This is an old quarry from the time when the railroad was built. It takes about 30 minutes to see it all. There are a few alligators living there. Lots of fish to see. There were some park employees on site who were a wealth of information. And it's free. read more

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We didn't see any wildlife but enjoyed stretching our legs and that the trees were marked with the names of the trees.

Over the years we've spent in the Florida Keys, I've always heard about the alligators that lived in a small fresh water lake. And we finally visited to see them. I learned beforehand that there are only two there these days because some drunk guys killed one. There is a path/trail around the lake and it's very nice. Nice place for a short walk and there are places to view the lake and maybe get lucky to see the alligators. I was surprised to get to see one of the alligators; smaller than I had expected but still amazing to see. We also saw a lot of birds and fish around the banks of the lake. Even though I have seen them many times, I was more excited to see some Key Deer near our car just outside the parking area (on the main road). They are the cutest things ever. read more

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A favorite spot of ours when we are in the keys. It's just a short drive up on big pine key. There are a few parking spots and they never seem full. The walk is a short one around the pond where there are usually two alligators. This time we saw them right under the viewing platform but we've also sent them near the waters edge on the other side of the pond. There's always other types of wildlife nearby to enjoy as well. It's a pretty peaceful spot to stretch your legs. As you're driving around looking for the key deer, check out the Blue Hole. read more

Blue Hole Observation Platform - Lurking just under the water by the deck - Hiking Near Me - Big Pine Key, Florida

I'm a sucker for all those hidden gems that are tucked away off the beaten path.... If you like outdoors and nature, then this is one of the good spots to explore. Blue Hole is located within the National Key Deer Refuge; it was once a rock quarry and is now one of the better known fresh water preserves (pond) with various trails and vegetation. There a some signage boards that provide plenty of information about the land, the trails and a general understanding of the roles of nature. Around the lake are trails (some concrete sidewalk and some of the indigenous ground cover of cap rock and/or loose rock with sand). All along the trails are groups of trees which are labeled to give visitors a better understanding of various trees that grow throughout the florida keys (such as Sea Grape and Gumbo-Limbo). Around the Blue Hole are observations platforms for a better view and a nice spot to enjoy the silence. Interestingly enough there are two alligators in the pond so keep an eye out at the observation platforms and hopefully you'll see them. There was a third one once upon a time but sadly a group of drunken fool killed one. Another surprising fact is there are a few Tarpon in the pond; Tarpon a saltwater fish that can tolerate fresh water... back in 2005 there was storm surge that brought the saltwater over the entire area, when the water settled back down, there was some Tarpon left behind in the pond and they have been here since. Also, keep your attentions to the surroundings as you may get lucky to see the Key Deer. read more

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This is literally just a place to stop and watch nature. It is part of the National Key Deer Refuge and is a place to see wildlife in their natural habitat. The viewing platform overlooks a freshwater pond, where you might spot turtles, fish, and occasionally an alligator. It's also a good place to catch a glimpse of the Key deer that roam this area. Don't feed the deer if you run across them. Human food is bad for the deer. For obvious reasons no one is getting close enough to the alligators to feed them, but the no-feeding rule applies to all of the animals. Logistics are pretty straightforward. The platform is easy to find, located off Key Deer Boulevard. Parking is free, but spaces are limited, so it's best to arrive early, especially during peak tourist times. The walk to the platform is short and accessible. There are no restrooms on-site, so plan accordingly. While it's a peaceful spot, it's not a full-day destination. You can explore it in about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you linger to watch the wildlife. I do see bird watchers here sometimes and they stay longer. Bug spray is a must--mosquitoes can be relentless, especially in the summer months. This is worth a stop if you're in the area. It's a serene, nature-ish experience and a nice break from the hustle of the more touristy parts of the Keys. Just come prepared for the bugs and bring your camera for wildlife spotting. read more

We stopped here on our way down to KW. I love little spots like this! We didn't get lucky enough to see the alligators but we did get to see some birds and we got up close and personal with a key deer which was awesome! We also got some lemonade from a young entrepreneur who picked the perfect spot to sell his ice cold beverage! Short stop but worth it for us! read more

