Running, walking, biking?
We're planning a short vacation on Key West. Staying in the middle of Old Town. We were wondering if the Overseas Heritage Trail is a good place to take a morning run? Is it possible to run about 3 miles out without getting onto roads? Is is safe to run alone?
We were also thinking about biking on the trail. Are there bicycle rental shops with several locations so that we could take a cab further north, rent bikes, then bike all the way down to Key West and return the rentals there?
Thanks for your help!
The Overseas Heritage Trail is indeed a great spot for both running and biking, especially if you're staying in the heart of Old Town Key West. It offers beautiful scenic views and is an excellent choice for outdoor activities. Here’s a more detailed look at your questions:
- Running on the Overseas Heritage Trail - The trail is ideal for a morning run, as it's a dedicated path with minimal vehicle traffic. It's safe to run alone during the early hours, as long as you're on the designated trail sections. The trail runs along the water and provides a peaceful environment, with many runners and cyclists using it. For a 3-mile run, you can definitely stay on the trail without needing to go onto any roads. You might need to loop back if you’re starting from the Key West area, but there are plenty of trail sections that make it easy to get in a good run.
- Safety for Running Alone - Key West is a relatively safe area, and many locals and visitors are out for morning runs, so you should feel comfortable running alone on the trail, especially during the day or early morning. That said, always be mindful of your surroundings and stay aware of where you're running, especially in less-populated areas. The trail itself is well-maintained and frequently used by joggers and cyclists, so it's safer than running on the roads.
- Biking on the Trail - If you're thinking of biking the trail, it's a great idea! The Overseas Heritage Trail spans several miles and offers scenic views along the way. For a fun adventure, you can certainly take a cab further north, rent bikes, and ride all the way back to Key West. The trail connects several areas and provides a continuous path for cycling. There are bike rental shops in Key West that offer this type of bike rental service, and some even have multiple locations for drop-off and pick-up.
- Bicycle Rentals with Multiple Locations - Yes, there are bike rental shops in Key West that offer rentals with flexible drop-off and pick-up locations. Some shops even provide the option to rent bikes at one location and return them in another, so you could easily take a cab to a location further north, rent the bikes, and then cycle all the way down to Key West. Popular places like Key West Bike Rental and Island Bike Tours offer this type of service. Make sure to check with them in advance to confirm availability and drop-off options for your plans.
In summary, the Overseas Heritage Trail is an excellent choice for both running and biking, offering a safe and scenic route with dedicated paths away from busy roads. Renting bikes for a ride down to Key West is a great way to experience the beauty of the area while getting some exercise, and you’ll find rental shops that cater to this type of activity. Enjoy your time in Key West, and happy running or biking!
