Directions

Directions & Location
To find the trail, shown as the northernmost trail on the “Pineland Trails” map handed out at the visitor centers, drive along the Main Park Road south from Royal Palm Hammock. As you pass the Long Pine Key campground (2.3 miles south of the Royal Palm Hammock turnoff), keep alert on the right for gate G11, sitting slightly down from the shoulder of the road. The gate is 0.8 miles north of the Pine Lands parking area north entrance. Start your hike at the north end (gate G11) as the south end (gate G9) is more likely to get your boots wet, even in the dry season. With two cars, you can park at each gates and make this a 3.8-mile one-way hike. But with only one car, you’ll need to use the park road as a connector. Leave your car at the Pine Lands nature trail parking area and start your hike by walking north for 0.8 mile along the left shoulder of the Main Park Road to access gate G11. Keep alert for the turnoff on the left; the gate is just a little ways in from where the jeep trail leaves the park road.

Overview

Overview
Location:  Big Pine Key    
Length:  5.9 miles           
Lat-Long:  25.434370, -80.695732          
Type: circuit         
Fees / Permits: none  
Good for: scenic views, geology          
Difficulty:  4 of 5
Bug factor:  3 of 5
Restroom:  No  

The trail is rough and rugged – not recommended for young children – because of the loose limestone underfoot. Wear long pants and a long shirt on this trail: the sharp stems of sawgrass intrude into the footpath, and clusters of poisonwood grow under the slash pines.

Map

Trail Map

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