1.
Bike loop from Wells Key
40.9km
02:17
20m
20m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The best cycling routes in Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 4, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling in Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many paths crisscrossing the Florida Keys, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want the best, not just any ride.
That's where komoot comes in. Our community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes here, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the absolute standouts. This guide isn't a generic list; it's your shortcut to the most rewarding touring cycling experiences in this unique corner of Florida.
Touring cycling in the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge area is all about those iconic coastal paths, causeways, and endless ocean views. While the refuge itself is a marine wilderness best explored by boat, the surrounding Florida Keys offer a network of paved routes, largely flat, that let you soak in the scenery and spot incredible wildlife from a distance. Expect easy loops to moderate distances, with the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail forming the backbone of many fantastic rides.
If you're looking for a solid ride that gives you a real feel for the area, we'd start with the Bike loop from Wells Key. At 25.3 miles (40.8 km), it's a moderate route that delivers fantastic views of the surrounding waters and islands. For something a bit shorter and easier, perfect for a relaxed day or a first visit, the Southernmost Point Buoy – Key West Lighthouse loop from Stock Island is an excellent choice. This 15.0 miles (24.2 km) easy route takes you past iconic Key West landmarks and offers beautiful coastal scenery. More than 575 touring cyclists have already explored this area with komoot, so dive in and find your next adventure!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bike loop from Wells Key | 40.9 km | 20 m | Moderate |
| Southernmost Point Buoy – Key West Lighthouse loop from Stock Island | 24.4 km | 20 m | Easy |
| Key West Cycling Loop | 19.4 km | 10 m | Easy |
| Southernmost Point Buoy – Key West Lighthouse loop from Dredgers Key | 20.4 km | 20 m | Easy |
| Southernmost Point Buoy – Key West Lighthouse loop from Key West | 15.8 km | 20 m | Easy |
| Smathers Beach – Historic House in Key West loop from Key West | 13.2 km | 10 m | Easy |
| Long Key Bridge Pier loop from Marathon | 17.0 km | 10 m | Easy |
| Boca Chica Beach loop from Key West | 40.6 km | 20 m | Moderate |
| Baby's Coffee Key West loop from Stock Island | 40.7 km | 20 m | Moderate |
| Key West Lighthouse – Southernmost Point Buoy loop from Key West | 9.13 km | 10 m | Easy |
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2.
Southernmost Point Buoy – Key West Lighthouse loop from Stock Island
24.4km
01:25
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.
Key West Cycling Loop
19.4km
01:08
10m
10m
The Key West Cycling Loop offers a delightful spin around the island, immersing you in a blend of coastal beauty and historic charm. You'll glide along mostly paved paths, taking in panoramic ocean views, lush tropical gardens, and the unique historic architecture that defines Key West. Keep an eye out for the wetlands in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the vibrant atmosphere around the Southernmost Point Buoy. It's an easy 12.1-mile (19.4 km) touring cycling route with only 47 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, making it accessible for all skill levels and typically completed in just 1 hour and 8 minutes.
Planning your ride is straightforward, as Key West is a very bike-friendly city with marked routes and dedicated lanes. While there are no specific permits or fees required for this loop, consider starting your journey in the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and potentially less crowded paths. Bike rentals are readily available across the island, making it easy to jump on and explore without needing to bring your own.
This loop is an excellent way to experience the essence of Key West, showcasing its vibrant culture and natural beauty within a compact ride. It's particularly notable for its accessibility and the opportunity to see numerous iconic landmarks and historic sites, including beaches like Smathers Beach. The route also connects to the broader Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, offering a taste of the extensive cycling opportunities in the Keys.
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4.
Southernmost Point Buoy – Key West Lighthouse loop from Dredgers Key
20.4km
01:17
20m
20m
This touring cycling route offers a delightful spin through Key West, showcasing its vibrant coastal environment and historic charm. You'll pedal along flat, paved surfaces, passing tropical gardens and enjoying ocean views, with highlights including the iconic Southernmost Point Buoy and the historic Key West Lighthouse. It's an easy 12.7-mile (20.4 km) loop with minimal elevation gain of 73 feet (22 metres), making it accessible for all riders and a perfect way to explore the island.
