M. HUSEBYE Black Island Trail is great for biking or just taking a stroll along one of Lover’s Key State Park canals.

KICKER: Summer outdoor activity series #1

M HUSEBYE photos

Tucked away in the mangroves and indigenous trees of Lover’s Key Carl E. Johnson State Park between the north entrance near Big Carlos Pass and the south (main) entrance near New Pass are two bicycle trails/hiking paths that are both roughly 2.5 miles long. One path is unnamed and not fully cleared, while the other is a maritime hammock path called Black Island Trail.

Built in 2000, Black Island Trail is accessible by the trail head at the main entrance’s lot #2 or by an unmarked path three quarters of a mile from the north entrance’s pay station. The bike ride loop from the trail head and back takes roughly 20 minutes at a casual pace.

The trail features native plants and animals, sheltered benches and bordering saltwater canals with launch spots for paddle craft. Podium information stands highlight the live vegetation and creatures such as the Spangler fig, sea grape trees, Spanish moss, prickly pear cactus, sable palm, bottlenose dolphin, manatee, osprey, blue herons and gumbo limbo trees.

M. HUSEBYE The main entrance of Black Island Trail at Lover’s Key State Park.

The surface of the trail varies from gravel-like, hard-packed sand to cut grass to softer sand. Take caution for exposed tree roots along the path.

Upon entering the main entrance on bicycles and paying the $2-per-bike fee at the ranger station, make your way past parking lots #1 (main parking area) and #3 (parking for the picnic area or excess parking for beach access) and find the trail head sign behind lot #2. Roughly 200 yards into the trail is a bulletin board at points-of-interest marker #2 that offers pictures of reptiles and amphibians in Lover’s Key and a trail map with a layout of the island. A nearby butterfly garden showcases various plants which attracts several species of butterflies.

The trail traverses either to the left through the butterfly garden and onto a service road or to the right past the bulletin board until it nearly reaches a section of the canal ideal for fishing or launching a canoe/kayak. There, it broadens into a two-way path where a trail sign directs you south bordering the canal on the east.

After a minute or two of biking, the route takes a solid right at marker #4 and the trail becomes a one-way loop. The loop opens to a clearing which has a trail shelter overlooking another canal to the west before ascending nearly 150 yards. This sudden incline is known as “the Hill” and its descent leads to marker #5 and the first of two shortcuts which, if chosen, shortens the journey to one mile.

The aromatic scent of native foliage can be heightened by a light rain while various butterflies and snowy egret(s) seek shelter. It is not uncommon to witness gopher tortoises, marsh rabbits, green iguanas, manatees and black racer snakes along the path. The alligator, loggerhead sea turtle, box turtle, mangrove water snake, eastern coral snake, squirrel tree frog, cuban tree frog and India pacific gecko are some of the reptiles and amphibians that also can be seen on the trail.

M. HUSEBYE This terrain section of the trail is well-maintained low grass.

After an undulating course through the trees, the trail cuts back toward the first canal where a second shortcut and the one mile mark is designated. This shortcut, if chosen, turns to the left at marker #6 and would shorten the trip to 1.8 miles.

The main loop continues north and up a slight incline to the tip of the island at marker #7 which is the midway point of the full trip. Along the way, a view of Little Carlos Pass and the bridge that stretches over it can be seen through the “gates,” -a paddle craft opening in the mangroves which leads out to the Back Bay (note: combustion engine boats are not permitted in the canals).

After the midway point, the trail turns southward with a view of the second canal before a easterly 90-degree turn followed by a south easterly 45-degree turn keeps the average biker honest.

The navigation then becomes easier through the fairway-like grassy section of the trail. The view is still spectacular and two small islands can be seen in the canal along the way.

The mile 2 sign and trail head sign are within view and, soon after, the trail comes to a “T” where another posted arrow sign directs you to turn right and back onto the two-way section. From there, back track to the butterfly garden by taking a left at the specified sign or continue straight ahead to the service road. This road, if a right is taken, is a half mile to the Big Carlos parking area or, if a left is chosen, is a third of a mile to the main parking area/beach access.

M. HUSEBYE An orange monarch enjoys down time in the butterfly garden.

The trail is complete but the exploration can continue by visiting the canoe/kayak rentals and gift shop building with attached public rest rooms. A nearby tram shelter where a free ride to the beach is offered.

Another information display is on site regarding regional Florida state parks, recreational areas, birds and shelling. Pictures and information about shorebirds (terns, plovers, dowitchers, skinners and laughing gulls) and wading birds (roseate spoonbill, egrets, pelicans, seagulls, willets and ibises) can be read while waiting for the next tram.

Bikers can forgo the tram and proceed across two bridges to the pristine beach (or go across one bridge and take the newly paved tram road to the main beach area). A dip in the Gulf to cool off from the heat is recommended or a walk along the beach where shelling is very popular is good for stretching the lower body.

Please take heed to the bird and turtle nesting areas by not disturbing the staked sections and wire cages that protect the eggs. The Florida Park Service takes environmental protection seriously.

The sun sets on the beachfront of Lover’s Key State Park.