The Best Nature Trails for Kids in South Florida

National Key Deer Refuge (NKDR), Key West

Key West may not be the first place you think of when it comes to nature trails – what with its party life, great restaurants, and ocean views. However, you may be surprised to discover that it has its fair share of scenic view as well. One such place is National Key Deer Refuge, a “safe haven” for a tiny species of deer that are native to the region.

The NKDR was originally created to help prevent the extinction of this diminutive deer – appropriately named the “Key Deer”.

At its inception, a little over 20 of the fawn were in existence. Today, over 800 roam the 9,200 acre reserve and park.

Other fauna inhabiting the refuge include the keys marsh rabbit, sea turtles, alligators, the silver rice rat, Eastern diamond back rattlesnakes, and over a hundred other species of wildlife. There is a good amount of flora as well, spread out across a mix of tropical hardwood hammocks, marshes, mangroves, and rocklands.

There are two main nature trails in National Key Deer Refuge. The first is the "Nature Trail", which is just under a mile long and offers a great view of slash pine and thatch palms, and has a special "Mannillo Trail" for the handicap, disabled, or elderly family members with mobility issues.

The second hiking trail is "Blue Hole" and is famous for its wildlife encounters, particularly the alligators in the rock quarry and the aforementioned Key Deer, who use it as a natural water source.

http://www.fws.gov/nationalkeydeer/