• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Florida Hikes logo

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

  • Trails
  • Maps
  • Guidebooks
  • Search
  • Hike
    • Scenic Hikes
    • Loop Trails
    • Dog-friendly Hikes
    • Hikes for Kids
    • National Parks in Florida
    • Florida State Parks
  • Bike
    • Major Bike Trails
    • Paved Bike Trails
    • Off Road Biking
    • Biking Articles
  • Paddle
    • Canoe & Kayak Rentals
    • Paddling Destinations
    • Paddling Articles
  • Camp
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Car Camping
    • Primitive Camping
  • Florida Trail
    • Plan your Hike
    • Best Scenic Hikes
    • Best Backpacking
    • Section Hiking
    • Thru-Hiking
    • Trail Updates
  • Travel
  • Hike
    • Scenic Hikes
    • Loop Trails
    • Dog-friendly Hikes
    • Hikes for Kids
    • National Parks in Florida
    • Florida State Parks
  • Bike
    • Major Bike Trails
    • Paved Bike Trails
    • Off Road Biking
    • Biking Articles
  • Paddle
    • Canoe & Kayak Rentals
    • Paddling Destinations
    • Paddling Articles
  • Camp
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Car Camping
    • Primitive Camping
  • Florida Trail
    • Plan your Hike
    • Best Scenic Hikes
    • Best Backpacking
    • Section Hiking
    • Thru-Hiking
    • Trail Updates
  • Travel

Overseas Heritage Trail, Middle Keys

43.6 miles. With the most island-hopping of the ride, the middle portion of the Florida Keys delights with its aquamarine waters and coconut palms, a very tropical vibe.

Overseas Heritage Trail   |  Florida Keys
( 24.6495, -81.3172 )      43.6 miles

Of the three segments we’ve broken the trail into, the Middle Keys give you the biggest “wow” panoramas, but these are usually from the bike lane on US 1 on highway bridges.

While there are nice stretches of bike path on most of the islands, accessing them northbound means a lot of darting across US 1, which can be difficult to impossible at times.

You’ll ride many road miles through this section, most notably over highway bridges, the longest of which is the Seven Mile Bridge.

The four restored railroad bridges along this segment provide incredible views, but the bridges are also very popular with anglers who set up for the day on them.

People fishing along old railroad bridge Approaching the historic Channel Two railroad bridge


Along the route, there are many stops worth making, from natural attractions and parks to museums, cafes, and quirky roadside statues.

Striking a balance between ocean views and the busy corridor of Marathon, this segment also has many more options for lodging than in the Lower Keys.

Vintage fighter jet The trail passes several museums, including the only aviation museum in the Florida Keys



Table of Contents

  • Resources
  • Overview
  • Ride Details
  • Trailheads
  • Mileage
  • Connections
  • Trail Map
  • Explore More!

Resources

Our resources for exploring the area

South Florida Explorers Guide book cover 50 Hikes in South Florida book cover Complete Guide to Florida Wildflowers Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


Overview

Location: Spanish Harbor to Islamorada
Length: 43.6 miles linear
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 305-853-3571
Fees: Free

Open daylight hours to pedestrian and bicycle use. Hikers should use sunscreen and insect repellent. Leashed dogs welcome. Please pick up after your pet.

Class 1 ebikes (pedaling required) are permitted on state trails but other motorized transport is banned on bike path segments.

Because this is an island hopping route, sun and wind play a factor in your enjoyment of the ride. Check wind direction and speed before deciding which direction to ride, or to ride at all.

Bike in front of giant tropical fish sculpture

Once you reach Marathon, there are many restaurants and convenience stores as well as quite a few parks with flush toilets and water.
 
Facilities are a bit more limited on the other islands but not like in the Lower Keys. Lock up your bike when leaving it unattended at restrooms and trailheads.
 
Read our information about poisonous plants in Florida before you ride. Along this trail are forests where both poisonwood and manchineel trees are present. Avoid touching them.
 
toxic trees florida

Florida’s Toxic Trees

Southeast Florida is home to two poisonous trees, the poisonwood and the manchineel. Learn how to recognize them so you don’t get too close, and find out how truly dangerous they are.


