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Old 7 Mile Bridge

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Monroe County

Marathon

Old 7 Mile Bridge

Easy

3.0

(20)

hikers

Old 7 Mile Bridge

Q: What is the terrain like on the Old 7 Mile Bridge trail?

The trail is a flat, paved pathway, making it very accessible for walkers, runners, cyclists, and those with strollers. It's an easy surface to navigate, but be aware there is no shade along the route.

Q: How long does it take to hike the Old 7 Mile Bridge?

The walkable portion of the bridge extends 2.2 miles in one direction to Pigeon Key, making for a 4.4-mile round trip. Most hikers can complete this in about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on their pace and how long they spend enjoying the views or at Pigeon Key.

Q: Is the Old 7 Mile Bridge trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is popular with dog walkers. Dogs are generally welcome, but always ensure they are kept on a leash and that you clean up after them. Remember there is no shade, so consider your dog's comfort on hot days and bring plenty of water for them.

Q: What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the trail?

The bridge offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. You might spot marine life such as spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, dolphins, nurse sharks, and various fish in the clear waters below. Birdwatchers can also enjoy seeing pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, gulls, cormorants, and ospreys.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit the Old 7 Mile Bridge?

The Florida Keys generally have pleasant weather from late fall through spring (November to April), with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Summer months can be very hot and humid, with a higher chance of rain. Given there is no shade on the bridge, visiting during the cooler months or early in the morning/late afternoon is recommended.

Q: Are there any permits or entrance fees required to access the bridge?

There is no permit or entrance fee required to walk or bike the Old 7 Mile Bridge trail itself. However, if you wish to access the facilities on Pigeon Key, such as the museum or historic buildings, there is an admission fee.

Q: Where can I park to access the Old 7 Mile Bridge trail?

Parking is available at the Marathon side of the bridge, near the trailhead. As it's a popular spot, especially during peak season or on weekends, arriving early in the morning is advisable to secure a parking space.

Q: What should I bring for a walk on the Old 7 Mile Bridge?

Given the lack of shade and the potential for heat, it's crucial to bring plenty of water, wear a sun hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for the paved surface.

Q: Does the Old 7 Mile Bridge trail connect to other well-known paths?

Yes, the route is part of several larger trail networks. It intersects with sections of the East Coast Greenway (FL), the 1 (Florida) trail, and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.

Q: What is the historical significance of the Old 7 Mile Bridge?

The bridge is a significant historical landmark. It was originally part of Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway's Key West Extension, an engineering marvel of its time. Later, it served as part of the Overseas Highway for automotive traffic before the new Seven Mile Bridge was built. You can still see preserved original guardrails alongside the newer ones.

01:43

6.85km

Hiking

The Old 7 Mile Bridge offers a truly unique hiking experience, allowing you to walk across the shimmering waters where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean. This easy 4.3-mile (6.9 km) out-and-back route, with a minimal 11 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 43 minutes to complete. The paved, flat surface makes it accessible for everyone, and you'll be treated to expansive, open views of the sea and sky, often spotting marine life like rays and sea turtles below.

Planning your visit is straightforward, but remember there's no shade on the bridge, so come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Parking is available at the Marathon trailhead, but it can get busy, so an early start is recommended, especially if you want to avoid crowds and the strongest sun. The trail is open year-round, with mornings and late afternoons offering the most comfortable temperatures and beautiful light.

This isn't just a scenic walk; it's a journey through history. The Old 7 Mile Bridge was originally part of Henry Flagler's ambitious Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad and later served as a vital automotive link to Key West. The restored 2.2-mile section leads directly to Pigeon Key, a small historic island that once housed the railroad workers, adding a fascinating cultural layer to your hike.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

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117 m

Old 7-Mile-Bridge 🚴 🏃 🛼

Highlight • Bridge

The Old Seven Mile Bridge is one of the most famous structures in the Florida Keys. It was originally built in the early 20th century as part of the famous Overseas Railroad, which Henry Flagler had built from Miami to Key West. It was later converted into a road bridge before being replaced by the modern parallel bridge for automobile traffic.

