Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park protects one of the largest remaining tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the United States. More than six miles of nature trails offer a quiet place to walk, bicycle, watch birds and study the rare plants and animals of northern Key Largo.
Explore the Tropical Hardwood Hammock
The dense canopy includes native tropical hardwoods growing over exposed coral limestone. Gumbo-limbo, strangler fig, palms and poisonwood are among the plants visitors may encounter. Stay on the trail and avoid touching unfamiliar vegetation; poisonwood can cause a severe skin reaction.
Birdwatchers and photographers can look for resident and migrating species in the shaded forest. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and visitors should not feed or approach animals. The park has no beach—the attraction is its hammock ecosystem and trail network.
Trails and Accessibility
Most park trails are paved and accessible to bicycles and wheelchairs. A self-guided nature trail begins near the main entrance, while the extended Port B Trail includes gravel and leaf-littered coral-rock surfaces with one- and two-mile loop choices. Conditions become more primitive away from the entrance, so choose a route that matches your mobility, heat tolerance and available daylight.
Florida Keys heat and humidity can be intense even under the canopy. Carry water, use insect protection and allow more time than the mileage suggests. Thunderstorms can develop quickly, and coral-rock edges can be slippery when wet.
Hours, Fees and Directions
The park is open from sunrise to sunset every day. As verified in August 2026, admission is $2.50 per person and is paid through the honor box. Ranger-guided tours may be available, but schedules can change.
The entrance is on County Road 905, about one-half mile north of U.S. Highway 1 at Mile Marker 106. The previous article address at Loquat Drive did not accurately identify the public entrance, so the map now points to the verified CR 905 entrance area. Check the official Dagny Johnson park page for current fees, tours, trail conditions and alerts, or call 305-676-3777.
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