The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (FKOHT) features more than 70 miles of existing trail paved in segments along a planned, 106-mile corridor from Key Largo to Key West. Much of the remaining trail is now in design or under construction by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways & Trails (OGT) and is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation through a federal grant program for alternative transportation. Stemming from a locally-inspired vision and master plan, the FKOHT is a multi-use bicycle and pedestrian facility that serves as a recreational and alternative transportation corridor for the Florida Keys. Paralleling U.S. Highway 1, which is designated as a National Scenic Highway and All-American Road, this recreational pathway incorporates 23 of the historic Flagler Railroad bridges, offering a scenic venue for hiking, running, bicycling, in-line skating, sightseeing, fishing and kayaking. The trail and its historic bridges also provide a beneficial, alternative transportation route that links the Keys’ island communities.

The Trail offers access to many points of interest and ecological resources throughout the Keys, 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, Key West National Marine Sanctuary, as well as 10 State Parks.

The existing FKOHT is paved in segments along the corridor from Key Largo to Key West, with the longest, continuous section of paved trail currently located in the Upper Keys between MM 106 at Key Largo and through MM 72 at Islamorada, Village of Islands. Please refer to the FKOHT map or Traveling Directions link in the adjacent Highlights menu for more information on existing trail segments.

Activities

The Trail provides opportunities for bicycling, hiking, fishing, in-line skating, paddling, snorkeling, swimming and diving. There are limited camping opportunities available at state parks (www.ReserveAmerica.com) and some private campsites in the Keys. The local Chambers of Commerce will carry this information. 

 Featured in the adjacent Highlights menu are guides to bicycling the entire trail corridor from both the northbound and southbound directions. Cyclists, who travel at their own risk, may use the shoulders of the U.S. 1 Highway and bridges in the areas where there is no existing trail. However, please be sure to follow standard bicycle safety practices of riding in the direction of traffic and use extreme caution along the bridges. For a summary of bicycle safety tips and traffic laws, visit http://www.floridabicycle.org/rules/bikelaw.html.

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, the Tom’s Harbor Cut and Tom’s Harbor Channel Historic Bridges and the Long Key Bridge.

The FKOHT offers easy access to the rich kayaking and canoeing opportunities available along the Florida Keys Overseas Paddling Trail. Launch sites are noted on the FKOHT map.

For more detailed paddling information, click here to view segment 15 of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.

Where is the Trail?

The beginning of the Trail is located approximately one hour from Miami International Airport in Key Largo, Florida at MM 106. For trailhead/rest area locations and points of interest along the Trail, see the FKOHT map in the Highlights menu. Parking is available at the local State Parks.

Hours of Operation

The FKOHT is open to the general public; restrictions apply to hours of operation for local businesses that supply amenities. Surrounding parks close at sunset and access to some bridges may be restricted.

Contact Information
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
3 La Croix Court
Key Largo, Florida 33037
Phone: 305-853-3571
Tallahassee Headquarters: 850-245-2052