Rail trail · Florida
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
More than 90 paved miles of multi-use trail along a planned 106-mile corridor from Key Largo to Key West, following the historic Flagler Railroad and crossing 23 of its century-old bridges over open water.
Length
90 miles
Surface
Paved
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Key Largo (Mile Marker 106) to Key West
Season
Year-round; November through April is most comfortable with lower humidity and fewer storms; summer brings heat, humidity, and occasional hurricane risk
Plan your ride or walk
The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is one of the most scenic rail-trails in the United States, tracing the former Florida East Coast Railway corridor Henry Flagler built in the early 1900s, once called the eighth wonder of the world. The trail currently extends more than 90 paved miles of the planned 106-mile Key Largo to Key West corridor, and its defining feature is the 23 historic Flagler Railroad bridges it incorporates, putting riders and walkers directly over sparkling open water between islands. The longest continuous paved section runs from Key Largo through Islamorada in the Upper Keys. Along the route, the trail connects to Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and multiple state parks with camping. Because it runs point to point with no shuttle service, most visitors base in one town and ride out and back, or arrange their own car shuttle. Access is free and open 8 a.m. to sundown every day of the year.
Getting there
The northern trailhead is in Key Largo, accessed from the mainland via US 1 and the Card Sound Road or the 18-mile Stretch. Additional trailheads and parking areas are found at communities and parks throughout the Keys. US 1 parallels the trail the entire length, making it easy to drive between access points.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Florida State Parks: Florida Keys Overseas Heritage TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail?
The trail currently has more than 90 paved miles of the planned 106-mile corridor from Key Largo to Key West. It is not yet complete end to end, but the longest unbroken paved section runs from Key Largo through Islamorada in the Upper Keys. Most visitors ride out and back from a base town rather than attempting the full length.
Is the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail free?
Yes. There is no fee to use the trail, and it is open 8 a.m. to sundown 365 days a year.
What makes this trail unique?
The trail incorporates 23 of Henry Flagler's historic Florida East Coast Railway bridges, dating to the early 1900s. Several of the old bridges are open as fishing and walking platforms over open water, offering views found nowhere else on any rail-trail in the country.
Can you camp along the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail?
Yes. Several Florida State Parks along the corridor offer camping, including Bahia Honda State Park. Private campgrounds are also scattered throughout the Keys. The trail's proximity to national park and wildlife refuge lands adds additional outdoor options.
More Florida trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.