Old Seven Mile Bridge Photos
More like Old Seven Mile Bridge
Recommended Reviews - Old Seven Mile Bridge
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
The bridge has deteriorating for many decades and has since been replaced by the current Seven Mile Bridge. I remember as a youngster in the 1970s driving to Key West with my family on the original old bridge and was nervous since the single lane was so narrow. Still great views of the ocean from either old or new bridge.
We walked this bridge back and fourth 2 miles one way and 2 miles back. We did onr walk around 4:30. FYI it was hot in one direction but the on the way back there was a good breeze that helped cool it down. Pigeon key was closed at that time but we mainly walked for the walk and scenery. Pigeon key closes at 4pm. We saw a small shark cruising the flats next to the bridge. We also saw a sea turtle. A dolphin gush and some tarpon. Closer to Pigeon key you could see the couch dhells in the shallows but they were occupied by counches so they stay in the sea.
Another undeniable classic. The " old seven mile bridge" good or bad I'm old enough to have ridden and driven over the iconic landmark several times before it's new counterpart was constructed. Also,I've been fortunate enough to have explored below it's waters which can be just as heart stopping! Attached is an ancient photo of me with the bridge in the distance. About an hour later I donned my scuba equipment and explored the area. Great memories.
Locals call it the "Old Seven" The seven mile bridge is part of a 110-mile long Ocean Highway that connected the Keys to the mainland. This bridge has been through a lot! A series of hurricanes, storms, and saltwater led to its destruction and no longer available for cars to cross... for this reason, a new and modern bridge had to be constructed. We were able to see the gaps and sections that were destroyed over time when we crossed on the new bridge. Old Seven is now mainly used by pedestrians and cyclists for sightseers and leisure (if you can stand the heat). We pulled in the turnout to a small parking lot and proceeded to the Knights Key segment of the bridge. There is a historic marker posted about Henry Flagler who pioneered in the development of the Florida Keys. This is posted before the bridge. People also fish off of the bridge. We walked about a quarter of a mile on the bridge before heading back. Who -wee! The Florida heat was a bit too much in late November LoL On the new bridge we crossed over Pigeon Key and stopped on the other end of the bridge on Little Duck Key. The west end of the bridge terminates on this island. The whole thing was just a cool experience. The bridge was replaced by the Overseas Highway in 1938. Old Seven is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Review #2801
This is a historic bridge for walking, biking and roller blading. There's also a trolley that runs taking folks to pigeon key. It's 2 miles each way (not 7!) with markers every .1 of a mile. Trash containers along the way but no benches except at the beginning. The end is Pigeon key but you have to make a reservation I believe. There is s $2 off coupon at the visitor center if you want to do that (we didn't). We didn't see any wildlife except pelicans but it was still s great way to see the water and get fresh air and exercise!
The bridge is located at Mile Marker 47 in Marathon and only 2.2 miles of it are accessible. The new Seven Mile Bridge is immediately adjacent on the ocean side. the view from the bridge is spectacular - so many shades of blue, those dramatic Florida clouds, boats zipping underneath,the elegant new bridge in the distance It attracts a steady stream of people coming and going and taking pictures. It is a great stop on a road trip through the Florida Keys, Parking: 35 parking spaces are nearly always full, even on weekdays, with cars often waiting for someone to leave. Visitors don't necessarily stay long, however, so the spaces turn over fairly quickly. read more
While driving to KeyWest direction, watch out for the Old Seven Mile Bridge vista point. There are parking lots which lead you to a 2 miles broadwalk (one way) on the historical trail which parallel with the new 7 mile bridge. I am glad that we made the stop to see the history of this bridge, it's a pleasant walk or cycling on the old bridge. read more
A majority of the iron railings on this bridge are rusted with portions hanging off the sides just feet above the water. I'm assuming since it's a historic site the bridge cannot be removed. A cement path has been constructed for bicycle riding and fishing with a nearby boat slip. A completely new Seven Mile Bridge has been erected for vehicle transportation to a from Key West in addition to smaller islands like Big Pine Key. read more
The bridge has deteriorating for many decades and has since been replaced by the current Seven Mile Bridge. I remember as a youngster in the 1970s driving to Key West with my family on the original old bridge and was nervous since the single lane was so narrow. Still great views of the ocean from either old or new bridge. read more
We walked this bridge back and fourth 2 miles one way and 2 miles back. We did onr walk around 4:30. FYI it was hot in one direction but the on the way back there was a good breeze that helped cool it down. Pigeon key was closed at that time but we mainly walked for the walk and scenery. Pigeon key closes at 4pm. We saw a small shark cruising the flats next to the bridge. We also saw a sea turtle. A dolphin gush and some tarpon. Closer to Pigeon key you could see the couch dhells in the shallows but they were occupied by counches so they stay in the sea. read more
