Little Rabbit Key

[Dennis McDonald]

I am planning a trip to Flamingo in a couple weeks and was wondering if anyone has info on getting out to Little Rabbit Key. We have stayed at Alligator Creek many times but thought this would be something different. Any info would be great thanks Dennis

[Terry]

Little Rabbit Key is a great campground but

save it for a family camping trip out of your

powerboat.

 

 

[Dennis McDonald]

We are planning on motoring out in our gheenoe and doing some fishing or snorkel around the island. Is the channel marked or do you just watch the water depth? We figure maybe the bugs won't be to bad out there. This is our first summer trip usually go over New Years. Thanks

[Terry]

There's a deep water channel around the island with a small entrance on the northeast side,

just use the nautical chart.   You can get a good size boat in there.  Remember, any site

that has a piss pit is your indication what size boat can go there,

Stinky is a 25 foot outboard barge.

Bugs will be thick and it will be hot.

 

You mentioned you stayed at Alligator Creek often, if you use paddlecraft I hope

you're using the original Noble Hammock Canoe Trail to get there.

[Dennis McDonald]

You think the bugs will be bad even that far from the mainland ? I am not sure of the Noble Hammock Canoe Trail we go thru west lake, long lake , the lungs. Thanks

[Terry]

 

Of course bugs are bad.

Next time you're in West Lake, take the creek (Still Creek) that goes north from

the northeast end of the lake.  It's shown on the nautical charts.  That's the

original Nobles Hammock Canoe Trail, Bill Nobles route to the bay.

 

 

[Dennis McDonald]

We always thought Noble Hammock was a Loop. That looks like a better time than crossing West Lake. Although last time it was like glass on the way home it seemed to only take minutes crossing after the trip in. Lots of whitecaps strong winds blowing in our faces the whole way across. That was the first time I paddled the kayak I bought the weekend before. We just really want to see the area in the summer, experience the bugs. We are taking thermocells and a screen room that both tents fit in so we should be able to cope. What about Shark Point Chickee? How are the bugs? We thought about staying on it and paddling in to Alligator Creek. Thanks we may check out Noble Hammock if we have time.

[Terry]

The segment of Noble Hammock Loop that makes it a loop was added in the

1960's to make it a loop, I suspect Hurricane Donna played some role in that

decision.  After that time Still Creek became everybody's private little route.

In the 1980's it was quite popular as a local canoe outfitter sent groups down

it for an alternative to crossing West Lake in route to Alligator Creek

campsite or, depending on the wind direction, launch day groups at

either Noble Hammock or West Lake and exit at either West Lake or

Noble Hammock.

It also creates Willie's Loop, Noble Hammock Landing to

Hells Bay Landing, as described somewhere else on this website.

This two night loop takes paddlers through backcountry, Florida Bay,

Whitewater Bay and along the edge of the famous Jungles area of

the Hells Bay Trail.  Since this route goes through the highest density

of campsites in the park, 4 chickees and 2 ground sites, you'll have

no problem getting permits any time of the year.

The distance between Hells Bay Landing and Nobles Hammock Landing

is not portagable but easily walkable to retrieve your car and since you

pass through downtown Flamingo halfway on the loop you'll have either a safety bail

out or an ice cream bar as you continue your trip.

 

[Flex Kayakfari.com]

By now, I'm sure you have visited LRK, maybe more than once.

Got a lil write-up on Little Rabbit Key for those interested::

http://kayakfari.wordpress.com/random-gallery-2/florida-south-flori...

Be sure to play with the VR panoramas at the top!  :)

[vivian]

Flex, love your photos and reports :-)

[Flex Kayakfari.com]

Thanks Vivian, I appreciate it! :)