Might anyone know of a Miami to Key West trail or route? I'm doing some research but thought I'd ask the community if anyone knows anything/can direct me to a good source/knows anyone who has made such a trek.
The South Dade Trail/M Path goes from Miami down to Homestead. Seems it was built as part of a dedicated busway project that runs above or next to its 25 miles.
The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail will run the 106-mile length of the keys, but only 61 miles are built so far.
Here's a map from the East Coast Greenway site that shows the bike paths and roads for the whole route.
Looks like a great trip. Have fun!
That would kick ass depending on the time of year. Sounds awesome.
Didn't someone just post information about something like this within the last 3 - 4 weeks?
Ah, this is what I was remembering, from "transitguru", appears to be transit routes, not bike trails, but might be helpful:
"I am the author of the blog that StuInMcCandless had referred to. After you read the post on my trip, feel free to ask questions. I strongly recommend the Everglades Hostel in Homestead/Florida City as it is one of the best hostels around. They also rent bikes at $15 per day. I rode to the Everglades and really enjoyed the ride. I recommend getting up early to fully enjoy your ride before sunset, as it sets fast at lower latitudes!
After Florida City, you can take transit to Key West if you want. Take Miami-Dade route 301 Dade Monroe Express (it will say American Coach on the bus) to Marathon. Six of the over a dozen trips go to Marathon so make sure to confirm the destination of the bus. At Marathon, transfer to the Lower Keys Shuttle (Pages 5-7). Other pages show bus routes within Key West. I highly recommend trying to get off at other keys, especially Big Pine Key where there are nature preserves and little deer that are the size of dogs when they are full grown.
I have created a quick "combo" timetable as well to show connections from Florida City to Key West. It is shown on my blog entry and linked here."
I have ridden most of the ride from Homestead to Key West, it is a mixed bag. I used to ride there a few times a year, I stopped bringing my bike after one to many close calls.
Seriously DO NOT ride the section of US1 from Homestead to Key Largo, it is not meant for bikes and terrifying. The cars go 55-95mph and it is currently under construction. But you can take Card Sound Rd, it has much less traffic and is very scenic.
You'll rejoin Rt 1 in Key Largo, you can camp at John Pennekamp State Park. There you can go snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving, which is cool.
From there you ride on a mixed route of side walk and bike path through Key Largo to Islamarado where you can jump on old Route 1 for about 10 miles, which is nice! Big shoulders and lots of bikes.
When that ends you get back on a mix of side walk and bike route.
The next place to camp along the way is Bahia Honda state park, which is so cool.
And from there its just a short trip to Key West.
The only problem with this ride is that the bike route is mostly the sidewalk that goes in from of all the businesses, which means lots of cars going in and out, not looking for bikes. Most of the cars are speeding and driving very aggressively.
It is a beautiful ride, its just not peaceful!
Good luck.
-Joe
