Long Key State Park

Long Key State Park is on an island in the Florida Keys once called by early Spanish explorers "Cayo Vivora" which translates into rattlesnake key. It was so named for the shape of the island that resembles a snake with its jaws open. While there are no rattlesnakes on the island, there are the ruins of an early 20^th century fishing village destroyed by a hurricane in 1935, a nature trail that leads to an observation tower, kayaking in a chain of lagoons over crystal clear water and camping on the Atlantic Ocean.

As of early September 2010, the campground has been closed due to renovations and will probably stay that way into spring the following year. Upgrades to the restroom facilities and campsites are all taking shape to create an even better experience in the near future. But that doesn't mean the rest of the park is closed. They encourage guests to still visit the park on a daily basis until renovations are complete.

At Long Key State Park, the canoeing and kayaking is top of the line. Mangrove forests and a series of lagoons offer a great place to enjoy calm waters only accessible by small craft. As a destination on the Great Florida Birding Trail, you're bound to see countless species of bird, especially during the winter migration months.

Some of the best sport fishing in the state can be found just off the shores of Long Key State Park. Bonefish run in the flats everywhere and fishing for them here is said to be the best in the Florida Keys. Larger game fish like snook and tarpon can be found in deeper waters further offshore. Year round fishing is always active and a Florida saltwater fishing license is required.

But you don't have to get in a boat to enjoy all the activities at Long Key State Park. Walking along the shoreline is a great place to enjoy the view and walk on flat ground. Beachcombers will especially love the treasures that wash ashore here. Because of the unique Gulf Stream current, many exotic seeds, leaves and driftwood from far away rainforests end up on Long Key.

Two short nature trails wind their way around Long Key State Park and can easily be traversed in less than an hour. The two trails offer two views of the parks habitats. The longest trail-the Golden Orb Trail-takes you through the highland communities of several plant species while the bay side trail-Layton Trail-is on the opposite side of U.S.1 and overlooks Florida Bay.

For more information on directions to the park, fees and hours of operations, visit the official Long Key State Park website here.