Ride Details

Leaving the gate of Bahia Honda State Park, traffic determines whether you backtrack the half mile towards the bridge to use the underpass, or cross US 1.

You can also use the US 1 bike lane northbound, which we did since you are forced over to it anyway at the north end of this island.

Bike lane and bike path on far side of highway with broken fence The Bahia Honda bike path wasn’t repaired yet when we rode this segment


Across the length of the state park, which occupies the island, the bike path is on the bay side. For a stretch, a fence runs along it to separate it from the cabin camping area.

Then the mangrove-lined edge of the island isn’t at all far from the trail. This portion washed out during Hurricane Irma but should be repaired.

Trail along split rail fence with sea grapes on left North end of the bike path on Bahia Honda Key


At the north end of the island, the trail comes to an abrupt end at a closed bridge, with a split-rail fence adjoining the pulloff area.

Cross US 1 (no underpass provided, use caution) and get in the northbound bike lane for the bridge crossing to Ohio Key.

View of bridge closure from bike lane Crossing the channel via the bike lane


As seen from the bike lane on the Bahia Honda-Ohio Channel bridge, the waters in the channel are a gorgeous aquamarine.

Again, the bike path is on the bay side so it’s no help northbound, and the next historic bridge along it is closed. So stay along the US 1 bike lane across Ohio Key.

Digital sign adjoining bike lane along island with mangroves beyond Riding the bike lane across Ohio Key


Cross the next highway bridge over the Ohio-Missouri Channel to Missouri Key. The bike lane is also on the bay side across this island.

Stay with the bike lane, since the bike path hits yet another closed bridge up ahead. Cross the Missouri-Little Duck Key Channel on the highway bridge.

Aquamarine waters off bridge Looking across the colorful waters


The bike path starts up again on the bay side. Unless you plan to stop at the Seven Mile Bridge monument stay on the bike lane. Veterans Park is on the right and gives you a rest stop.

We swapped over to the bike path for the monument and to take a hydration break. At 3.2 miles, the path comes right up into the wayside park adjoining both the old and new bridges.

Bike in front of monument At the Seven Mile Bridge monument


While you can walk or ride out on the old span, it doesn’t go through. Cyclists must use the bike lane on US 1 and yes, the bridge stretches 7 miles over the ocean.

Some cyclists opt to have a friend meet them here for a hop to Marathon to avoid the bridge. Traffic is high speed along it but the bike lanes are wide.

Bike lane on long bridge Bike lane on the Seven Mile Bridge


The ride is windy, not just from the breezes off the water but from passing traffic, and fully exposed. There is no bailout or shelter along it.

There is a significant rise in the middle of the span to allow larger boats passage beneath.

Bike lane on Seven Mile Bridge in Florida Keys Gaining the peak along the Seven Mile Bridge


It’s quite a view from the top, but easy to pick up too much speed on the downhill towards Marathon.

Along the old bridge, which is broken in the middle, is Pigeon Key. It has bunkhouses from when the Overseas Railroad was built and is now a historic site.

View of island along old bridge adjoining highway bridge Pigeon Key


Reaching shore, there’s an immediate traffic-based decision to make. If no traffic is approaching, quickly cross US 1 to the bay side, where the bike path resumes to cross Marathon.

If it’s busy, a new underpass was under construction last we checked and should be complete. It adds 0.9 mile via Knights Key Blvd back under the bridge to the bay side.

Highway with guardrail on right and bike path opposite side Decision point right off the Seven Mile Bridge


The bike path stays on the bay side across busy Marathon, the largest community in the Middle Keys. Watch for cross traffic and parked vehicles on the trail.

Passing the 7 Mile Grill, a popular restaurant at 10.9 miles, the trail is crossed by many entrances into businesses.

Narrow bike path canted sideways with lots of cars parked along it Riding past the 7 Mile Grill


Some of these are museums and nature-based attractions you may be interested in visiting, such as the Marathon Turtle Hospital.

Slightly north of this sea turtle rehab facility is today’s first opportunity for a quirky Keys photo op at the shark in front of Shady Palm Art Gallery.

Fiberglass shark to pose with Shark at the Shady Palm


At 12 miles, you cross 33rd St. A city park is a block west at the bay and has restrooms adjoining the boat ramp.

