Experiences
Bicycling is easy along the main paved half-mile boulevard. The extended Port Bougainville (Port B) trail is either gravel or a leaf-littered coral rock substrate, with a loop choice of 1 or 2 miles. Some areas are suitable for both thin and fat tire bicycles, but fat tires are recommended for other areas.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
With its thick tropical vegetation, this park can be outstanding for bird observation. Northbound in April, and especially while southbound in October, migratory birds are funneled into the Keys by the landform.
Many tropical species are resident here, including the white-crowned pigeon, mangrove cuckoo and black-whiskered vireo. Tropical vagrants such as the thick-billed vireo and La Sagra's flycatcher are frequently reported in the park.
From the main entrance, visitors can hike a self-guided nature trail that winds through the tropical hardwood hammock and includes a native plant butterfly garden. The extended Port Bougainville (Port B) Trail is either gravel or a leaf-littered coral rock substrate, with a loop choice of 1 or 2 miles. An additional 6 miles of trails are available to explore at the backcountry entrance, approximately 7 miles north of the main entrance.
Hiking the trails gives visitors a chance to see some of the 84 protected and rare species of plants and animals, including wild cotton, mahogany mistletoe and the Schaus' swallowtail butterfly.
The largest tract of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the United States is within this park and provides a wealth of opportunity for bird-watchers and photographers. The main, half-mile trail is paved and accessible to wheelchairs and bicycles.
The extended Port B Trail accessed from the main entrance of the park is either gravel or a leaf-littered coral rock substrate, with a loop choice of 1 or 2 miles. This is suitable for fat tire bicycles. Some areas are suitable for both thin and fat tire bicycles, but fat tires would be recommended in other areas.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
From the main entrance, visitors can walk or run along the main paved half-mile boulevard, which features a nature trail that winds through the tropical hardwood hammock and includes a native plant butterfly garden. The extended Port B Trail is either gravel or a leaf-littered coral rock substrate, with a loop choice of 1 or 2 miles. An additional 6 miles of trails are available to explore at the backcountry entrance, approximately 7 miles north of the main entrance.
Wildlife observation is also outstanding at the park. Northbound in April, and especially while southbound in October, migratory birds are funneled into the Keys by the landform. Many tropical species are resident here, including the white-crowned pigeon, mangrove cuckoo and black-whiskered vireo. Tropical vagrants such as the thick-billed vireo and La Sagra's flycatcher are frequently reported in the park.
Butterfly watching has rapidly grown in popularity since the mid-1990s; the park features an incredible diversity of species, including the Schaus' swallowtail, silver-banded hairstreak, and both hammock and mangrove skippers.
Amenities
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities to all of its visitors. Those amenities include:
- Portions of trails are paved.
- Accessible picnic table.
- Large-print format of park-created brochures available upon request.
The extended Port B trail accessed from the main entrance of the park is either gravel or a leaf-littered coral rock substrate, with a loop choice of 1 or 2 miles. This is suitable for fat tire bicycles. Some areas are suitable for both thin and fat tire bicycles, but fat tires would be recommended in other areas.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
A self-guided nature trail winds through the tropical hardwood hammock and includes a native plant butterfly garden. The extended Port B trail is either gravel or a leaf-littered coral rock substrate, with a loop choice of o1 or 2 miles. An additional 6 miles of trails are available to explore at the backcountry entrance, approximately 7 miles north of the main entrance.
Exploring the trails gives visitors a chance to see some of the 84 protected and rare species of plants and animals, including wild cotton, mahogany mistletoe and the Schaus' swallowtail butterfly.
The largest tract of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the United States is within this park and provides a wealth of opportunity for bird-watchers and photographers. The main, half-mile trail is paved and accessible to wheelchairs and bicycles.
Parking is limited both at the main entrance and the backcountry entrance to the park. There is usually enough parking during the day for visitors to enjoy a walk, hike, or bike ride and perhaps have a picnic. However, in the busy winter season, visitors may wish to return at quieter hours later in the day.
There is a picnic pavilion at the circle near the butterfly garden, a short walk on the paved trail from the main entrance. There are three tables, one which is accessible, that can accommodate approximately 20 people.
- Please pack out your trash and recyclables to the receptacles provided at the front entrance.
- Water is not available at the park, so bring what you need.
