The best running trails in Florida Keys Wilderness
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Jogging in Florida Keys Wilderness offers unique opportunities across the broader Keys region, characterized by its flat topography and low elevation. The landscape features extensive mangrove forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, and coastal paths. The paved Overseas Heritage Trail is a notable feature, providing long-distance running options. While designated wilderness areas are primarily protected, the main islands offer numerous running routes.
Best jogging routes in Florida Keys Wilderness
- The most popular jogging route is Historic House in Key West – St. Pauls Episcopal Church loop from Key West, a 5.2 miles (8.4 km) trail that takes about 1 hour to complete. This route explores the historic streets and architecture of Key West.
- Another top favourite among local runners is Dog Beach at Vernon Avenue loop from Key West, a moderate 3.3 miles (5.4 km) path. This route offers scenic coastal views along the Key West waterfront.
- Local runners also love the Truman Beach loop from Truman Annex, a 3.8 miles (6.1 km) trail leading through coastal areas and near beaches, often completed in about 38 minutes.
- Jogging in Florida Keys Wilderness is defined by coastal paths, tropical hammocks, and paved trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging long-distance runs.
- The routes in Florida Keys Wilderness are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 5 reviews. More than 700 runners have used komoot to explore Florida Keys Wilderness's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
5.0
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37
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Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6.12km
00:38
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
runners
4.42km
00:27
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
92
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Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
73
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7.58km
00:48
10m
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Florida Keys Wilderness
Tips from the Community
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.
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There's an admission charge, too. But Bobby's view is great.
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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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Very beautiful church with a wooden ceiling and colorful windows. Well worth a visit.
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It is very interesting to see how long the wooden houses, which are "simply" built from a Central European perspective, can withstand the organs etc.
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It is quite busy here at lunchtime. It is better to get up early, then you will be able to get an uninterrupted picture. The Southernmost Point is considered the southernmost point in the continental United States and is located on the last of the Florida Keys, Key West. It is located on the edge of the city of Key West in the Upper Duval district on the corner of Whitehead Street and South Street. It is only a few minutes' walk to the city center. The Southernmost Point is actually not the southernmost point in Key West. This is located on the US Navy base next door. Since Key West is an island, the southernmost point in the continental USA is near Flamingo in the Everglades. Source Wikipedia
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The Key West Lighthouse is one of the oldest structures on the island. It was built in 1825 to help ships navigate the dangerous reefs of the Lower Keys. The lighthouse that stands today dates back to 1847, and the 92-foot-tall building offers some of the best views in town, as well as a maritime museum in the keeper's house.
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Entrance fee: $21 Address: 1 Whitehead St. Key West, Florida 33040 The aquarium opens at 9am and closes at 6pm. It is a very small aquarium and the price is quite high, whether it is worth it is in the eye of the beholder.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go jogging within the designated Florida Keys Wilderness areas?
The term 'Florida Keys Wilderness' refers to protected offshore islands primarily for wildlife, with restricted public access. Traditional jogging trails are not a feature of these specific wilderness islands due to their fragile ecosystems and limited land access. However, the broader Florida Keys region offers numerous running opportunities.
What kind of terrain can I expect on running routes in the Florida Keys?
Running routes in the Florida Keys are generally flat, with minimal elevation changes. You'll find a mix of paved trails, coastal paths, and routes through tropical hardwood hammocks and near mangrove forests. The region's unique geography means most runs offer scenic views of the ocean or lush tropical vegetation.
Are there any long-distance running trails in the Florida Keys?
Yes, the most prominent long-distance option is the Overseas Heritage Trail, which stretches for 106 miles. It's paved in segments along the historic Flagler railroad track from Key Largo to Key West, offering spectacular waterside running.
What are some easy jogging routes suitable for beginners in the Florida Keys?
For an easy and scenic run, consider the Mile 0 of U.S. Highway 1 – Key West Aquarium loop from Key West. This route is rated as easy and covers 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles), perfect for a relaxed jog through Key West.
Are there any dog-friendly running trails in the Florida Keys?
Many areas in the broader Florida Keys are dog-friendly, especially on leash. A popular option is the Dog Beach at Vernon Avenue loop from Key West, which offers scenic coastal views and is a moderate 5.4 kilometers (3.3 miles) path.
What natural features or wildlife might I encounter while running in the Florida Keys?
While running, especially near coastal areas or through state parks, you might encounter diverse bird species, iguanas, and various marine life if you're near the water. The region is known for its mangrove forests and tropical hardwood hammocks, which provide unique natural scenery. Keep an eye out for the endangered Key deer on Big Pine Key.
What is the best time of year for running in the Florida Keys?
The Florida Keys enjoy a tropical-maritime climate with a mean annual temperature around 77°F (25°C), making it pleasant for outdoor pursuits year-round. However, the cooler, drier months from November to April are generally preferred for running to avoid the higher humidity and heat of summer.
Are there any state parks in the Florida Keys with running trails?
Yes, several state parks offer running opportunities. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo has short trails through tropical hammocks, and Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park features six miles of nature trails. Bahia Honda State Park also offers exploration opportunities, including parts of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge with scenic views.
What do other runners say about the jogging routes in the Florida Keys?
The running routes in the Florida Keys are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 7 reviews. Runners often praise the unique coastal scenery, the flat and accessible paths, and the opportunity to explore the region's natural beauty.
Are there any challenging running routes for experienced runners in the Florida Keys?
For a more challenging run, consider the Dog Beach at Vernon Avenue – Key West Harbour Walk loop from Historic Seaport. This route is rated as difficult, covering nearly 16 kilometers (10 miles) and offering a longer endurance test with varied coastal views.
Are there any running routes that explore the historic areas of Key West?
Absolutely! The Historic House in Key West – St. Pauls Episcopal Church loop from Key West is a popular 8.4-kilometer (5.2 miles) route that allows you to explore the historic streets and architecture of Key West while enjoying a run.
Is public transport available to access running trails in the Florida Keys?
Public transport options vary across the Keys. Key West has a local bus system that can help access some routes. For trails further afield, especially along the Overseas Heritage Trail, you might need to rely on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services. Always check local transport schedules for specific areas.
Most popular routes in Florida Keys Wilderness
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