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Long Key State Park
Parks in Key West the Florida Keys
Long Key State Park
P.O. Box 776
Long Key Fl 33001
305-664-4815
History
Long before the park was established, the subtropical climate, clear waters and abundance of marine life attracted explorers. The Calusa Indians lived off the plant and marine life before the arrival of the first Spanish settlers. After Spanish occupation, other travelers from nearby islands such as the Bahamas made their way to Long Key.
By 1912, the Florida Keys were no longer considered a remote area to travel. By this time, the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railroad was completed, allowing Long Key to become an important depot. Henry Flagler, the founder of the railroad, also established the Long Key Fishing Club which was a Mecca for the world's greatest saltwater fishermen. This productive era came to a temporary end when a hurricane destroyed the railroad and fishing club in 1935.
Long Key was once referred to by the Spanish as "Cayo Vivora", which means Rattlesnake Key. The name was used to describe the shape of the island, which resembles a snake with its jaws open.
Today, Long Key State Park is known for being rich in history and recreational opportunities as well as natural beauty.
Plant life
Long Key contains the remains of
ancient coral reefs that were formed 100,000 years ago when the sea level was 20
to 30 feet higher. The vegetation is primarily of West Indian or Caribbean
origin. A large variety of trees and shrubs are found, including species such as
the gumbo limbo, poisonwood, mahogany, Jamaica dogwood and crabwood.
Wildlife
The shallow waters off Long Key
support an abundance of marine life. Various wading bird species may be observed
in the mangrove-lined lagoons, particularly during the winter months.
Real fun in real Florida
Hours
of Operation
Florida state
parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
 | Educational offerings at the park include fun and informative programs on
snorkeling, fishing, bird watching, canoeing. With information about sea turtles, plants, history and the marine ecology of the area. |
| There is a nice boardwalk that takes you through the mangroves lets you
get a real nice view of how they grow. Midway there is an observation tower
from the top you see a lust carpet of green as you look over the tops of the trees very nice. At the end their are a couple of shelters for picnics and an outdoor shower to rinse off after a dip in the ocean. Here to is the beginning of the Golden Orb Trail. 
 |
| Three nature are located within the park for visitors who enjoy both
walking and canoeing. The "Golden Orb" Trail, named after a native spider, is a leisurely 40 minute walk through several plant communities. The Layton trail is located on the bayside of the park and takes 15 minutes to walk. The third trail is Long Key Lakes Canoe Trail, which covers a shallow water lagoon. Canoe rentals and a self-guided brochure are available for this hour long journey. |
|
Picnic areas are available with a scenic view of the
Atlantic Ocean. |
| Swimming and some of the best sport fishing in the Florida Keys are popular year round. Saltwater fishing licenses are required in Florida. |
| Campsites are located along the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean
for those visitors who wish to stay and enjoy all that Long Key has to offer. The way the campsites are set up most all have their own beach. Rest rooms and showers are close by for all the campsites. The only thing I have noticed in the past is that you are within about 20-30 yards of US 1 so you do hear the traffic all night long. |
Florida State Parks are managed to appear (as closely as possible) as they
did when the first
Europeans arrived.
Click on this to see the
large picture (about 100K)
Florida State Park Pet Policy
WHEN THE HEAT IS ON....
Keep cool. Summer brings hot weather and family vacations. Your pets will be affected by both. For a healthier; happier travels with your pets:
Never leave your pets in a parked car, even if the windows are open. Ten minutes could be too long on a hot day. By then, the temperature inside the car could reach 160 degrees F. That's hot enough to cause a dog to suffer heat stroke.
Pets don't perspire as people do. They cool themselves by panting. With only very hot air to breathe, your pets could suffer permanent brain damage within moments. If emergency care is not given, your pets could die. They may want to come along, but it's much kinder to leave your pets at home with plenty of fresh, cool water and shade.
If your dog is overcome by heat exhaustion, immediately soak him or her down with water and take to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Domestic Animals
Pets are permitted in
designated day-use areas at ALL Florida State Parks. They must be kept on a
hand-held leash that is six-feet or shorter and be well-behaved at all times.
Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of
their droppings. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing
areas, cabins, park buildings, or concession facilities. Within individual
parks, specific areas also may be designated as no-pet areas.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida
State Parks.