Marathon Community Park is a very large park almost a half mile farther along, but it’s on the opposite side of US 1. You see it across the highway just before the giant tropical fish.

Giant tropical fish statue Another selfie temptation along this ride


In front of Crane Point Hammock – an excellent nature attraction with miles of interpretive trails through a historic site – is a traffic light.

It’s an important one for connections. To the east, Sombrero Beach Blvd leads 2 miles to a park on the beach, with a bike path paralleling it out there.

Beach with coconut palms and picnic pavilions Sombrero Beach Park


A Publix shopping center on that side of US 1 is where the Miami-Dade Transit bus stops.

Other major shopping and a couple of parks are on that far side of US 1 too. This is one of the rare spots where pedestrians can cross with a crosswalk and light.

Crosswalk in front of Crane Hammock sign The light at Sombrero Beach Blvd


The path continues north from the traffic light in front of more driveways and roads. One of these belongs to Herbie’s, a great place to try conch fritters, a Keys delicacy.

By 13.9 miles, the bike path makes a long arc in front of the Marathon International Airport.

Bike path in front of chain link fence at airport Riding past the airport northbound


North of the passenger terminal and parking lots, a sign brought attention to a vintage aircraft museum right next to the trail, the EAA Museum.

The airport ends, and businesses begin again. A nature attraction is along the bike path just before Vaca Cut bridge, the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounter.

Thatched buildings with walkways over water In addition to large aquariums the complex has touch tanks, nature trails, and marine life feeding areas


Vaca Key is part of Marathon but less crowded. Once over the bridge at Vaca Cut, you’ll pass numerous business entrances along the bike path.

Island Fish Company is the last restaurant in Marathon. Pass that and the Vaca Key Wayside, and the trail becomes a pleasant ride into Curry Hammock State Park.

Bike path within view of highway and power lines The ride north along US 1


This next section is called the Grassy Key Trail, and stretches 4.4 miles north from Vaca Key Wayside past another trailhead. It’s a good destination for a short ride.

Grassy Key Trail signage

Grassy Key Trail

A pleasant piece of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail that is entirely bike path, the Grassy Key Trail is 4.4 linear miles through Curry Hammock State Park

Along it, there’s a shaded rest stop and benches with an ocean view, as well as a nature trail and access to Curry Hammock State Park across US 1, which has a campground.

At the end of this segment through a tropical forest corridor, a sign points you back out to US 1. Cross the highway to rejoin the bike lane northbound.

End bike route sign at road Exit the Grassy Key Trail at Guava Ave


Since Hurricane Irma, we’re not sure if the mom and pop motels and restaurants on the ocean side of Grassy Key rebuilt.

But a little over a half mile north of where you rejoin US 1 is the Wreck & Galley Grill, followed by an enormous dolphin statue in front of the Dolphin Research Center.

Bike helmet with pitcher of water with straw Rehydrating at the Wreck & Galley Grill


Jolly Roger RV Park, a rare private campground that allows tents and has cabins to rent, is also on the bay side.

A half mile north of that complex, the bike path resumes on the ocean side, so you can easily segue over to it from the bike lane.

Crossing a narrow bridge with aquamarine waters below Tom’s Harbor Channel Bridge


At 23.8 miles you reach the next of the historic railroad bridges, the Tom’s Harbor Channel bridge.

The bike path leads you across it and then evaporates. Back to the bike lane on Duck Key, pass the entrance to Hawks Cay Resort.

Crossing a narrow bridge with aquamarine waters below Tom’s Harbor Cut Bridge


Soon after it the bike path resumes over the Tom’s Harbor Cut railroad bridge, ending at the other end of the bridge at Conch Key.

Rejoin the US 1 bike lane, passing by the Bayview Inn before you get to a resumption of the bike path on the ocean side as it approaches a paved parking area.

Coconut palms in front of hotel Riding up to the north end of Grassy Key


Here, 26.4 miles into the ride, you come to the second longest bridge in the Florida Keys, the Long Key Viaduct.

When it was completed in 1912, it was the longest bridge in the world and an engineering marvel. It remains the longest concrete arch bridge in the Keys.

