The most unique cycling trail you will find that provides a near constant tailwind and remarkable views! The 106 miles of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (FKOHT) includes 37 bridge crossings. Making use of Henry Flagler’s “Railroad that Went to Sea” you will travel through Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon
Favorite Spots along the FKOHT
A favorite section of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is found in Islamorada in a canopied three-mile neighborhood road that joggers and walkers also use. There is another favorite five mile run that starts at the retrofitted historic rail bridge across Tom’s Harbor Cut, bordered by a screen of buttonwoods and mangroves nearly removing all road noise.
A locally inspired vision turned into a master plan
The current FKOHT has a number of paved sections between Key Largo and Key West. The largest section of paved trail runs from the Upper Keys/MM 106 at Key Largo to MM 72 in Islamorada, Village of Islands. The trail includes historic bridge crossings often used for fishing and also serves as a convenient alternative transportation route that links each of the island communities in the Keys.
The bridges included in the FKOHT are part of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway. They were built near the turn of the century and are no longer used for transportation.
The trail runs parallel to U.S. Highway 1, (designated as a National Scenic Highway and All-American Road and offers a scenic venue for hiking, running, bicycling, sightseeing, and access to many points of interest and ecological resources throughout the Keys, including Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge and Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, as well as 10 Florida State Parks.
Biking the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is the only way to really see the area and all its hidden treasures like the relic stone mile marker that reads “492 JAX” on one side “30 KW” on the other. You will also cycle past a rusted section of track near the ranger station at Long Key State Park to Long Key Fish Camp where author Zane Grey enjoyed a spot of fishing. You will also get to enjoy incredible close up encounters with Great White Egrets, Terns, Pelicans, view dolphins swimming under bridges and many other native Florida residents.
Join us during the coldest days of the year on our Florida Keys Great Bike Tour and experience the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail for yourself!
The Florida Keys Has Perfect Weather in January
It seems the Florida Keys weather is always better than elsewhere, and that’s part of the reason why people love it here. With an air temperature in the upper 70s and water temperature in the low 70s, January is the perfect time to bike the Florida Keys.
Great Bike Tours Florida Keys Multi-activity getaway
Great Bike Tours offers a full scope of activities for cyclists and non-cyclists alike. You will enjoy several exciting eco-tours during your tour, including visits to the non-profit Dolphin Research Center and the Turtle Hospital (for rehabilitating injured loggerhead sea turtles). Great Bike Tours will even get you out on the water for a sunset sailing excursion on a 65 ft schooner, along with a guided kayak trip through the mangrove mazes of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Deluxe lodging and ocean side dining
The Florida Keys Bike Tour will wrap you up in an atmosphere of sheer indulgence. Your stay includes three special waterside properties with swimming pools and Jacuzzi’s on site.