Today, a section of the old bridge is open to pedestrians, cyclists, and runners. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views of the ocean, the islands, and the new Seven Mile Bridge running parallel to it. The walk to Pigeon Key, a small island with a museum and historic buildings, is particularly popular.

There are parking areas and shaded picnic areas at the entrance, ideal for a break before or after your tour.

The bridge is a popular place to take a break before or after your tour.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

3.28 km

Long Key Bridge Pier

Highlight • Bridge

6.69 km

Picnic area at the Old 7 Mile Bridge

Highlight • Rest Area

On the north side of the Old 7 Mile Bridge, there's a picnic area with two covered shelters. Fishing is also possible here. There's a parking lot. It's also ideal for continuing on to the Lower Keys.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6.85 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

6.57 km

283 m

Surfaces

6.55 km

288 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 1 July

32°C

28°C

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Comments

November 18, 2022,🇺🇲 Einmal über's Wasser gehen 👩🏻‍🤝‍👨🏼 - Florida - Key Largo/Marathon 🌊🌞😎

Now that we're "stranded" 🏝 in Key Largo, we thought we could walk on the water today 😉. On the drive to and from Key West we saw that you can walk on an old part of the bridge, the Old Seven Mile Bridge. We found that quite exciting and so we set off.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terrain like on the Old 7 Mile Bridge trail?

The trail is a flat, paved pathway, making it very accessible for walkers, runners, cyclists, and those with strollers. It's an easy surface to navigate, but be aware there is no shade along the route.

How long does it take to hike the Old 7 Mile Bridge?

The walkable portion of the bridge extends 2.2 miles in one direction to Pigeon Key, making for a 4.4-mile round trip. Most hikers can complete this in about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on their pace and how long they spend enjoying the views or at Pigeon Key.

Is the Old 7 Mile Bridge trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is popular with dog walkers. Dogs are generally welcome, but always ensure they are kept on a leash and that you clean up after them. Remember there is no shade, so consider your dog's comfort on hot days and bring plenty of water for them.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the trail?

The bridge offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. You might spot marine life such as spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, dolphins, nurse sharks, and various fish in the clear waters below. Birdwatchers can also enjoy seeing pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, gulls, cormorants, and ospreys.

What is the best time of year to visit the Old 7 Mile Bridge?

The Florida Keys generally have pleasant weather from late fall through spring (November to April), with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Summer months can be very hot and humid, with a higher chance of rain. Given there is no shade on the bridge, visiting during the cooler months or early in the morning/late afternoon is recommended.

Are there any permits or entrance fees required to access the bridge?

There is no permit or entrance fee required to walk or bike the Old 7 Mile Bridge trail itself. However, if you wish to access the facilities on Pigeon Key, such as the museum or historic buildings, there is an admission fee.

Where can I park to access the Old 7 Mile Bridge trail?

Parking is available at the Marathon side of the bridge, near the trailhead. As it's a popular spot, especially during peak season or on weekends, arriving early in the morning is advisable to secure a parking space.

What should I bring for a walk on the Old 7 Mile Bridge?

Given the lack of shade and the potential for heat, it's crucial to bring plenty of water, wear a sun hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for the paved surface.

Does the Old 7 Mile Bridge trail connect to other well-known paths?

Yes, the route is part of several larger trail networks. It intersects with sections of the East Coast Greenway (FL), the 1 (Florida) trail, and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.

What is the historical significance of the Old 7 Mile Bridge?

The bridge is a significant historical landmark. It was originally part of Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway's Key West Extension, an engineering marvel of its time. Later, it served as part of the Overseas Highway for automotive traffic before the new Seven Mile Bridge was built. You can still see preserved original guardrails alongside the newer ones.

Is the trail suitable for families with young children or strollers?

Absolutely! The Old 7 Mile Bridge trail is very family-friendly due to its flat, paved, and accessible surface. It's perfect for strollers, and the easy nature of the walk makes it enjoyable for all ages. The opportunity to spot marine life adds an extra element of fun for kids.