Florida Keys Wilderness

The Florida Keys Wilderness and surrounding areas offer opportunities for hiking, jogging, touring cycling, and road cycling. While direct access to many wilderness islands is restricted, the broader region provides numerous routes for these activities. More than 3,000 visitors have rated activities in this region an average of 4.45 out of 5 stars.

Hiking opportunities exist in the broader Florida Keys region, including trails within the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key and at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. The Overseas Heritage Trail also provides segments suitable for walking. For more information, refer to the Hiking in Florida Keys Wilderness guide.

The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (FKOHT) is a multi-use path spanning over 90 miles (145 kilometers) from Key Largo to Key West, suitable for touring and road cycling. This trail utilizes sections of historic railroad bridges, including the refurbished Old Seven Mile Bridge. Various cycling loops are also available in Key West. Explore options in the Cycling in Florida Keys Wilderness and Road Cycling Routes in Florida Keys Wilderness guides.

Yes, the National Key Deer Refuge offers paved and accessible trails suitable for walkers and bicyclists. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park also features approximately 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) of nature trails, many of which are paved and accessible. For specific routes, consult the Easy hikes in Florida Keys Wilderness guide.

The Florida Keys Wilderness is critical for conservation, providing sanctuary for numerous endangered and threatened species. Common wildlife includes the Key deer, Lower Keys marsh rabbit, white-crowned pigeon, and various sea turtles. The area is also a significant stopping point for migratory birds, such as brown pelicans and great white herons.

The region is characterized by extensive mangrove forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, and pine rockland forests. It also encompasses vast expanses of shallow saltwater and seagrass beds, which are crucial for marine life. The Florida Keys are home to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.

Opportunities for jogging and walking exist on coastal paths, through historic streets, and along beaches like Smathers and Higgs Beach in Key West. The Overseas Heritage Trail also provides long-distance options for jogging along paved segments. More details are available in the Running Trails in Florida Keys Wilderness guide.

Most of the wilderness islands are closed to public access to protect sensitive wildlife resources. Access to these islands above mean high tide generally requires a special use permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Visitors are welcome to use the surrounding waters for permitted recreational purposes like boating and fishing.

Information for the Florida Keys Wilderness is primarily available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as it is managed as part of several National Wildlife Refuges. A relevant starting point is the National Key Deer Refuge website. The official website is www.fws.gov/refuge/national-key-deer.

The phone number for the National Key Deer Refuge, which is a primary administrative body for the Florida Keys Wilderness, is (305) 872-2239. This number can be used for inquiries regarding regulations, permits, and general information about the refuges.

The National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key offers trails like the Jack C. Watson Wildlife Trail, which winds through pinelands and tropical hardwood hammocks. These trails provide opportunities to spot Key deer and other local wildlife. The Key deer is a diminutive subspecies of white-tailed deer found only in the Florida Keys.