Fort View Nature Trail at Fort Zachary Taylor
Fort View Nature Trail
After a self-guided tour of the preserved 19th century Civil War fort at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, we traverse the Fort View Nature Trail, a sandy path with cliffs above Fort Taylor’s majestic moat and a view of the coastal structure. Hanging from low overhead branches like two kids at the trail head, we talk and giggle in the Florida sunshine. We spot a few iguanas, which scatter beneath our feet when we get too close, and we meander along the green mucky moat’s edges, admiring the constructed fortitude before us. Grassy shrubs separate the path from the moat, with the path now completely open to the blazing sunshine overhead. A bike trail parallels the walking trail and leads to a route along the harbor.
Bastion of Fort Zachary Taylor
In hasty anticipation, I run up to the water’s edge, where slippery grey boulders and tall palm trees line the shoreline, offering potential spots to sit and fish or bask in the sunshine. Hand-in-hand, we climb upon the rocks, capturing views of the aqua marines, every shade of blue filling the scenic landscape. I perch upon a particularly large flat boulder and sink my feet into the cool harbor waters. Pausing here for several moments, we gaze out into the horizon while tiny snails slink along the rocks at our feet. We let the waves splash up on our bodies and revel in the cool water and warm afternoon air. We hold hands and sit in silence together, in true awe of the beauty just within reach.
Key West Harbor at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Artistic rock formations lead our walk toward the picnic area, our tummies growling, our bodies covered in salt, sweat, and sunshine. A brief stroll along Point Trail brings us to picnic tables, mostly shaded by weathered foliage, and we get pulled back into reality, hearing sounds of screaming children and splashing tourists in the beach area. We settle on a bench at a cozy distance away from the crowds and indulge in our plant bites. Within the picnic area, there is beach access for swimmers and fishermen and a concession area serving hot meals.
Point Trail
After lunch, we take on the remainder of the nature trail with roots protruding, twisting and turning, making this a jungle-like adventure. Luxurious hammocks offer most welcome shade overhead, as we read the various educational signage of surrounding plants and wildlife. We frolic around, taking our time, hearing birds flutter around in the trees, aware that our journey is coming to an end, and we soak up every sunshine-filled moment in Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
Fort View Nature Trail
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