Teal water adjoins long bridge On the Long Key Viaduct


Restored for the trail to cross in 2001, it clocks an impressive 2.3 miles over the ocean. Most anglers cluster at the ends near the parking areas.

That enables you to pick up some speed in between or just stop and savor the surroundings, a stunning ocean crossing by bike without any vehicles nearby.

Bridge nears shoreline with teal water and white coral rock beach Approaching Long Key on the viaduct


At the north end of the bridge, the paved parking area is frequently busy and we’ve encountered drivers parking right atop the bike path.

After passing some residences, the path continues on the ocean side through Long Key State Park. Like at Bahia Honda, a fence separates the trail from the fee portion of the park.

Bike path adjoins black chain link fence Along the edge of Long Key State Park


Crossing the park entrance drive at 30.7 miles, continue north along the trail into the town of Layton, passing the pretty Lime Tree Bay Resort.

Early Western novelist Zane Grey made this island his home for 15 winters, penning many stories at the Long Key Fish Camp while enjoying fishing the surrounding flats.

Crosswalk with buildings along bike path Entering the town of Layton


The trail stays on the ocean side of the island until it gets to its north end, where there is a crosswalk to the bay side.

Unless you are stopping at the large Channel Five parking area on the bay side, don’t cross the road. Join the US 1 bike lane to go up and over the highway bridge.

Not a Through Bridge sign on historic bridge The bike path to the historic Channel Five bridge is a dead end


It’s a sweeping descent onto Craig Key, where the bike path resumes on the bay side, necessitating crossing US 1 once you can.

While the Channel Five railroad bridge remains broken in two pieces, the location of the bike path seems to point to its restoration someday.

Bike lane facing Caribbean blue waters in the Florida Keys
The Channel Five highway bridge boasts the best ocean view along the ride

There is very little land on Craig Key, and only a couple of homes. Most of the ancient limestone reefs are under water.

So the views across US 1 out into the flats behind the reefs along the Atlantic Ocean are especially beautiful as you cross this island.

Craig Key sign with ocean beyond In the northbound bike lane on Craig Key


At 35.9 miles, you reach a small parking area and then the bike path takes you across the historic Channel Two railroad bridge.

This is another long bridge, more than a mile span. Since there are parking areas at both ends expect to encounter many people fishing or sightseeing along it.

Bridge with platforms for fishing Many anglers use the platforms on this bridge


Crossing Channel Two brings you into Islamorada, a collection of islands governed as a municipality. This is the southernmost island of the chain, Lower Matecumbe Key.

Along its scenic southern end, the views are nice as the bike path leads you past Anne’s Beach, a county park on the opposite side of US 1.

Rocky shoreline with mangroves and sea grass Shoreline at Anne’s Beach


A quarter mile later, you cross the first road on the island, which leads into the gate of Florida Sea Base, a Boy Scouts of America high adventure camp for sailing.

Once the bike path reaches the convenience store at 37.6 miles, it’s time to keep alert for vehicles as it crosses driveways and roads leading to neighborhoods.

Crosswalk and Bike Path sign The bike path threads between US 1 and SR 4


The trail joins the old highway paralleling US 1 for a stretch in front of small Keys-style hotels and residences along the bay side.

A lane is marked along the road as a bike lane, but don’t be surprised to find vehicles parked on it.

Bike path vanishes into tropical plantings The old road ends but the bike path keeps going


After the road and then the residences end, the bike path continues along the bay side, dumping you out into a residential side road along US 1 that leads into Robbie’s Marina at 40.7 miles.

This is one of the toughest places to cross US 1 back to the northbound bike lane, but it must be done to get across the next several islands, as there are no old bridges remaining.

Bike lane a dashed line on narrow road The bike path becomes a lane approaching Robbie’s on the old highway


There is a yin and yang to the remainder of the ride. As you cross these bridges and causeways, the views are outstanding across the channels and the water.

They are the last place along the trail that you’ll see panoramas like this, looking off to Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key.

Island in teal-aqua waters Looking out towards Indian Key


At the same time, all of the bridges must be crossed in the US 1 bike lane. Traffic tends to be heavy here much of the time.

While there are bike paths across the causeways on both sides of the highway, vehicles commonly park atop them, forcing you into the highway.

