Blue Hole

The Blue Hole area in Big Pine Key Florida Keys is an abandoned rock quarry that was once used for nearby road fills as was needed. It was also used in the past for the Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad. The water at the Blue Hole is mostly fresh water and attracts a variety of wildlife such as birds, alligators, snakes, deer and iguanas. Blue Hole is part of the National Key Deer Refuge and many key deer can be seen frequenting the area.

Visitors to the Big Pine Key area will also find the Bahia Honda State Park, the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, and the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Some have coined Blue Hole as a large sinkhole set in limestone. The hole has been made even larger due to the limestone that has been blasted and quarried some many years ago.

The area is a popular hangout for alligators so it is highly recommended that hikers be careful. It is illegal to feed the creatures and hikers are advised to stay away from the edges of the water where alligators are out sunning. Hiking, fishing and boating are among the most popular things to do in the area.