Experiences & Amenities

Cycling is a popular and well-established method of travel in the Keys. Be sure to follow standard bicycle safety practices of riding in the direction of traffic and using extreme caution along the bridges.

Existing sections of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail for cycling are shown on the trail map. Several bike shops along the corridor offer bike rentals and/or repairs.

There may be community events, road projects, utility repairs, etc., that impact our trail throughout the 106 miles of the Florida Keys. Although they impact the trail, we don’t always have control over the activities being performed by other agencies and groups and may not have up-to-date information on them.

Safety Concerns

• Helmets are recommended for all cyclists. Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and younger. A summary of Florida bicycle safety laws may be found at Florida Bicycle Law.
• Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• When bicycling on a trail or dirt road shared with hikers or equestrians, be respectful of others. Learn more about our state park rules and trail etiquette.
• Bicycles, including electric bicycles, may be used on trails designated for bicycle use with the park system, consistent with Section 316.20655, Florida Statutes.
• All bicycles should operate in a safe manner.

As it follows the path of an important migration route, the FKOHT offers great opportunities to observe a rich variety of birds, including many types of wading birds and shorebirds. The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail offers a self-guided experience in learning about the species that may be found in this area.

To help protect birds and marine life from the hazards of becoming entangled in discarded fishing line, there are recycling bins placed at the ends of the trail's fishing bridges, and trail volunteers frequently assist with the monofilament recycling program.

Fishing is allowed on many of the trail’s historic bridges. Cantilevered fishing platforms have been added to the sides of selected bridges including the Channel Two Historic Bridge, Tom’s Harbor Cut and Tom’s Harbor Channel historic bridges and the Long Key Bridge.

Rules for shared use of the bridges are posted at the ends of each bridge, along with recycling containers for unwanted fishing line. Improperly discarded fishing gear can endanger marine life.

• All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

One of the best ways to experience the Keys' colorful communities and beautiful scenery is on foot. The longest, continuous section of paved trail is located in the Upper Keys between mile marker 106 at Key Largo and through Mile Marker 72 at Islamorada, Village of Islands.

Other sections of trail have been completed as noted on the map. Where there is no existing trail, hikers may, with caution, follow the shoulders of the road since the trail generally parallels U.S. Highway 1.

The trail offers easy access to many kayaking and canoeing opportunities along the corridor, including sea kayaking within this designated segment of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.

Kayak rentals are available through several outfitters and special eco-tours can be booked through various sources. Points of interest along the paddling trail are noted on the trail map.

Picnic tables (no restroom facilities) are provided at the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail's Knights Key Trailhead located at the north end of the Seven Mile bridge.

There are additional picnic facilities available at state parks and local parks along the trail corridor.

Though trail users are welcome to skate (with caution) on any of the existing paved segments of the trail, a couple of the better areas for this activity are in the stretch from the Marathon Airport to Grassy Key and in the Saddlebunch Keys segment.

Walking and running along the existing, paved segments of this developing trail and its historic bridges is a great way to access local businesses and points of interest along the way. At sunset or any time of day, the scenery is worth the trip!

The trail offers access to many points of interest with opportunities for wildlife viewing, including the Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge, Crocodile Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and Key West National Marine Sanctuary as well as 10 state parks.