Another undeniable classic. The " old seven mile bridge" good or bad I'm old enough to have ridden and driven over the iconic landmark several times before it's new counterpart was constructed. Also,I've been fortunate enough to have explored below it's waters which can be just as heart stopping! Attached is an ancient photo of me with the bridge in the distance. About an hour later I donned my scuba equipment and explored the area. Great memories. read more
Locals call it the "Old Seven" The seven mile bridge is part of a 110-mile long Ocean Highway that connected the Keys to the mainland. This bridge has been through a lot! A series of hurricanes, storms, and saltwater led to its destruction and no longer available for cars to cross... for this reason, a new and modern bridge had to be constructed. We were able to see the gaps and sections that were destroyed over time when we crossed on the new bridge. Old Seven is now mainly used by pedestrians and cyclists for sightseers and leisure (if you can stand the heat). We pulled in the turnout to a small parking lot and proceeded to the Knights Key segment of the bridge. There is a historic marker posted about Henry Flagler who pioneered in the development of the Florida Keys. This is posted before the bridge. People also fish off of the bridge. We walked about a quarter of a mile on the bridge before heading back. Who -wee! The Florida heat was a bit too much in late November LoL On the new bridge we crossed over Pigeon Key and stopped on the other end of the bridge on Little Duck Key. The west end of the bridge terminates on this island. The whole thing was just a cool experience. The bridge was replaced by the Overseas Highway in 1938. Old Seven is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Review #2801 read more
Not much to do or interesting things to look at. Although there may be sea life (sea turtles, dolphins, fish (and birds)). Long Windy Pretty bland but really a must for Marathon ...just to say you've done it. ...and it is free read more
3 years ago
This is a historic bridge for walking, biking and roller blading. There's also a trolley that runs taking folks to pigeon key. It's 2 miles each way (not 7!) with markers every .1 of a mile. Trash containers along the way but no benches except at the beginning. The end is Pigeon key but you have to make a reservation I believe. There is s $2 off coupon at the visitor center if you want to do that (we didn't). We didn't see any wildlife except pelicans but it was still s great way to see the water and get fresh air and exercise! read more
The original railway bridge is known as the Knights Key-Pigeon Key-Moser Channel-Pacet Channel Bridge. It was built from 1909 to 1912 by Henry Flagler and Clarence S. Coe to take people down to Key West. It was part of the Florida East Coast Railway's Key West Extension, also known as the Overseas Railroad. The bridge was seven miles long and it was damaged in a 1935 hurricane that killed 400 people. This ended railway service to the keys and the line was sold to the US Government. The bridge was then repaired and widened for automobiles. Hurricane Donna in 1960 damaged the bridge and a new bridge was built next to it between 1978 and 1982. Large spans of the old bridge can still be seen as you travel down to the lower keys. There is a 2.2 mile long section to Pigeon Key that is used as a fishing pier. Pigeon Key was the site of a work camp for the bridge during Henry Flagler's building period. Today the vast majority of the original bridge still exists. The swing span that was added to allow the passage of boats in the Moser Channel of the Intracoastal Waterway near where the bridge crosses Pigeon Key has been removed. The 2.2-mile section to Pigeon Key was closed to traffic in 2008 after the unsupported sections began to sag. In 2014 people became concerned about saving the Old Bridge and three government agencies came together to fund a restoration project. The first phase of the project began in 2017 and it created a handicapped accessible walkway from the old bridge under the new bridge to the ocean side. Picnic pavilions and scenic overlooks were also added. In 2019, building began on a $1.9 million exact replica of the wooden off ramp that leads to Pigeon Key. Along the entire 2.2 mile stretch rusted steel beams will be replaced and the concrete piers that support the bridge will be strengthened. The project is expected to be completed in 2012. Until then you can visit the Pigeon Key Visitors Center and buy a $12 ticket for a boat ride and two hour tour of Pigeon Key. read more
8 years ago
7 years ago
9 years ago
More info about Old Seven Mile Bridge
Ask the Community - Old Seven Mile Bridge
Review Highlights - Old Seven Mile Bridge
Old Seven Mile Bridge - localflavor - Updated July 2026
Best of Marathon
Browse Nearby
BEST of Marathon, Florida Restaurants near Old Seven Mile Bridge
BEST of Marathon, Florida Coffee near Old Seven Mile Bridge
BEST of Marathon, Florida Things to Do near Old Seven Mile Bridge
BEST of Marathon, Florida Breakfast near Old Seven Mile Bridge
BEST of Marathon, Florida Campgrounds near Old Seven Mile Bridge
BEST of Marathon, Florida Bike Rentals near Old Seven Mile Bridge
