3.0
(20)
80
hikers
Old 7 Mile Bridge
01:43
6.85km
0m
Hiking
Embark on an easy hike across the Old 7 Mile Bridge, a unique paved path stretching over the water. This 4.3-mile (6.9 km) route offers panoramic views where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean, with the water shifting from turquoise to navy. You will gain a minimal 11…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
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Waypoints
Start point
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117 m
Old 7-Mile-Bridge 🚴 🏃 🛼
Highlight • Bridge
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3.28 km
Long Key Bridge Pier
Highlight • Bridge
6.69 km
Picnic area at the Old 7 Mile Bridge
Highlight • Rest Area
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6.85 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.57 km
283 m
Surfaces
6.55 km
288 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Thursday 7 May
30°C
26°C
0 %
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Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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.
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Trail Reviews
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. The Seven Mile Bridge is located in the far west of the city of Marathon, south of Key Largo. A famous bridge in the Florida Keys, it connects the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys and is among the longest bridges in existence when it was built. Of the many bridges that connect the Florida Keys, the Seven Mile Bridge is the longest. The Old Seven was originally built in the early 1900's as part of the Key West Extension of Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway, also known as the Overseas Railroad 🛤. When Flagler fell in love with Florida, he was a very rich old man and was expanding his railroad 🚂🚃 further and further down the Atlantic Seaboard. Flagler's Overseas Railroad, the first land line from Miami to Key West, was a financial failure when it opened in 1912 💰 and then became an outright disaster. 💸 Many miles of railroad tracks were washed away in a devastating 1935 hurricane 🌬🌪 and its subsequent storm surge 🌊. Subsequently, the state of Florida became the owner and converted the bridge into an automobile bridge 🚗 🛣. In the early 1980s, this old bridge fell into disuse for vehicular traffic when the new bridge was built. Shiny new guard rails safely line the bridge today, but on the outside are the rusting rails of the original Flagler railway. When the bridge was converted for cars, the old rails were simply repurposed as crash barriers for the new roadway - and they're still there. Today you can jog 🏃♀️, bike 🚴♂️ and hike 🚶🏼♀️ on it and it serves as the main trail to Pigeon Key, where it ends after 2.2 miles 🔚. The rest of the old bridge is no longer accessible ⛔️🚷🚳. Pigeon Key, a 12-acre island at the end of the bridge, is a historic landmark with a small museum that tells the fascinating history of the bridge's construction.