Picture this: lush trails, ancient fossils, and a picturesque landscape that takes you right into the heart of Florida’s unique natural beauty. Yes, I’m talking about our recent trip to Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park in the beautiful Florida Keys. My sister, my brother and his partner joined CaptK and I for a few days of exploring the Upper Keys. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park was at the top of my list of places to explore.
Hiking Trails at Windley Key State Park
Once we started walking the trails of Windley Key State Park near Islamorada in the Florida Keys, I was instantly captivated by the beauty that surrounded me. The lush greenery, towering hardwood hammocks, and remnants of an old quarry all added to the charm of this lesser known state park. Walking along the trails, I felt a sense of peace and tranquility wash over me. The park's rich history and unique geological formations made each step a new adventure. From spotting wildlife to marveling at the turquoise waters, Windley Key State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
The minute we stepped onto the trail, I felt like I was walking through a living museum. The park offers several interpretive trails where you can wander among the ancient coral formations. Every time my foot hit the trail, I couldn't help but be amazed by the historical significance beneath me. Seeing fossilized corals that are millions of years old truly is mind blowing.
One of my favorite trails was the Quarry Trail. As we walked along, we came across signs explaining the various types of coral fossils, how they were formed, and what they tell us about the ancient environment of the Keys. It was not only visually stunning but also intellectually stimulating. And the best part, there was a gentle breeze and the trail is largely shaded which makes the walk pleasant even in the Florida heat.
Another trail worth mentioning is the Hammock Trail. This trail took us through a dense, tropical hardwood hammock that felt like stepping into another world. The cool shade offered a respite from the sun, and the air was filled with the sounds of native birds. It was the perfect place to take a moment, breathe deeply, and just enjoy being surrounded by nature.
Essential Online Links For Booking Your Trip to The Florida Keys
Logistics:
There are 2 airports that service The Florida Keys, Miami and Key West: Uber and Taxis are available, although you need to drive, take a shuttle service or take a bus from the airports to The Florida Keys. Multiple Passenger Transfers are available from Miami Airport: ☆Transportation Service - Miami International Airport
Visit BusBud for information on taking a bus to the Upper and Middle Florida Keys from Miami or Key West.
Top-rated Key Largo Tours and Experiences:
☆Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour (one of my favorite Florida Keys experience)
☆Snorkel Tour from John Pennekamp State Park (the best snorkeling tour)
☆Sunset Cruise (most romantic tour)
☆Glass Bottom Boat Tour (undersea life viewing for non-swimmers)
☆Playa Largo Resort (Luxury)
☆Reefhouse Resort (luxury)
☆Waterfront Cabanas (Budget Friendly)
☆Baker's Cay Resort (Luxury)
Top-rated Islamorada Tours and Experiences:
☆Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour (one of my favorite Florida Keys experience)
☆4 Hour Private Ecotour and Snorkeling Boat Tour (the best snorkeling tour)
☆Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise(most romantic tour)
☆Night Tour Glass Bottom Boat in Islamorada (undersea life viewing for non-swimmers)
☆Amara Cay Resort (Luxury)
☆Hadley Resort & Marina (Budget Friendly)
☆Islander Bayside Villas & Boatslips (Luxury)
☆Cheeca Lodge & Spa (Luxury)
My favorite Guidebook for The Florida Keys: Fodor's Florida Keys
My favorite Novel about The Florida Keys: The Last Train to Key West
Don’t forget to pack: Crossbody Bag for Sightseeing, Sun Screen, Comfortable Walking Shoes, My Favorite Packable Hat.
Natural Beauty
The park is known for its lush tropical hardwood hammock, filled with native plants and diverse wildlife. It's a paradise for nature enthusiasts, who will appreciate the various hiking trails that meander through the forest. For bird watchers, the park is a haven, as it provides opportunities to see numerous tropical bird species, especially in the winter months, when the park is full of migratory birds.
Geological Marvel
Here is some background on this amazing spot. Windley Key State Park is located in Islamorada, one of the gems of the Florida Keys. This park is unique because it sits upon a fossilized coral reef, exposed above sea level due to the incredibly slow processes of geological uplift and sea-level changes. The land was initially used by the Florida East Coast Railway for quarrying the fossilized coral to build the Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s. Today, it's a protected area that lets us step back in time and marvel at both natural history and human ingenuity.
Windley Key State Park offers illuminating information about Key Largo Limestone. Fossil corals and other ancient marine life are preserved in these rocks. They are a record of a unique part of Florida’s geologic history. Visitors to the park can stand inside a fossil reef, the same rocks that create the aquifer of the upper Florida Keys.
The Key Largo Limestone is a white to light gray limestone composed of coral heads. There are five primary coral species found within the Key Largo Limestone: star coral, porous coral and 3 types of brain corals. In addition to corals, fossil mollusks and other sea creatures are found in the Key Largo Limestone. When you can stand in a quarry cut within an ancient fossil reef, image this reef was alive (just like offshore today), with sea levels tens of feet above your head.
When you visit the park, you will notice layers of red soils called terra rossa within some of the quarry walls. Over thousands of years, naturally acidic rain water dissolved some of the limestone leaving behind a residue consisting mainly of African dust which was blown across the Atlantic Ocean. Agricultural fields on the Florida mainland west of Miami are named the Redlands because of the color added by this dust component. I find Florida's geological history is fascinating.
Outdoor Activities
For those looking to immerse themselves in outdoor activities, Windley Key State Park offers excellent opportunities for picnicking, photography, and ranger-led tours. The tranquil environment makes it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
The park is well maintained, offering picnic areas where you can take a break and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. There are restrooms available, which is always a big plus on any hiking trip. Don't forget to stop by the visitor center. The rangers on duty are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the park. They can provide insights into the history of the park and its geological significance.
Educational Exhibits
At the entrance to the Windley Key State Park is a small but detailed Visitor Center. It features exhibits about the local environment and the fossils found throughout the park. Seeing the fossilized corals up close in the exhibit hall was truly spectacular. It felt like a great way to conclude our exploration as it tied together all the elements of what I had seen on the trails.
And a little bonus for history buffs, the park also offers a detailed account of Henry Flagler’s quarry operations and the construction of the Overseas Railroad, which was an engineering marvel of its time. It’s fascinating to think that this remote slice of paradise played such a crucial role in connecting the Florida Keys to the mainland.
Practical Information
For those planning a trip, remember to bring plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes, and perhaps pack lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic tables. Also, make sure to have a camera or smartphone handy , you won’t want to miss capturing the stunning coral formations and diverse plant life.
Location: Mile Marker 84.9, Islamorada, FL.
Hours: Park is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Monday. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Ranger-led tours: Available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
Entrance Fee: $2.50 per person.
Visiting Windley Key State Park was an illuminating experience. It is the perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and educational fun. It provided me with a deeper appreciation for the geological and ecological wonders of the Florida Keys and the importance of preserving such unique sites.
So, if you’re ever in the Florida Keys, make sure to carve out some time for Windley Key State Park. I promise you’ll leave both rejuvenated and amazed by the stories this land has to tell.
Looking for more information on visiting The Florida Keys, check out these Blog Posts:
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