Trucks and cars parked on bike path Vehicles parking atop the bike path are a given along the northernmost three miles of this section


The final bridge is a short hop onto your destination, Upper Matecumbe Island, within view of Bud N’ Mary’s Marina.

The Upper Matecumbe Wayside is only a half mile north of the bridge, but it’s on the opposite side of US 1. Crossing this highway is especially tricky on this island.

Compact marina and dive shop with signage Bud N’ Marys is immediately on the right as you reach Upper Matecumbe Key


If you aren’t wrapping up your ride at the wayside, stay on the ocean side of the island and pick up our narrative of the ride with the Upper Keys section.

Bike paths run up both sides of US 1 on the island, the better for local residents to get around.

Truck partly parked on bike path The wayside is on the bay side of US 1 across from this point


Trailheads


South to north access points along the bike route. Click on any icon above for directions.

A limited amount of parking is available at pulloffs adjoining the historic bridges along this part of the trail. Do not assume you can park overnight at these locations.

For overnight or multi-day trips, make arrangements in advance to leave your car at a state park or a business you’ll be patronizing along the route, such as a hotel.

Between Marathon and Islamorada, Miami-Dade Transit runs route 301, the Dade-Monroe Express. Bikes are welcome. Link to their schedule is at the bottom of the page.

Buses should be hailed at their designated stops: Key Largo (MM 98), Tavernier (MM 87), Islamorada (MM 74), and Marathon (MM 50).

You can use both Miami-Dade Transit and Key West Transit to go the length of the Florida Keys, as both routes overlap at Marathon.

See our Lower Keys section for Key West Transit details.

City bus in the Florida Keys Miami-Dade Transit bus along US 1


Bahia Honda State Park

There is a fee for day use parking at Bahia Honda, but there are restrooms and a snack bar on site, as well as camping: reserve it well in advance.

Check with the park about leaving your vehicle here overnight for a fee during a multi-day ride.

Coconut palms framing beach with bridge beyond Calusa Beach at Bahia Honda State Park


Little Duck Key Wayside

This bayside wayside is between the old and new Seven Mile Bridge, so you’ll find the original bridge monument here. The bike path ends here before the bridge.

parking lot next to bike path Wayside parking at the Seven Mile Bridge


Veterans Park

Veterans Park is on the ocean side of the approach to the Seven Mile Bridge along the US 1 bike lane. It has restrooms and parking.

Shallow flats in ocean to horizon Oceanfront at Veteran’s Park


Marathon Community Park

Large park complex on ocean side of US 1 with restrooms, potable water, multiple day use parking lots.

Picnic pavilion and soccer field Picnic pavilion at park


Crane Point Hammock

Museum, nature center, and gift shop at Sombrero Beach Blvd in Marathon on the bay side adjoining the bike path. Entry fee to museum and trail complex.

Bike in front of historic marker and railroad car A railroad car from the Overseas Railroad outside the museum


Key Vaca Wayside

Large paved parking area adjacent to the trail on the bay side. Primarily used by boaters for launching into Florida Bay.

Boat pointed away from shore in aquamarine waters Boaters leaving Key Vaca


Grassy Key Trail trailhead

Trailside parking for a handful of cars along US 1 bay side in Curry Hammock State Park, a mile south of the park’s main entrance.

Car with bikes on top in paved lot Grassy Key Trail trailhead


Curry Hammock State Park

Parking lot adjoining picnic area and restrooms inside Curry Hammock State Park, 0.5 mile east and across US 1 from the trail. Entry fee applies.

Rocks in foreground with white sand, kayaks, and picnic pavilion beyond Recreation area adjoining Curry Hammock State Park parking


Tom’s Harbor Parking

A paved parking area adjoining the bike path oceanside as it accesses the south end of the historic Tom’s Harbor railroad bridge.

Bike path past kiosk adjoined by bike rack Parking just before the Tom’s Harbor Bridge


Conch Key Wayside

Paved parallel parking adjoining the bike path as it comes up to the Long Key Viaduct crossing.

Trucks parallel parked adjoining bike path Approaching the Long Key Viaduct


Long Key Viaduct

A paved parking area is oceanside along the bike path where it comes off the historic Long Key Viaduct, a 2.3-mile bridge that the trail crosses. It’s a worthwhile destination on its own.

