Dusenbury Creek flows through the northern Florida Keys in Monroe County, entering Blackwater Sound near mile marker 42 in Key Largo. This tidal creek system sits at the boundary of Everglades National Park and features some of the most pristine old-growth mangrove tunnels in the Florida Keys. The waterway maintains depths of 6-7 feet in its main channel and connects to the broader Blackwater Sound ecosystem, creating a protected paddling environment accessible from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

The creek's primary attraction is its extensive network of mangrove-canopied waterways that form natural tunnels overhead. Red mangroves dominate the landscape, their prop roots creating intricate underwater habitats visible through the exceptionally clear water. Paddlers frequently encounter manatees during winter and early spring months when these marine mammals seek the warmer waters of the shallow creek system. Marine life thrives here, with stingrays, nurse sharks, sea turtles, and schools of mosquito fish commonly spotted beneath kayaks. Dolphins occasionally venture into the creek from Blackwater Sound, while wading birds including herons and egrets hunt along the mangrove edges.

Access to Dusenbury Creek begins at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, where paddlers can launch for a fee or arrange rentals and guided eco-tours through local outfitters like Florida Bay Outfitters. The route requires navigating the Intracoastal Waterway channel markers, staying close to the channel edge to avoid fast-moving motorboat traffic. At marker 42, paddlers turn west into the wide mangrove trail that narrows into spectacular tree tunnels. The creek is designated as part of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, appearing on official state paddling maps.

This flatwater paddle suits all skill levels, though navigating the main channel requires awareness of boat traffic and tidal patterns. The tide-controlled waters can trap paddlers in narrow finger creeks during falling tides, making trip timing essential. Most paddlers complete out-and-back journeys of varying lengths depending on how far they explore the tributary creeks. The route is easily accessible from South Florida's metropolitan areas including Miami and Fort Lauderdale, making it a popular day-trip destination.

Florida anchoring regulations apply to vessels in Dusenbury Creek, and paddlers should familiarize themselves with state statutes regarding waterway use. The combination of crystal-clear water, abundant wildlife, and protected mangrove tunnels makes Dusenbury Creek one of the premier paddling destinations in the Upper Keys, offering an immersive wilderness experience despite its proximity to developed areas.