Plantation Hammock Preserve Loop

This is a short perimeter loop through a narrow, shaded tropical hammock at Founders Park, with broad wood-chip paths and a bench overlooking Florida Bay. The scale-marked route map measures the drawn perimeter at about 0.5 mile; a written route account gives 0.6 mile. Internal cross-trails and a short shoreline path to a second bench can add walking, so use about 0.5 mile for the mapped circuit and allow 20–30 minutes with a stop at the water. The terrain appears nearly level, though no trail-specific climb or time is published.

Enter Founders Park at mile marker 87 on the bay side, turn right behind the Islamorada Visitor Center, and continue to the preserve's natural-surface lot. On foot, take the first fork left and keep straight past a canopied swing. After roughly a quarter mile, the path reaches the marina docks and a bench on the bay; a beaten shore path leads to a quieter second bench. Return to the perimeter, stay close to the condos, then take the right fork at the final junction back to parking. Dogs are not permitted. Public restrooms are at adjacent Founders Park, not on the preserve. Nonresident park admission may apply; separate preserve-only access is not described.

Mosaic-topped benches and colorful art mark the cross-trails. A large ficus shades the path beside Founders Park's tennis courts, while flowering shrubs attract butterflies. The route passes an elevated patch with remnants of a foundation and patio; its earlier use is not established. The Village bought the preserve in 2003, and wild cotton is noted along the return.