Mannillo Trail, National Key Deer Refuge

Along the Fredrick C. Mannillo Jr. Nature Trail, learn the importance of National Key Deer Refuge in protecting both habitat and wildlife in the Lower Keys.

It’s a short interpretive trail providing a round-trip walk to a freshwater wetland in the unusual pine rockland habitat of Big Pine Key.

Pine rockland habitat along the Mannillo Trail

Resources

Resources for exploring the area

South Florida Explorers Guide book cover

Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

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Overview

Location: Big Pine Key
Length: 0.3 mile round-trip
Trailhead: 24.7094, -81.3824
Address: Key Deer Blvd
Fees: Free
Restroom: None
Land manager: National Key Deer Refuge
Phone: 305-872-0774

Open daily from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset.

Bicycles are not permitted on the trail, and pets are not advised so as not to scare away wildlife.

Report wildlife emergencies such as injured or dead Key deer or aggressive animals to Florida FWC immediately at 888-404-3922; press Monroe County extension.

Stay within the marked path to avoid brushing into poisonwood.

It is found all over Big Pine Key and along this trail, and is much more irritating than poison ivy. An important food source for endangered white-crowned pigeons, its fruit is deadly.

Small tree with green leaves outlined in bright yellow

Young poisonwood tree along the Mannillo Trail

Directions

From US 1, follow Key Deer Boulevard past the shopping center. Pay attention to the speed limits as they are slow for a reason: you may see Key deer cross the road along this stretch, especially at dusk and dawn. The turnoff for the parking area is on the left past Blue Hole, 3.2 miles from the shopping center.

Hike

Although it may not look accessible, the Frederick C. Mannillo Jr. Trail is made of hard-packed limestone gravel, suitable for wheelchairs.

An advocate for both wildlife and accessibility, this short trail to a freshwater wetland honors his legacy.

Grassy wetland in stark pine and rock landscape

Freshwater wetlands at the end of the trail

Of the two trails at the Wildlife Trails trailhead, this one provides plenty of interpretation about Key deer habitat in a very compact space.

Several benches offer resting spots for those who need a gentle walk. A map is displayed at the Wildlife Trails kiosk.

Kiosk at the start of the trail

Pick up a brochure at the kiosk for an overview of the trail and the ecosystems along it.

You’re in pine rocklands, with saw palmetto and gnarled and stunted slash pines at the southernmost extent of their range.

Interpretive stop in the pine rockland

Surface limestone and loose rock is obvious throughout openings in the forest.

Peer closely into gaps between the saw palmetto, and you just might glimpse a Key deer.

Key deer spotted along the Mannillo Trail

Winding through the stunted forest, trail’s end comes more quickly than expected.

A boardwalk leads to an observation deck overlooking a freshwater wetland cradled in the jagged karst.

The end of the trail is at the observation deck

Look straight down from the deck to see many smaller depressions in the limestone.

These trap precious rainwater and create havens for wildlife. Colorful pink blooms of glades lobelia sway in the breeze.

Water fills depressions after a rain

Retrace your steps along the winding path, taking time to read the interpretive panels. Keep alert to rustling in the understory, too.

A detailed interpretive panel explains the unique hydrology of the Florida Keys, the importance of limestone karst to the health of these coral reef islands.

Hydrology information

Pass a solution hole brimming with ladder brake fern, a species adapted to living in limestone.

Emerge at the Wildlife Trails trailhead at 0.3 mile.

A small solution hole with ferns

Trail Map

Map of trails on Big Pine Key, National Key Deer Refuge — Mannillo Trail in yellow. Watson Trail in red. Blue Hole in blue.

Explore More!

Learn more about National Key Deer Refuge

National Key Deer Refuge

Established in 1957 to prevent the extinction of the diminutive Key deer, National Key Deer Refuge spans 84,351 acres across 25 islands in the Lower Keys.