Long Key State Park, Florida...

Paddling in the Middle Keys

Long Key State Park is located at mile marker 67.5 on the Overseas Highway. A sheltered, 1.5 marked paddling trail within a lagoon is suitable for novice paddlers, by kayak or canoe. The 965-acre park has parking, camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking trails, boardwalk, snorkeling, and swimming. The Golden Orb and Layton trails offer interpretative exhibits; all the campsites are waterfront. The park is a popular destination for bird watching. Admission fee. (Detailed map and photos below.)

paddle Long Key State Park, Florida Keys, kayak, canoe

Paddling Map
Longn Key, FL Keys

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Distance: varies; 1.5 mile marked trail
Location: Layton (US1)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Tidal: Yes
Launch points: Canoe/kayak launch to paddling trail is near the ranger station, or launch onto ocean at the beach (See map)
Nearby points of interest: Marathon (15 miles south)

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

Pier 68 (rentals)
Long Key State Park (rentals, at the ranger station)

Support and Advocacy:

Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks

Page Summary:

Paddling at Long Key State Park
- On the canoe/kayak trai
- To Long Key Bight
- Launches
More Information and Resources

Paddling at Long Key State Park... Comments and Photos

We launched at the kayak/canoe launch along the park road onto the canoe/kayak trail. We exited the paddling trail to check out Long Key Bight, past a residential area and along mangrove-lined canals. Back on the paddling trail, we returned to launch. Paddling on the big water can be affected by wind and tide. Many birds and fish, turtles, starfish, and horseshoe crabs are seen here.

Paddling on the canoe/kayak trail

paddling Long Key State Park, Florida Keys, kayak, canoe

Leaving the launch

On the paddling trail

Follow the markers

Final marker, returning to launch

Return to launch

Paddling to Long Key Bight

Past homes along the canals

Past homes

Mangrove lined

Long Key Bight

Launches

Rental kayaks are oceanside at the beach launch. The kayak/canoe launch to the marked paddling trail is along the park road just past the ranger station.