Cars parked on bike path Cars on the bike path at the Long Key Viaduct parking area


Long Key State Park

Day use parking and restrooms are available at Long Key State Park at a parking lot 0.3 mile from the bike path. Entry fee applies.

SUV with bikes on back under gumbo limbo tree Parking lot at Long Key State Park


Channel Five Parking

A large paved parking area adjoins the south end of the historic Channel Five Railroad Bridge on the bay side. This bridge does not go all the way through.

Parking area with aqua waters to east Bike path ends at Channel Five parking area


Channel Two Parking

A large paved parking area adjoins the north end of the historic Channel Two Railroad Bridge, which the trail crosses.

Cars parked under blue skies with bike path on left side of parking area Channel Two Parking


Robbie’s Marina

Often mobbed on the weekends, Robbie’s Marina features boat rentals, a restaurant, gift shops, and kayak rentals for paddling over to Indian Key.

If you’ve never seen a tarpon, stopping here to feed them is a tourist tradition. Contact the marina about potential overnight parking.

Colorful hand painted signs in tropical setting A lot goes on at Robbie’s Marina


Upper Matecumbe Wayside

At the south end of Upper Matecumbe Key, this wayside park has picnic pavilions along an unpaved strip of land on the bay side. We end our Middle Keys mileage here.

Purple picnic table under gumbo limbo tree The wayside is on the bay side of US 1


Mileage

MileLocation
0.0 Bahia Honda State Park main entrance
1.6 Ohio-Bahia Honda Channel pulloff
2.2 Ohio Key pulloff
3.1 Veterans Park (ocean side)
3.2 Little Duck Key Wayside (bay side)
3.3 Seven Mile Bridge
10.4 Marathon bike path (bay side)
12.4 Marathon Community Park (ocean side)
13.2 Crane Point Hammock / Sombrero Beach Blvd
16.0 EAA Museum
16.2 Florida Keys Aquarium Encounter
17.2 Key Vaca Wayside parking
18.5 Grassy Key Trail trailhead
19.4 Curry Hammock State Park main entrance (ocean side)
23.7 Tom's Harbor parking area
24.1 Duck Key pulloff
24.7 Tom's Harbor Cut pulloff
25.0 Conch Key pulloff
26.2 Conch Key parking
26.4 Long Key Viaduct
28.8 Long Key Viaduct parking area
30.7 Long Key State Park main entrance
34.0 Channel Five parking area
35.0 Channel Five north parking area
35.9 Channel Two parking area
36.4 Channel Two north parking area
36.8 Anne's Beach (ocean side)
40.7 Robbie's Marina
42.7 Tea Table Key
43.6 Upper Matecumbe Wayside (bay side)

Connections

Sombrero Beach Trail

A side path running 2.1 miles east in Marathon, this paved path leads to one of the nicest beaches in the Florida Keys, with picnic areas and restrooms.

Sombrero Beach

Sombrero Beach

At the southern tip of Marathon, Sombrero Beach offers beachgoers a natural strand and an easy beach walk within sight of the Keys’ largest lighthouse.


Trail Map

Overseas Heritage Trail Middle Keys Trail Map
Main route in red. Side routes in blue.

Explore More!

Learn more about the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

Bike lane facing Caribbean blue waters in the Florida Keys

Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

Spanning from Key West to Key Largo, this 108-mile linear state park corridor is an island-hopping slice of tropical paradise along the former route of the Florida Overseas Railroad

Along the Route

Visit these parks along this ride

Palms along iconic beachfront at Bahia Honda Key

Bahia Honda State Park

Long known for its natural beaches, Bahia Honda State Park continues to heal after the ravages of Hurricane Irma stripped much of its tropical vegetation

Adderly House at Crane Point Hammock

Crane Point Hammock

Part native, part cultivated, Crane Point Hammock is 63 acres of tropical hardwood hammock in the heart of Marathon. Preserved from development in 1989 by the Florida Keys Land Trust, it is the largest tropical hammock in the Middle Keys.

Curry Hammock State Park

Curry Hammock State Park

Bring your binoculars for fall birding at Curry Hammock State Park, where migrating raptors cruise overhead by the hundreds following a major flyover route.