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I can't believe it took me so long to write a review for Blue Hole. It is a small preserve but it's free Florida fun, located in Big Pine Key. There are two trails. One of the trails is extremely short and the other one leads to an observation deck overlooking a freshwater lake. If I'm not mistaken, it is only the body of fresh water in the Keys. The hike is about a quarter-mile. It is a beautiful area. It is also home to many Florida species. You'll most likely see two resident alligators waiting to be fed. Don't feed the wildlife! If you are lucky you might see Key Deers (an endangered species of deer), turtles, iguanas, snakes, and other animals. If you are a plant/tree enthusiast, you'll see all sorts of interesting flora. If you have not visited Blue Hole, make sure to put it on your to-do list. 5 stars. read more

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Good small fun this Free Florida attraction. It's a short crescent walk about most of Blue Hole, another one of Flagler's quarries used to build the Overseas Railroad that's inadvertantly become something to behold. Lol It's mostly a freshwater "hole" and all manner of curious flora and fauna surround. Highlights are the elusive resident gators and Key deer, but you might could get lucky. Sometimes we do, sometimes we don't. Also watch out for the poisonwood, blast! read more

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We wouldn't have known about this quiet little gem if we hadn't been doing some "exploring" on Google maps before our trip, and noticed... a BIG BLUE HOLE!! My husband was determined to try to find it, and I'm so glad he was, because it NOT easy, but definitely worth it!! The GPS directions are not 100% correct, so follow the signs as you wind in and out through a neighborhood (watch out for Key deer in the evening!!) and you'll eventually find a small parking lot. Unless we missed something, it's a VERY small hike, only about a 1/4 of the way around the water hole, but there's quite a bit to see, including the two resident alligators, who were just hanging out right by the first observation deck. We saw deer, tons of different birds and plants I just WISH I could ID, and more. A very peaceful spot, great for photographers, and a wonderful spot to "escape" and imagine you're in a tropical jungle... Hey, that's EXACTLY where you are!!! :-) read more

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It's a pond. Saw some minnows and a gar (fish). No birds, deer or anything else. Quick walk and a decent path but not much to it.

This National Wildlife Refuge, The Blue Hole is a fresh water oasis in the Keys. This nature trail has several plants named with clear markers, which helps kids and adults learn that system of genus - species used in science. There is a lot to hold your interest too- several sign to not feed the American Alligators-- and they are close by, basking in the pond! Also in the pond are Atlantic Tarpon, sunfish, mosquito fish and tropical fish. Plants include Poisonwood, palms and several birds enjoy this fresh water haven. It's easy to find- a couple miles from the Winn--Dixie and the Key Deer Bookstore that has a small museum with a great selection of Nature books. (Store 305-872-0645 has information on local nature events.) read more

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A very simple park with some short trails to get a nice look over the water. The observation area had a gater hanging out right under it, which is apparently a frequent resting spot for them. Sadly we did not see any of the small deer. read more

Blue Hole Observation Platform - Hiking Near Me - Big Pine Key, Florida

If you are visiting the lower keys in particularly big Pine key, this is a cool place to stop and check out the nature. There's a couple of nice docks that you can relax and watch for the two alligators to surface. If you are taking a small patch with you. Be very cautious that, the alligators do come out of the water periodically. Watch the turtles and the fish and the exotic birds. A very relaxing place to go. If you need directions, it's very simple there's only one stoplight in big pine key. Take that turn to the east, and follow the left angled Road all the way down which is big pine key road. Easy parking safe area enjoy the lower Keys. read more

Good if you want to see a crocodile and are near by but otherwise, not much to see. Short trail, will take about 15 minutes total. read more

Easy short walk around the Blue Hole. Easy parking. Depending on the time of day you can see the big alligator hanging around the observation deck. read more

a very short trail to the observation deck with nice view of the water but there isn't much to do besides make the quick 10 minute loop thru the area read more

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Good little walk and every time we go we see Key Deer (either on the drive in or at the park) the alligators and assorted fish (Tarpon) and turtles. read more

.A great hidden gem in the lower Florida Keys. You can see the two gators who live there now and so much wildlife in such a little spot. Turtles and fish are abundant take your camera if you go read more

Very cool. We love going here and walking around-relaxing and enjoying the wildlife and scenery. We are locals and this is natural Florida for sure :) Bes thing is to take a picnic lunch out here and enjoy an afternoon read more

Very peaceful. Drove past it not realizing at first. The GPS tried to sent us where there wasn't an entrance. I was hoping to see an alligator, but no luck. It was a nice little walk. read more

Super cool got to see alligators and crabs and all sorts of fish. Very neat and informative. Had two very nice people explaining the history of the quarry. Will go back to show the rest of the family ! read more