Visitors can now use the reopened section of the Old Seven Mile Bridge to walk, bike, roller blade, and more. Henry Flagler's Florida Keys Overseas Railroad was a marvel in its day, a feat of engineering connecting mainland Florida to the country's southernmost point 90 miles away in Key West.

How far can you walk on Old 7 Mile Bridge?

When walking the Old 7 Mile Bridge, your steps will be following a historic road with stunning views in all directions. You are only able to walk about 2.2 miles of the bridge, as the remaining part is closed off and not maintained. We learned all this information and more on our tour of the island.

Is the old Seven Mile Bridge open to pedestrians?

Nicknamed "Old Seven," the oft-photographed 2.2-mile span reopened Jan. 12, 2022, to pedestrian recreation.

Where do you park to walk on the old 7 Mile Bridge?

Visiting the Old Seven Mile Bridge

Bicyclists can park north of the bridge in various places in Marathon and take the excellent bike trail on the bay side of the road right to the bridge. There is a little street parking on the other side of US 1, just beyond the Sunset Grille and Raw Bar.

Can you run on the Seven Mile Bridge?

The 7 Mile Bridge Run kicked off in 1982, when the new bridge opened. This highly anticipated event can only accommodate 1,500 participants, so be sure to register as soon as it's open. Don't wait to book your Key West vacation rental if you're planning on entering or spectating the 7 Mile Bridge Run.

Florida Keys' Old Seven Mile Bridge Reopens To Walkers, Runners, Bicyclists

How long is the 7 Mile Bridge Run?

It is one of the few races that takes place entirely over water, and actually covers a distance of 6.8 miles (10.9 km) - a little shorter than the name suggests. The local Sheriff's Department close the bridge between 6:45am and 9am, with the race kicking off at 7:30am.

Is the Seven Mile Bridge scary?

The new seven mile bridge is so much better to travel on than back in the late 60's and early 70's bridge! One lane each way. Very scary!

Are there alligators in the Florida Keys?

The answer is yes, there are definitely alligators in the Florida Keys. The type of alligator present in the swamps, ponds, rivers, and lakes of the Keys is the common American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). People often confuse alligators with crocodiles, but there are both in the Florida Keys.

How deep is the water under the 7 mile bridge?

deep; the Seven Mile Bridge below Knight's Key over water 18 to 22-ft. deep; the Bahia Honda Bridge, slightly more than one mile long over water from 20 to 30-ft.

Why is the 7 Mile Bridge closed?

The Seven Mile Bridge will close temporarily to vehicle traffic for an annual footrace over the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. April 1, 2022, at 3:10 a.m.

Who lives on Pigeon Key?

Kelly McKinnon, executive director of the Pigeon Key Foundation, has lived for 14 years on the tiny historic island beneath the Middle Florida Keys' Old Seven Mile Bridge. Currently the personable 40-year-old is one of only four full-time island residents.

How long is walk to Pigeon Key?

This 2 mile walk from Marathon to Pigeon Key is one of the best walks in the Keys. The ramp down to the Key unfortunately closed and doesn't appear to be under repair. This is too bad as the Key would be a nice visit.

How long is the bridge to Pigeon Key?

Today the Old Seven Mile Bridge (the original Knights Key Bridge) to Pigeon Key is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has served as a world-famous fishing pier, jogging, and walking route, and of course the major path to Pigeon Key.

What Does Key mean in Key West?

The term “key” comes from the Spanish word, “cayo” which translates to “small island.” Most of the sand in Key West's beaches isn't natural, but was shipped in from the Caribbean. No wonder it's beautiful!

Why are chickens everywhere in Key West?

The chickens found in Key West are descendants of the jungle fowl that was originally found throughout the Caribbean, including Cuba. Early settlers in Key West had a normal relationship with their chickens, keeping them in coups and using them for food.

Are there great white sharks in Florida Keys?

A great white shark has been filmed swimming beneath a fishing boat in the Florida Keys. The footage was captured by keen diver and angler Amanda Callahan on April 15 around seven miles southwest of the American Shoal lighthouse during a day of fishing with friends.

Are there sharks in the Florida Keys?

Yes, of course there are sharks in Key West. We're situated on a small island surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico–shark's natural habitat. What kind of sharks can I see at the reef? The most common shark to see at the Key West reef is the docile nurse shark.

How Deep Is Florida Keys water?

In the Florida Keys, much reef diving is shallow, easy diving. Ocean depths from the shoreline to the reef rarely reach 20 feet. The reef lives in waters as shallow as five feet and as deep as 50 feet. Most Keys reef divers log a maximum depth of 20 to 30 feet.

What is the speed limit on the 7 Mile bridge?

Be very wary of your speed through Marathon, 35 mph is the limit.

Can you see Cuba from Key West?

No, you generally cannot see Cuba from Key West or any part of Florida. This is essentially a question of gazing at the lands of one country from another – which, given Cuba's settlement at about 90 miles from Key West seems pretty impossible (at least through the naked eye).

How long is the 7 mile bridge in Key West?

Just southwest of Marathon, a family-friendly community known for its environmental attractions, lies the undisputed jewel of the Overseas Highway: the Seven Mile Bridge, which stretches a stunning 6.79 miles across open water.

How high above the water is the Seven Mile Bridge?

The new bridge rises over the channel to a height of 65 feet, allowing boats to run underneath without hindering traffic above. The stately bridge spans approximately 35,867 feet, and, at 6.67 miles, it is just shy of making the seven miles touted by its name.

Why was the railroad to Key West never finished?

In 1935, nature delivered a fatal blow when a Category 5 hurricane took out a large part of the middle section of the railroad and made it unusable.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qrrTnqmvoZWsrrOxwGeaqKVfm66ye8KapWaxn6p6uK3LpGSopl2ptaZ5zqWbZm9doratsYybqaKcl5o%3D