Long Key State Park

Long Key State Park

Spanning shore to shore across much of its namesake island, Long Key State Park offers a bounty of botanical wonders across a variety of rare Florida Keys habitats.

Agave plants

Indian Key Historic State Park

The original seat of Dade County, settled in 1836, lies in limestone ruins swaddled in a tropical forest within sight of US 1, but offshore. Indian Key takes a little planning to visit, but is well worth the journey.

Branches of the lignum vitae tree

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park

Wrapped in a dense blanket of mosquitoes, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is one of the United States’ most significant botanical treasures, a virgin tropical forest home to more than a thousand lignum vitae trees.


Articles

Articles from our rides and explorations along this trail

Overseas Heritage Trail

The Florida Keys, Revisited

June 29, 2018//  by Sandra Friend

Nine months after Hurricane Irma, we headed to the Florida Keys to see how both the infrastructure and the natural areas are healing. Here’s an overview of what we found, from Key West to Key Largo.

Indian Key

Indian Key: An unusual ghost town

August 9, 2015//  by John Keatley

John takes a trip back in time with Florida Keys historian Brad Bertelli to discover the layers of history found on Indian Key, once the county seat of Dade County

Curry Hammock Trail

Paradise, Palms, & Mosquitoes

September 9, 2006//  by Sandra Friend

My first exploration on the hiking trails of Marathon lead to thatch palm hammocks: the Curry Hammock Nature Trail at Curry Hammock State Park, and the trails of Crane Point Hammock, including the beautiful Palm Hammock Trail.


Trail Guide (PDF) Bus Service Official Website

Category: Biking, Day Hikes, Hikes, Paved Bike Trails, Southeast Florida, TrailsTag: Accessible, Bahia Honda State Park, Curry Hammock State Park, Dog-friendly, East Coast Greenway, Eastern Continental Trail, Fishing, Florida Keys, Florida State Parks, Islamorada, Long Key State Park, Marathon, Overseas Heritage Trail, Wildlife Viewing

Reader Interactions

Have an update? Contact us.

Primary Sidebar

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA OVERVIEW
East Coast Greenway. Everglades National Park. Florida Trail

Big Pine Key. Biscayne Bay. Biscayne National Park. Boca Raton. Boynton Beach. Coral Gables. Davie. Delray Beach. Northeast Everglades Natural Area . Florida Keys. Fort Lauderdale. Fort Pierce. Hobe Sound. Hollywood. Homestead. Islamorada. Jensen Beach. Jupiter. Juno Beach. Key Biscayne. Key Largo. Key West. Marathon. Miami. Ocean to Lake Greenway. Overseas Heritage Trail. Palm Beach. Port St. Lucie. Redland. Sebastian. Stuart. Vero Beach. West Palm Beach

Our Newest Books

The Florida Trail Guide

The Florida Trail GuideOur definitive guidebook to planning backpacking trips on the Florida National Scenic Trail, now in its fourth edition. Full data charts and maps. B&W, 356 pages. $19.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now


Florida Trail Hikes

Florida Trail Hikes 2nd edition coverFifty of the best day hikes, overnights, and weekend trips on the Florida Trail. Full hike descriptions and maps, full color. 376 pages. $24.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now


Discovering the Florida Trail

Florida Trail mini coffee table book cover of trail into palm hammock
A visual journey the length of the Florida Trail, covering more than 1,500 miles from the Everglades to Pensacola Beach. Hardcover, 196 pages. $24.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now
 


50 Hikes in Central Florida 3rd edition
Five Star Trails Orlando guidebook
Explorer's Guide North Florida & The Panhandle guidebook

Florida Trail Apps

Farout GuidesFarout Guides Comprehensive logistics and offline maps for the
Florida National Scenic Trail (1,500 miles), the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (108 miles), and the ECT Florida Connector (92 miles).

