Explore the best rated trails in Key West, FL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail and N/A . With more than 1 trails covering 106 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Heading south from the cold a buddy and I did the 105 miles from Key Largo to Key West in February 2021 splitting the distance at a hotel on Marathon. As mentioned by others, portions had a lot of sidewalks, driveways and store commercial entrances so we had to ride very alert and defensive at all times. There were some long portions on paths and on less-travelled parallel roads where we could relax. Some bridges had dedicated bike lanes but most bridges had a fairly wide shoulder. We used very high lumen, effective white strobes front and rear to give us the best chance of drivers spotting us from a distance. My opinion is that an effective white strobe on the front is mandatory with all of the road crossings. Seven-mile bridge has a 8-10' shoulder so personally it really didn't feel that unsafe but that's a personal decision. We had a blast and hauled you-know-what, it's not for the inexperienced, unprepared or faint of heart. There is plenty of debris to avoid on the shoulder and between the two of us we had 3 flats over two days. We expected that so I suggest carrying two tubes per person and have the ability to change your own flats. We had two non-riding buddies driving our support vehicle and scoping out Tiki Bars for the evening. Due to traffic there is some level of danger involved so take every possible precaution and ride as defensive and safe as possible. We both have Varia radar taillights so we know when vehicles are approaching from behind, they're worth their weight in gold.
We view our Florida Keys ride as an epic experience and one more thing checked off our bucket list.
We rode some sections but avoided the parts of the trail that did not seem safe. Parts of the trail are littered. The trail surface in some parts is in bad shape. But... riding over the water was pretty awesome.
The views are great for those of us who don't live near water, but the trail is in need of major repairs. South of Marathon, most of the trail bridges have been closed so you will need to use the bike lane on the road.
What a great concept and if repaired I would like to ride it again.
If you’re up for an adventure and are comfortable enough riding with tractor trailers, speeding traffic, and trucks towing huge boat trailers, this is the ride for you. I did it in September 19-20, 2020 solo, starting at Dagney Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. My husband supported my ride and had a cooler full of water, Gatorade, and cold towels soaked in icy water. I rode it in two segments, stopping in Marathon for the night. Although day 2 was less mileage, the stretch from Sugarloaf to KW was a killer with no shade, and a confusing and disjointed trail. It was of course blinding sun and scorching heat—and even by my standards (I am from Florida and used to the heat). I made it and was no worse for wear. Just did it again this weekend. 5/28/22
Beautiful area and views. I live in the keys so I ride sections of the trail with the bike path and some small bridges. I do not fell safe riding on the road. Too many cars.
My husband and I rode from Marathon to Key West. IMO The trail is not scenic or safe. Most of the ride is next to the highway where you encounter road debris. Our biggest disappointment was not being able to bike across the seven mile bridge. Only 2 miles have been repaired. Skip this one.
A gorgeous 2 mile ride out to Pigeon Key where the entrance fee is $30 for the day. We didn’t go in. We went on Tuesday, February 8 at the peak of the tourist season. Plenty of parking and the all bike and walking bridge was not crowded. Weekends ends may be different. The refurbished bridge is an easy ride. saw at least a dozen Spotted rays swimming along with a few small sharks. If you are in the area, don’t miss this.
I only rode short distances on Key Largo where there were so very many commercial entrances and exits that I road into the parking lots to avoid cars. The mid keys of Grassy Key and Marathon were better. Some historic bridges have excellent separate hike/bike crossings while others are dangerously close to high speed car lanes. Only saw 2 or 3 long distance bikers, mostly short distance day bikers. Completing this trail is only for courageous bike trail die hard challengers.
We biked about 8 miles of the west end of the trail from Sugarloaf Key to Lower Sugar loaf. The majority of the trail was on the road right along US1 with car and trucks flying by within 5 feet or so at 45+ mph. We did NOT feel safe or relaxed. Would not recommend.
We just got finished with riding the FKOHT in it’s entirety. We did it in sections and enjoyed having done it this way. It is a beautiful ride but like others have said, carry lots of water and sunscreen. We were quite surprised in some areas because the trail seemed to have ended. There are very few signs that indicate you are on the FKOHT, in fact we didn’t see any. Better signage would be a benefit and an indicator that the trail has switched sides or whether or not the trail route is on the berm of the road would be helpful. Also, a terminal marker in Key Largo is needed. We couldn’t tell where it started in Key Largo so we just hopped on. Regardless, we had a wonderful time and have great memories
I have just returned home after completing the 106 miles from Key Largo to Key West. After reading some of the reviews here I was a bit concerned with making this trip. While I agree that there are a number of surfaces you ride along the way that include sidewalks, trails, and roads, I found all quite manageable and safe. There is debris in spots especially on bridges but nothing more than I find riding my local roads. If you haven’t ridden on busy roads prior this probably is not the trip for you. We woke up early and crossed the Seven Mile Bridge around 7 am on a Friday and traffic wasn’t too bad. There is a big enough shoulder that you can maneuver around debris and still be safe. In the end The trail exceeded my expectations and I look forward to doing this trip again in January.
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