Blue Hole Trail

Blue Hole Trail is an easy 0.3-mile loop from the kiosk and back, including the viewing spurs and the return path. The mapped sections add to 0.17 mile, but that figure does not say whether it includes the return or the full circuit. Allow 20 to 30 minutes if you want time at the water. I'd stop for the clear quarry and a chance to watch wildlife; the walk is brief, and animal sightings are never guaranteed.

From the paved lot, take the short path to the right for an overlook, then return to the kiosk and follow the left path. Keep right at its fork to reach the observation platform. The paved, shaded path to the platform is accessible; beyond it, the shoreline route is worn and the garden return is natural tread, so the full circuit is less even. At the junction where you can see a paved road, keep right and turn around at the fenced quarry road. The garden path brings you back toward the kiosk. Refuge trails are open from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Dogs are allowed on leash; bikes are not.

This water-filled hole was a limestone quarry. Stone taken here helped build the Overseas Highway. From the platform, look for the clear shallows and cattails along the near edge; the rest of the pond drops into the old quarry basin.

The refuge lists alligators, turtles, fish and a variety of birds around Blue Hole. Key deer also come to the freshwater. Native trees along the path include pigeon plum, gumbo limbo and silver buttonwood. Poisonwood grows near the natural trail, so stay on the marked tread; the water is alligator habitat and isn't for swimming.