This photo album consists of various landmarks along the ECT Keys-Glades Connector along the two routes from Key Largo to the Mainland. Because there is no blazing of this section of the trail, the images are intended to help you find your way. Both routes are rather remote and services are extremely limited. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having enough water for this section of the route. The US1 route has no real shade or services. Card Sound, while the longer route by 5.7 miles, is more beautiful, more pleasant, with shaded areas and a restaurant midway along the route.

Please Note: Because of the resolution of the photos, it can take a few minutes to load.

Section A - US1 to Florida City (Routes 1 and 3)

This section has photos of items pertaining to routes 1 (traditional route) and 3 (Greenway Option). The Greenway option splits off midway along this section and does not rejoin the traditional route until US41. No photos at the moment, but I will post some soon.

Section B - SR905-Card Sound Road to Florida City (Route 2)

This section is the alternative to the traditional route. It is 5.7 miles longer, but a much more pleasant route. It departs from US in Key Largo and rejoins it just before the trail turns off to SR997.

Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock State Botanical Park

This state park (Dagny Johnson) is on the south side of the road about 0.5 miles from the US1/905-Card Sound split in Key Largo. It's an honor system park, and is a nice distraction from hiking.

Back Country

There are some backcountry areas along the south side of Card Sound Road. Southbounders are out of luck, but Northbounders can obtain a permit from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to access the back country in these posted locations. This particular access point is at the turn in 905/Card Sound Road.

A Turn in the Road

This is the only light between Key Largo and the Mainland. It's hard to miss. Follow the signs to Homestead/Miami/Turnpike.

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Between the split of US1 and 905-Card Sound road in Key Largo and the Card Sound bridge is the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge. I wonder what kind of wildlife would live in a place called "Crocodile Lake??"

Card Sound Bridge

This is the Card Sound bridge and the toll both on the north side of the bridge. There is no toll for pedestrians. Because there is no sidewalk or hazard lane, be very careful crossing this bridge.

Many bridges in this area have posted warnings. Please heed the warnings.

Card Sound

This is Alabama Jacks, just north of the toll both in the community of Card Sound. It is the only chance for food, water or bathrooms between Key Largo and Florida City. This is a very eclectic place. You may see dozens of bikers one day, and square dancing seniors another day. Don't miss Alabama Jacks!

Once you leave the Card Sound community, with its rustic houseboats, you will enter a stretch of nearly 14 miles of remote road walk. While the wilderness is beautiful, there are few distinct landmarks to speak of. I have identified two towers, fairly similar in structure, as visual landmarks so you can take stock of your progress. They're not much to look at, but they will allow you to assess your progress. Below are photos of the northern tower of the two.

Arriving in Florida City/Homestead

Routes 1 and 2 rejoin again in Florida City and both follow SR997 (Krome) to US41

North bounders: Approaching and then looking at US1 from Card Sound Road in Florida City where the roads rejoin. Notice the Last Chance Saloon in the background.

Here is a closer look at the Last Chance Saloon. Notice the sign out front warning those heading south about the toilet facilities. If you are headed north, there is no sign like this at the convenience store where US1 and 905-Card Sound branch off, although therer should be. Plan accordingly.

If headed north, watch for the signs above indicating where to cross over. SR997 and Krome are the same road. If you see the fancy gateway welcoming you to Florida City, you have gone too far north on US1.