Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Discover a serene botanical haven in Key Largo, protecting rare plants and offering peaceful trails through mangroves and forests.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer mosquitoes, pleasant temps
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Best Time
Fewer mosquitoes, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a serene botanical haven in Key Largo, protecting rare plants and offering peaceful trails through mangroves and forests.
"A beautiful, peaceful gem with unique flora, but be prepared for the mosquitoes!"
🦟 Bring STRONG Bug Spray!
Essential for enjoying the trails. Locals and visitors warn of heavy mosquito presence.
🗺️ Grab Your Park Map
Check behind the first info board for a laminated map.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Port Bougainville Trail
North end of the park
Hike through mangroves and coastal views, but keep moving to deter mosquitoes!
Butterfly Garden & Picnic Area
Near the entrance
A picturesque spot for a break, offering a peaceful respite amidst nature.
Rare Tropical Flora
Throughout the park
Discover over 80 protected plant species, including rare tropical trees and wild cotton.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Bugs!
Trail Conditions & Maps
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦟 Bring STRONG Bug Spray!
Essential for enjoying the trails. Locals and visitors warn of heavy mosquito presence.
🗺️ Grab Your Park Map
Check behind the first info board for a laminated map.
🥾 Wear Long Pants & Sleeves
Extra protection against mosquitoes and the sun.
💧 Watch for Flooded Trails
The NE corner can be submerged; take detours if needed.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Bring STRONG Bug Spray!
Essential for enjoying the trails. Locals and visitors warn of heavy mosquito presence.
🗺️ Grab Your Park Map
Check behind the first info board for a laminated map.
🥾 Wear Long Pants & Sleeves
Extra protection against mosquitoes and the sun.
💧 Watch for Flooded Trails
The NE corner can be submerged; take detours if needed.
🧺 Picnic Spot Available
Enjoy the pretty Butterfly Garden/Picnic Area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park as a beautiful, peaceful, and less-trafficked natural escape in Key Largo. The diverse plant life and serene trails are highlights, offering a glimpse into the unique ecosystem of the Florida Keys. However, the significant presence of mosquitoes is a recurring concern that can detract from the experience if not adequately prepared for.
"We visited on a Monday morning in late December 2024. There was one other car there when we arrived. We ran into the other person as we were walking in past the gate. He was very friendly and actually talked to us and gave us a bunch of tips.
He mentioned how the trail on the far end was a little submerged and muddy and suggested we avoid that and do the short loops. He also warned us about lots of mosquitos. The temps were in the 60s. The other tip is that the park provides map for you in both English and Spanish but they catch is they attach it to the back of the first info board. So make sure you check behind if you want a nice laminated map and remember to put it back when you're done. We went ahead and paid it forward as we were leaving and another group of people were coming in for the first time.
When you hike in there is pit toilet in between the two parallel trails at the beginning. My wife used it and said it was pretty bad. We've used pit toilets plenty on our adventures and she said you need to be pretty desperate to use this one. It was pretty full.
If you walk a little further there is a really nice Butterfly Garden/Picnic Area which is very pretty and picturesque. The only problem was mosquitos. The local who we bumped into and talked with us had on long pants and long sleeves. We should've taken that as a hint. We did do the Port Bougainville Trail until we hit the spur. We soon realized that we needed to keep hauling it and as long as you kept moving it was harder for the mosquitos to get you. There were some really nice views on this trail but if you stopped more than 10 sec to enjoy the views of the water, you were immediately swarmed by mosquitos. There have been very few other trails we've been on where it was this bad and we've hiked over 100 different trails since COVID all on the East Coast.
This park is a great little hidden gem but the only thing really keeping it from being 5 stars is the lack of mosquito control. We may visit again in the future but not super high priority on our list."
David L.
"It's a really nice area for trail walking. Toilet house is outhouse but it was clean and stocked with tissue. There's a really nice garden area for a picnic or just a sit, rest and enjoy spot. On the north end of the full loop it was flooded; so we took the cut to head back down the trail."
Diana Greenlee
"What a beautiful park. We experienced so many different species of plants, and trees. The entire circled throughout forest, and mangroves."
Benjamin Allison
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in Key Largo, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, making it a popular day trip destination from Miami. +1
No, it's quite close! It's less than an hour's drive from Miami, making it a convenient day trip option.
From Miami, take US-1 South towards Key Largo. The park entrance will be on your right. It's a straightforward drive along the scenic Overseas Highway.
Yes, there is parking available within the park. It's generally not crowded, especially on weekdays.
Absolutely! It's a great stop on a longer Florida Keys itinerary, offering a different experience from the coastal towns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park operates on an honor system for entry fees. Be prepared to pay a small fee upon arrival.
While specific hours aren't always strictly enforced, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully enjoy the trails.
No advance booking is typically required. You can usually pay the honor system fee upon arrival.
The park is generally accessible year-round, but trail conditions can vary, especially with seasonal flooding.
There are pit toilets available near the start of the trails, though their condition can vary.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The park features walking and cycling trails that wind through diverse habitats, including forests and mangroves.
The park is home to over 80 protected plant species and is a habitat for animals like rare tropical trees, wild cotton, and crocodiles.
Yes, the diverse plant life and natural setting make it a potential spot for birdwatching, though specific sightings can vary.
Yes, there's a nice Butterfly Garden/Picnic Area with tables and benches, perfect for a relaxing break.
Light, breathable clothing is recommended. Given the mosquitoes, long pants and sleeves are highly advised, along with sturdy walking shoes.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lush greenery, unique flora, and serene mangrove landscapes. The Butterfly Garden also offers picturesque scenes.
Definitely! The park's protected plants and natural habitats provide excellent subjects for nature photographers.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
The trails offer various perspectives of the forest and mangrove ecosystems. Keep an eye out for clearings with water views.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive natural landscapes and dense foliage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the park is more about nature observation than active play, it can be a refreshing change of pace from more crowded tourist spots. The honor system entry is also convenient for families. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for walking on trails, and keep a close eye on them, especially near any water features or denser vegetation.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
Be aware of the potential for mosquitoes and wear appropriate attire and repellent. The park's relatively low visitor traffic means you can often enjoy a serene experience. If you encounter flooded sections, be prepared to turn back or find an alternate route. The park's natural beauty and quiet atmosphere make it ideal for a contemplative nature walk.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails and Wildlife
The park is a sanctuary for over 80 protected plant species, including rare tropical trees and wild cotton. While the focus is on botanical preservation, the natural habitat also supports various wildlife. Keep an eye out for signs of crocodiles, though sightings are not guaranteed. The abundance of plant life also makes it a haven for insects, which brings us to a crucial point: mosquitoes.
Many visitors, including locals, strongly advise bringing potent insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants. The mosquitoes can be quite persistent, especially during warmer months or after rain. The key to enjoying the trails, according to some, is to keep moving, as this makes it harder for the insects to land. Despite the bug situation, the park offers a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with Florida's natural beauty.
Understanding the Park's History and Purpose
The park's name honors Dagny Johnson, a local environmentalist who was instrumental in advocating for the protection of this area. Her efforts, along with those of other conservationists, led to the establishment of the park, ensuring that this valuable piece of Florida's natural heritage would be preserved for future generations. The park serves as a living laboratory for studying and appreciating the delicate balance of its ecosystem.
Today, the park invites visitors to explore its trails and learn about the importance of botanical conservation. It's a place where the past as a developed area meets the present as a thriving natural reserve, offering a unique perspective on land use and environmental stewardship in the Florida Keys.
Social
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