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White path between palms

Fredrick C. Mannillo Jr. Nature Trail

Key deer browse the understory of a pine rockland explored on this short accessible interpretive trail within National Key Deer Refuge.

National Key Deer Refuge  |  Big Pine Key
( 24.7094, -81.3824 )      0.3 miles

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.

White path through pines and palms Pine rockland habitat along the Mannillo Trail


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

50 Hikes in South Florida book cover South Florida Explorers Guide book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


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.

Tall pines above pine rockland forest with trail

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.

Entrance to trail in unusual forest 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.

People and Nature kiosk along trail 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.

Face of Key deer between saw palmetto 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.

Path leading to deck 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.

Depression marsh 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.

Interpretive panel 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.

Ferns jutting out of rocks 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

Key deer peering out of palm fronds

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.


Slideshow

See our photos of the Manillo Trail


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Unusual pine forest

Jack C. Watson Wildlife Trail

Rare pine rockland and rockland tropical hammock are key habitats for Key deer along this immersive interpretive loop on Big Pine Key.

Open water edged by tropical plants in Florida Keys

Blue Hole

For the easiest wildlife watching at National Key Deer Refuge, visit the trail and observation deck at Blue Hole, a cenote-like pond that is the largest body of fresh water in the Florida Keys.

1943 carved in concrete railroad bridge over mangroves

Overseas Heritage Trail, Lower Keys

38.0 miles. Between Key West and Bahia Honda Key, this segment of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail crosses many historic railroad bridges in view of mangrove-lined shores.

Palms along iconic beachfront at Bahia Honda Key

Bahia Honda State Park

Long known for its natural beaches, Bahia Honda State Park continues to heal after the ravages of Hurricane Irma stripped much of its tropical vegetation

Official Website

Category: Nature Trails, Southeast FloridaTag: Accessible, Big Pine Key, Botanical, Florida Keys, National Key Deer Refuge, National Wildlife Refuges, Wildlife Viewing

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Our recent park & trail updates in this region

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