LONG KEY STATE PARK Or Viper Key
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HISTORY AND NATURE Early Spanish charts show Long Key as Cayo Vivora, LONG KEY STATE PARK or Viper Key. The name of Long Key was established 67400 Overseas Highway when Henry Flagler’s railroad reached the area in LONG KEY Long Key, FL 33001 the early 1900s. The bridge that reaches southwest STATE PARK to Conch Key was the longest yet constructed along 305-664-4815 the railroad right-of-way. By 1912, the Keys were traversed by rail, allowing A favorite of campers passengers to travel to Key West. The upscale Long and nature lovers Key Fishing Camp became a mecca for the rich PARK GUIDELINES and famous, as well as the world’s great saltwater • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. anglers, including famed author Zane Grey. This • An entrance fee is required. glamorous era came to an end when the Labor • All plants, animals and park property are protected. Day Hurricane of 1935 struck the middle Keys with Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. devastating force. Winds were estimated at over 200 miles per hour, and barometer readings were • Pets are not permitted on the shoreline, in the lower than any other hurricane to make landfall in water or in park facilities. Pets must be kept on a the United States. leash no longer than 6 feet and be well-behaved at all times. Long Key State Park officially opened in 1969, and has grown to encompass over 1,000 acres of • A Florida fishing license may be required. uplands and submerged lands. Long before the park • Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. was established, the subtropical climate, clear waters • Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in and abundance of marine life attracted explorers. designated areas only. Native Americans came to the Florida Keys long before the arrival of the first Spanish settlers. • Get involved at the park! Apply to become a volunteer at Floridastateparks.org. Ask at the Several native groups have inhabited the Florida ranger station about joining the Friends of the Keys, including the Tequesta, Calusa and, more Islamorada Area State Parks. recently, Seminoles. Archaeologists have found artifacts such as tools made from conch shells • For camping information, contact Reserve America plus pottery and discarded oyster shells from at 800-326-3521, or visit ReserveAmerica.com. these people. Native Americans likely first used • Florida’s state parks are committed to providing all the islands for ritual sites and seasonal foraging visitors equal access to all facilities and programs. grounds. Later they may have formed more Should you need assistance to enable your permanent settlements. participation, please contact the ranger station. FloridaStateParks.orgVisit us online at Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org#FLStateParks EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES Long Key State Park offers a glimpse of what the Florida Keys used to be. Visitors find fun and relaxation along the beautiful Atlantic coastline away from the distractions of the modern world. The main attraction of Long Key State Park are the oceanfront campsites hookups, restrooms with hot and a dump station. All sites is available.have water and electric Educational and recreational opportunities such as guided walks, illustrated talks, campfire programs, kayaking showers shoreline garden and flats Birding visitors year-round., birding are provided, , Two snorkeling Bicycling trails Long Key State Park Orb Trail, named after a native spider, is a leisurely Parking are located within the park., The Golden one-hour walk. Be sure to pick upfishing a trailpicnicking map for a Camping short self-guided tour along the trail. The Layton are enjoyed Trail by Picnicking , is a quick 15-minute walk on the bayside of the park. Canoe Launch It offers great opportunities for watching the sunset. Tent Fishing /Group Camping Birding winter and spring, migratory birds are plentiful. Restrooms is a popular activity year-round. During the Hiking Roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, reddish egrets, Showers yellow-crowned night herons, raptors and many other species are seen in the area. Long Key is listed Snorkeling in the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail (South Florida) for the white-crowned pigeon. Flats Legend major fishingattraction to the area. A To Miami Park Boundary Florida Keys Overseas for bonefish, Heritage permit Trail, orand drive tarpon down is a City of Layton U.S. 1, will take you to two fishing bridges. To the US Highway south is the Long Key Bridge and to the north is the County Road Channel 2 Bridge. Bridge fishing for snapper, sharks Park Road Paved and barracuda is popular at these locations.bicycle ride Park Road Stabilized Layton Trail Lo ng K Park Road Unstabilized ey down the Big Walkways ht Trails y Ba Structures da lori Parking Lots F Entrance Station Golden Orb Trail Platform Observation Tower Atl ant ic O Campfire Circle ce an Directions´ LONG KEY STATE PARK Long Key State Park is located at Mile BASE MAP 0 0.Marker25 67.50. 5on Long Key, 15 miles 1 Mile Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks southwestDa tofe of A eIslamoradarial: 2011 and approximately 17 miles northeast of Marathon. 00255_Rev_01.19.