The small city of Big Pine is a census-designated place (CDP) in Monroe County, Florida. It is situated on the island of the same name in the Florida Keys. In 2000, its population was 503 people. It is a beautiful, scenic community that’s perfect for a weekend getaway or a week-long stay.
Lon Chaney’s stone and wood cabin
If you love the rugged beauty of the California High Sierras, Lon Chaney’s stone and wood log cabin will not disappoint. The rustic retreat was built in 1929 by the legendary American actor, screenwriter, and make-up artist. Today, it stands as a landmark and a great halfway point for day hikes in the Eastern Sierra.
Chaney enjoyed the cabin for only a short time before his death. His last visit to Big Pine was late July 1930, when he was undergoing treatment for bronchial cancer. By this time, his condition was so weakened that he was unable to participate in normal activities, including fishing. He died in Los Angeles on Aug. 26, 1930, at the age of forty-six.
There is no entrance fee to visit the cabin. A day hiker does not need a wilderness permit to visit the cabin. The cabin is very shady and is the ideal place to spend a scorching day. You can also sample the world-famous Copper Top BBQ.
The cabin is near the Cienega Mirth section of Big Pine Creek. This area offers some of the best trout fishing in the area. Chaney was an avid fly fisherman and a firm believer in catch and release. Before constructing his cabin, Chaney used to camp nearby. The glaciated canyon that surrounds Big Pine Creek resembles the scenery around Pike’s Peak.
Museum of Western Film History
The Museum of Western Film History in Big Pine is a museum of film and its cultural impact in American history. The museum houses a variety of films from the early days of silent films to more recent movies. The museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts, including movie posters and authentic screen used artifacts. It also features exhibits that pay homage to cowboy legends such as Gene Autry and John Wayne. The museum was made possible by Beverly and Jim Rogers of the Intermountain West Communications Company. In addition, the museum showcases the hats of many western stars.
The museum’s mission is to promote the history of Western films and their cultural impact. The exhibits are designed to showcase the history of the Western genre in Hollywood and the region. In addition to classic films, the museum also features films that shaped the genre. For example, there is an exhibit honoring the early Wild West Shows in Oklahoma, which were a breeding ground for future movie cowboy superstars such as John Wayne and Gene Autry. These early performers went on to become the first Western super stars of the silent film era.
Another popular attraction in Big Pine is the Alabama Hills Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of Western films shot in the area. A five-dollar donation gets you in and offers a fascinating experience. A 15-minute video highlighting famous movies shot in the area also teaches the importance of the Alabama Hills to the movie industry.
Bahia Honda State Park
If you’re interested in spending a day out on the beach, Bahia Honda State Park has plenty to offer. This beautiful park is known for its clear water and abundance of marine and bird life. Kayaking is a popular activity here, but be aware of strong tides and currents. You can rent sit-on-top kayaks at the marina on Calusa Beach, and paddle two-thirds of a mile to Little Bahia Honda Island.
The state park is also home to different beaches, including Loggerhead Beach, which faces the Atlantic Ocean. It is an excellent location for snorkeling, and you can even rent kayaks to explore the deep water. You can also spend an afternoon kayaking in the ocean, or just relax on the beach.
In addition to its beach, Bahia Honda State Park offers other fun activities, including camping and boating. The park offers over 500 acres of fun for the entire family. You can enjoy activities like snorkeling, diving, hiking, and boat tours. You can also visit the history museum, enjoy concessions, and see some wildlife.
For campers, Bahia Honda State Park has two campgrounds. Sandspur Campground offers camping with low clearance and has a few sites with electricity. It also has a small restroom and travel to hot showers. The park also has two public boat ramps for visitors to use.
Jack Watson Nature Trail
One of Big Pine’s most popular attractions is the rock quarry, which is used for the Overseas Railroad. Visitors can walk through the open-air observation platform and get up close to wildlife. Another attraction is Watson’s Hammock, a massive gumbo-limbo tree that was badly damaged by Hurricane Georges. The town is also home to two wheelchair accessible nature trails, the Jack Watson Nature Trail and the Frederick C. Manillo wheelchair trail.
For those interested in nature and wildlife, Big Pine Key has three interpretive trails, as well as an observation platform. The Jack Watson Nature Trail is the largest and is well-marked. You can see limestone outcrops, tropical hammocks, and marshlands while on this hiking trail. The Jack Watson Nature Trail is also a good spot to observe birds.
The Jack Watson Nature Trail is a great place to spend a quiet day or evening. The trail is less than a mile long and has a lot of flora and fauna. It is especially beautiful early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The trail has signs that tell you about the various plants and animals that live in the area.
This trail is also part of the National Key Deer Refuge. The trail follows the shores of a freshwater marsh and rare pine rocklands. This habitat helps to support the Key deer population. While walking the trail, it is best to keep pets and bicycles off the trail, as there is poisonwood throughout the area.
Blue Hole
One of the places to visit in Big Pine Key is the Blue Hole, a large sinkhole that is a life source for numerous species of birds, reptiles, and fish. The area was once a limestone quarry, but has now been turned into a National Key Deer Refuge. It is also home to a number of species of birds, including American bald eagles, kingfishers, and woodpeckers.
There are two trails at the Blue Hole. The right one provides a quick overview of the Blue Hole, while the left trail leads to an observation platform. Soft shell turtles, fish, and even alligators can be seen in the water. Regardless of your preference, either trail will provide plenty of nature-related fun.
Big Pine Key offers many activities, including camping, fishing, and boating. The area is also home to RV parks and Florida state parks. A few places to visit in Big Pine Key are Sandspur beach, Blue Hole, and Bahia Honda State Park.
The Blue Hole is home to over 26 species of Florida wildlife, including alligators. Visitors are not permitted to feed the wildlife. It is also forbidden to use drones or to use a submerged drone to film the wildlife. Also, motorized toy boats are not allowed in the area, and swimming, snorkeling, and diving are prohibited. Be sure to read the signs to avoid causing any problems.
National Key Deer Refuge
If you’re looking for places to visit in Big Pine, you might want to check out the National Key Deer Refuge, a wildlife refuge that covers 8,542 acres of land on Big Pine and No Name Keys in Monroe County, Florida. This refuge is home to a variety of species, including the endangered black-footed ferret.
Located on Big Pine Key, the Refuge is a wildlife paradise with three interpretive trails and an observation platform. The Jack Watson Trail is about two-thirds of a mile long and features limestone outcrops and wetland habitat. Hiking here is an excellent way to see Key Deer and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
While visiting the National Key Deer Refuge, you’ll also want to make time to enjoy the beautiful scenery in the area. The refuge is home to numerous endangered species, including the Key Deer, a subspecies of the North American White-tailed Deer. During your visit, be prepared to get accosted by curious Key Deer looking for a handout. Remember, feeding the Key Deer is illegal, so don’t encourage them to approach you.
Big Pine Key is home to the largest population of Key deer, a white-tailed deer subspecies. Its refuge headquarters and several migratory bird species call the Keys home. Its mangrove islands also feature a unique ecosystem that provides a great environment for the Key deer. Its climate is tropical, and they are well adapted to brackish water. Moreover, they can swim quite well.