Explore More

Our recent park & trail updates in this region

Well worn path through a wet pine flatwoods landscape

DuPuis Loop Trail

DuPuis Loop Trail
Bike along bike path in greenway

East Coast Greenway Stuart

East Coast Greenway Stuart
Nature trail in pine-palm forest

Gomez Preserve

Gomez Preserve
Hiker in red against mangroves on boardwalk

Peck Lake Park

Peck Lake Park

Footer

FIND A TRAIL OR PARK

NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Apalachicola. Apalachicola National Forest. Blackwater River State Forest. Blountstown. Bonifay. Bristol. Cape San Blas. Carrabelle. Chattahoochee. Chipley. Crawfordville. Crestview. DeFuniak Springs. Destin. Ebro. Eglin Air Force Base. Fort Walton Beach. Freeport. Gulf Islands National Seashore. Madison. Marianna. Milton. Monticello. Mossy Head. Navarre Beach . Niceville. Panama City Beach. Pensacola. Ponce De Leon. Port St. Joe. Quincy. Sopchoppy. South Walton. St. Marks. St. Marks NWR. Tallahassee. Vernon. Wakulla. Wewahitchka

NORTH FLORIDA
Alachua. Amelia Island. Baldwin. Branford. Bunnell. Cedar Key. Chiefland. Crescent City. Dowling Park. Ellaville. Fernandina Beach. Flagler Beach. Gainesville. Green Cove Springs. High Springs. Jacksonville. Keystone Heights. Lake Butler.Lake City. Live Oak. Mayo. Macclenny. Micanopy. Olustee. Orange Park. Osceola National Forest. Palatka. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. Palm Coast. Perry. Salt Springs. St. Augustine. Starke. Steinhatchee. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Suwannee Springs. Talbot Islands. Timucuan Preserve. Trenton. Welaka. White Springs. Williston

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo

MULTI-REGION
Big Cypress Swamp. East Coast Greenway. Everglades National Park. Florida National Scenic Trail

CENTRAL FLORIDA
Apopka. Belleview. Brandon. Brooksville. Bushnell. Canaveral National Seashore. Christmas. Chuluota. Clearwater Beach. Clermont. Coast to Coast Trail. Cocoa Beach. Cross Florida Greenway. Crystal River. Dade City. Daytona Beach. De Leon Springs. DeBary. Deland. Deltona. Dunedin. Dunnellon. Frostproof. Geneva. Inverness. Kenansville. Kissimmee. Lake Mary. Lake Wales. Lakeland. Largo. Leesburg. Longwood. Melbourne. Melbourne Beach. Merritt Island. Merritt Island NWR. Mims. Mount Dora. New Port Richey. New Smyrna Beach. Ocala. Ocala National Forest. Ocklawaha. Orlando. Ormond Beach. Osteen. Oviedo. Palm Bay. Ridge Manor. Sanford. Silver Springs. Spring Hill. St. Cloud. St. Petersburg. Tampa. Tarpon Springs. Titusville . Walt Disney World. Weeki Wachee. Winter Springs. Withlacoochee State Forest. Withlacoochee State Trail. Yeehaw Junction

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Bradenton . Charlotte Harbor. Ding Darling NWR. Englewood. Estero. Fort Myers. Immokalee. Naples. Pine Island. Port Charlotte. Punta Gorda. Sanibel Island. Sarasota. Venice

SOUTH FLORIDA
Arcadia. Basinger. Big Cypress National Preserve. Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. Clewiston. Everglades City. Fisheating Creek. Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Lake Placid. LaBelle. Lakeport. Moore Haven. Okeechobee. Pahokee. Port Mayaca. Sebring. South Bay

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Big Pine Key. Biscayne Bay. Biscayne National Park. Boca Raton. Boynton Beach. Coral Gables. Davie. Delray Beach. Northeast Everglades Natural Area. Florida Keys. Fort Lauderdale. Fort Pierce. Hobe Sound. Hollywood. Homestead. Islamorada. Jensen Beach. Jupiter. Juno Beach. Key Biscayne. Key Largo. Key West. Marathon. Miami. Ocean to Lake Greenway. Overseas Heritage Trail. Palm Beach. Port St. Lucie. Redland. Sebastian. Stuart. Vero Beach. West Palm Beach

  • Trails
  • Parks
  • Beaches
  • Gardens
  • Springs
  • Ecotours
  • Attractions
©2006-2023, Sandra Friend & John Keatley | Disclosure | Site Index | Work with Us | Advertise with Us
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy | Florida Hikes PO Box 93 Mims FL 32754| Contact