Starting from Dredgers Key, this route is easy to navigate thanks to Key West's bike-friendly infrastructure, including designated lanes. The island's compact size means you can easily find parking near the start, and with a duration of just over 1 hour and 17 minutes, it's a great option for a morning or afternoon ride. Remember to bring water, especially on sunny days, and consider stopping at one of the many local cafes.
Key West's unique character shines through on this ride, as you'll not only see major landmarks but also wind through areas with historic homes, art galleries, and local boutiques. The route provides a comprehensive tour of the island's perimeter, allowing you to soak in the lively atmosphere and even spot mangrove forests. It's a fantastic choice for a relaxed, scenic cycling experience.
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5.
Southernmost Point Buoy – Key West Lighthouse loop from Key West
15.8km
00:57
20m
20m
Picture yourself cruising along flat, paved paths on an easy 9.8-mile (15.8 km) touring bicycle loop that showcases the best of Key West. This route offers a delightful mix of tropical gardens, ocean breezes, and charming Conch-style homes, all while you make your way past the vibrant Southernmost Point Buoy and the historic Key West Lighthouse. With only 60 feet (18 metres) of elevation gain, it's a relaxed ride perfect for soaking in the island's unique atmosphere.
Key West is incredibly bike-friendly, making this an ideal beginner cycling route. You can expect to complete the ride in about 56 minutes, and the island's extensive bike lanes and low-speed limits for cars ensure a pleasant experience. The moderate tropical climate means this Key West cycling route is enjoyable year-round, so you can plan your visit whenever suits you best.
This loop stands out among Key West cycling routes for connecting two of the island's most famous landmarks, offering fantastic viewpoints along the way. The Southernmost Point Buoy, a symbol of Key West's proximity to Cuba, is a must-see, and the nearby Key West Lighthouse provides a glimpse into the island's history. It's a fantastic way to experience the island's natural beauty and vibrant culture on two wheels.
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6.
Smathers Beach – Historic House in Key West loop from Key West
13.2km
00:44
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7.
Long Key Bridge Pier loop from Marathon
17.0km
00:58
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8.
Boca Chica Beach loop from Key West
40.6km
02:16
20m
20m
If you're looking for a peaceful escape on two wheels near Key West, the Boca Chica Beach loop offers a moderate 25.2-mile (40.6 km) touring bicycle ride with a minimal 76 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes. This route peels off the main Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, leading you through lush tropical surroundings and coastal views towards the quieter Boca Chica area. You'll cycle past the Key West Naval Air Station runway, experiencing a unique blend of natural beauty and local infrastructure, before reaching a more secluded, unconventional coastal exploration.
Accessing this route involves a detour from the well-known Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, specifically around Mile Marker 10 on Big Coppitt Key. The side-trip out to Geiger Key Marina and Boca Chica Beach is approximately a 5 to 6-mile round trip from the main trail. The path is mostly paved and generally flat, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. Parking for Boca Chica Beach cycling loop is typically found near the main trail access points.
What makes this route notable is its tranquil ambiance, offering a different experience compared to the busier parts of the Keys. Continuing past Geiger Key Marina, Boca Chica Road eventually ends due to past hurricane damage, transitioning into a walkable path along the water that leads to a clothing-optional beach. This provides a unique opportunity to explore a more isolated and unconventional coastal section of the Florida Keys, away from the constant traffic of the Overseas Highway.
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9.
Baby's Coffee Key West loop from Stock Island
40.7km
02:17
20m
20m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10.
Key West Lighthouse – Southernmost Point Buoy loop from Key West
9.13km
00:34
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Stenio Melani
June 25, 2026, Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West, Florida, famous for its long stretch of white sand, exceptionally calm waters, and the beautiful setting of tropical palm trees.
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The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum houses a 20-meter-high observation tower offering views of the city and the ocean. The observation tower is part of the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, which celebrates the city's maritime history. Visitors can learn about the dangers of shipwrecks and the salvage industry that once made Key West prosperous.
Translated by Google•
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Hans
May 24, 2025, Key West Lighthouse
There's an admission charge, too. But Bobby's view is great.
