Old Seven Mile Bridge

Overview

A restored slice of Flagler-era history turned promenade, the Old Seven Mile Bridge is a 2.2-mile, car-free stretch from Marathon toward Pigeon Key. Reopened in January 2022 after major repairs, it’s the best place on the Overseas Highway to actually slow down—walk or bike above gin-clear water and soak up the views.

What You’ll See

• Big-sky vistas over Moser Channel with the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf on the other.
• Regular marine-life cameos: sharks, tarpon, eagle rays, sea turtles, and schooling fish cruising the shallows below.
• A photogenic sunset and sunrise stage—long sightlines, bold color, and water in every direction.

Logistics & Amenities

• Access from the Marathon (Knight’s Key) side; the base has a small parking lot (about a few dozen spaces) and a pocket park.
• Expect no restrooms on or at the base of the bridge; plan ahead.
• Several picnic tables at the base (some shaded) make an easy snack stop.
• Pedestrians and cyclists share clearly marked lanes; e-bikes are permitted with a 15 mph limit.
• Leashed dogs are commonly seen.
• No fishing from the bridge itself; fishing is allowed from the small park at the base on the bayside.
• It’s fully exposed—bring water and sun protection; there’s virtually no shade.

Distance & Effort

It’s 2.2 miles each way from the Marathon end to the turnaround near Pigeon Key—flat, breezy, and easy, but the sun can make it feel longer. Many visitors bike it; walkers typically treat it as a mellow out-and-back.

A Quick History Snapshot

Built 1909–1912 as part of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad, the structure was converted to highway use after the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane and served cars until the modern bridge opened in 1982. Today’s old span survives as a pedestrian/cyclist route and gateway toward historic Pigeon Key, following its 2016–2022 rehabilitation.

Pair it with Pigeon Key

You’ll walk toward Pigeon Key on the bridge; visiting the island itself is typically via a guided tram or ferry from Marathon, with admission.

Best Time to Visit

• Open 24 hours, but the sweet spots are sunrise and the golden hour before sunset for cooler temps and softer light.
• Weekends late morning to early afternoon are busiest; weekday mornings are usually quieter.
• Dawn and dusk can bring bugs—pack spray.
• Each April, one Saturday morning sees a brief closure of the modern bridge for the Seven Mile Bridge Run, which can snarl area traffic—plan around it.

Etiquette & Safety

Keep right, pass with care, and don’t feed wildlife. It’s a shared space—watch kids around cyclists, and secure hats and loose items on windy days.