This section of the trail offers fantastic views of the Atlantic and the Gulf and is a flat pathway with a combination of mixed surfaces, including asphalt, crushed stone, and loose gravel. It runs along John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the island of Key Largo—with plenty of souvenir shops and delicious local dining options.
As you continue, the trail is shaded by the tropical flora of a hardwood hammock, featuring plants and trees that are native to the West Indies. The formation of the Keys, influenced by wind, water, and birds that carried seeds, contributed to the development of these forests and is a welcome escape from the sun, especially on hot summer days.