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Hans
April 17, 2025, Bridge in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
a bridge to connect one key to another; direktly build in the Golf of Mexico without land surounded. What a view !
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Sue
April 8, 2025, Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach, named after George Smathers (1913-2007), a former U.S. Senator from Florida and a friend of President John F. Kennedy, is the largest public beach in Key West, stretching about half a mile along the Atlantic Ocean. It begins at mile marker zero and is beautifully lined with coconut trees. On September 2, 2013, long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad made history by arriving at Smathers Beach after swimming 110 miles from Havana, Cuba, becoming the first person to complete the journey without a shark cage.
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Sue
April 8, 2025, Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail - Boca Chica Key
Boca Chica Key, meaning “small mouth” in Spanish, is home to the largest Naval Air Station (NAS Key West) in South Florida. Boca Chica is known for its beautiful beaches and mangrove forests; however, you may hear jets during training exercises as you hike across this section of the trail. Some say the jets can get so close you can see the pilots!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge area?
There are over 25 touring cycling routes available in the broader Florida Keys area, offering scenic rides near the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars.
What is the typical terrain and difficulty for touring cycling in this region?
The terrain for touring cycling in the Florida Keys, including routes near the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, is predominantly flat. Most routes are classified as easy, with a few moderate options. For example, the Bike loop from Wells Key is a moderate route, while the Smathers Beach – Key West Lighthouse loop from Stock Island is an easy option.
Can I cycle directly within the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge?
No, the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge itself is accessible only by boat. Touring cycling routes in this region utilize the paved paths and bridges of the broader Florida Keys area, such as the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, which offers views of the refuge's waters and mangrove islands from a distance.
What kind of natural features and wildlife can I expect to see while cycling in the Florida Keys area near the refuge?
While cycling, you'll experience coastal environments with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. You might spot diverse birdlife, including various wading birds and shorebirds, and occasionally marine mammals like manatees or dolphins in the shallow waters. The routes often pass by mangrove islands and offer glimpses into the unique ecosystem of the Keys.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in the region are designed as loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Bike loop from Wells Key, the Smathers Beach – Key West Lighthouse loop from Stock Island, and the St. Pauls Episcopal Church loop from Stock Island.
Are the touring cycling routes suitable for families?
Yes, many of the routes are considered easy and are suitable for families. The flat terrain and paved paths make for a pleasant cycling experience. The Smathers Beach loop from Stock Island is a shorter, easy option that families might enjoy.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in the Florida Keys?
The best time for touring cycling in the Florida Keys is generally during the cooler, drier months from late fall to spring (November to May). This period offers pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, making for more comfortable rides. Summers can be very hot and humid, with a higher chance of rain.
Are dogs allowed on the touring cycling routes?
While dogs are generally welcome on many public trails in the Florida Keys, it's always best to check local regulations for specific sections of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail or other paths you plan to use. Always keep dogs on a leash and ensure they are comfortable with the heat and distance.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes?
Parking is available at various access points along the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail and in towns like Key West and Stock Island. Look for public parking lots or designated trailheads. For example, routes starting from Stock Island, such as the Southernmost Hockey Club – Smathers Beach loop from Stock Island, typically have nearby parking options.
Are there any permits required for touring cycling in the area?
No specific permits are generally required for touring cycling on the public paved paths and trails in the Florida Keys, including the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. However, if you plan to engage in water-based activities within the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, different regulations and permits may apply. You can find more information on the refuge's official website: fws.gov.
What are some notable landmarks or points of interest along the cycling routes?
Cycling routes in the Key West area often pass by significant landmarks. For instance, the Smathers Beach – Key West Lighthouse loop from Stock Island takes you past coastal scenery and notable Key West landmarks, including the historic Key West Lighthouse. Many routes offer views of the iconic bridges and causeways connecting the islands.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in this region?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning coastal views, the flat and easy-to-navigate paved paths, and the unique experience of cycling across the bridges connecting the Florida Keys. The opportunity to spot wildlife and enjoy the warm weather is also frequently highlighted.
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