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Recreation Areas |
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Adolphus Busch |
To the west of Looe Key
lies the wreck of Adolphus Busch, Sr., sunk in 110 feet of water in 1998. this artificial
reef is
bursting with marine life. An often seen 350-puond jewfish usually can
be seen as well as large grouper and millions of silvery bait fish.
the sea growth on the Bush's hull creates a giant wall of
marine biology. |
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| Blue Heron
Park |
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Big Pine Key 872-0292
Big Pine Athletic Association |
The Blue Hole |
 The
Blue Hole is an abandoned limestone quarry. The rock material
removed was used to build many of the original roads on Big Pine
Key. Since there is no inlet or outlet to the Blue Hole, its
existence is dependent on rainfall and from salt water which flows
through the surrounding limestone. Fish, turtles, alligators and the
occasional wading bird can be found in the Blue Hole Alligators can
be seen hugging the shoreline, lazily sunning themselves. Do not
feed or molest the alligators--it is dangerous and illegal! Access
for the disabled is provided. |
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Kohen Boat Ramp
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Kohen Boat
Ramp is a secluded place among the mangrove trees where you can
enjoy this scenic view of the lower Florida Keys. It's a nice
place to hang out and look at the many mangrove islands across the
tranquil waters of the "back country". The water off the
ramp is only about one foot deep so it is only good to launch small
boats from here.
To get there go north
on Key Deer Blvd about 3 1/2 miles from US-1. Turn right (across
from the Blue Hole) on Big Pine St. Go to the second street--Kohen
St. and turn left (north). It's at the end of this pretty island
road. |
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Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary
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 The Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary
is widely regarded as on of the most spectacular reefs in the Florida
Keys. Named after the H.M.S. Looe, which sank in 1744, the
sprawling sanctuary varies in depth from less than six feet to more
than 100 feet, making it an ideal snorkeling and diving site for
beginners and experts alike. Looe Key boasts an impressive array of
large star and brain coral, as well as colorful parrotfish, barracuda,
loggerhead turtles, tarpon as big as a man and every other tropical
fish imaginable. |
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Wildlife
Trails
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These two trail heads are
located right next to each other in the parking lot about 1/4 mile
north of the Blue Hole on Key Deer Blvd. |
The Jack C.
Watson Wildlife Trail
A 2/3 mile loop through pine
rock-land
forest and freshwater wetlands. |
The Fred C. Manillo Wildlife Trail
An 800-foot wheelchair accessible pathway,
ending at the observation platform overlooking a freshwater wetland.
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Watson Field
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Big Pine Key 872-0292
Big Pine Athletic Association |
