Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve

Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve is an 8.7-acre village preserve on the bayside of Upper Matecumbe Key, with tropical rockland hammock, a historic cottage, and a kayak launch toward Little Basin. Treat it as a quick break, not a long hike: the two mulched trail sections make a flat 0.4-mile loop. The entrance is an inconspicuous gate at 81224 Overseas Highway, just north of Mile Marker 81; park in the designated area inside.

The narrow path winds through dense trees and along the edge of the boat basin before it returns toward the cottage and parking. Watch for the Keys tree cactus on a rocky outcrop and plant signs along the way. Poisonwood grows close to the first section, so stay on the path and avoid touching unfamiliar leaves.

The cottage was built before the 1935 hurricane and moved to the preserve later. It now houses the Islamorada Environmental Resource Center and Florida Bay Forever's office and gift shop. The exhibits and local programs give this small stop more to it than the walk alone; the cottage is not a meal stop.

A two-story pavilion sits at the rear of the preserve, with a view of Little Basin and Florida Bay from its upper level. Nearby, a floating launch reaches the water through a short mangrove passage. The Village describes the launch as ADA-accessible and restricts it to non-motorized craft; that applies to the launch, not necessarily to the narrow walking paths.

Islamorada acquired the property in 2006 to protect habitat and support environmental education and compatible recreation. Tropical rockland hammock once covered more of the Upper and Middle Keys, but development has removed much of it. Here, the short walk gives you a close look at one of the remaining patches, with limestone outcrops beneath the trees.