This photo album consists of various landmarks along the ECT Keys-Glades Connector from the southernmost point of the Continental United States in Key West to Big Pine Key. Because there is no blazing of this section of the trail, the images are intended to help you find your way.  I plan on adding more photos later - the day I brought my camera I got a late start and the sun set on me before I could really get much done.

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

The Southernmost Point of the Continental United States

This is the starting point for a Northbounder's journey. This tourist attraction in Key West, Florida is actually not quite the actual southernmost point - that is on government property that is not open to the public. This is a rare photo taken on a sunny day without ANY tourists. When you get here, you will understand why this is such a difficult thing to do - tourists are everywhere.

You will start by hiking down Whitehead to US1. US1 actually overlaps Whitehead, but at the point you reach it, you will turn right to continue north on your hike. Look for this storm damaged sign:

Off Trail Notes: FYI, US1 ends about 0.4 miles further on down Whitehead/US1 - marked by a US1 Mile marker zero. Another 0.1 miles after mile marker zero is the main post office for Key West. Notice the storm danaged roof:

The Key West public library is also off trail, a little further north and one block over:

But back to the trail. Services are abundant in Key West, but limited once you leave the island. For that reason you may want to supply at one of the grocery stores along US1 - there are three of them. Also, if you need a post office for mailing rather than for receiving a drop, there is another one on trail next to the Winn Dixie grocery store.

The views as you leave downtown Key West are amazing. This is the view from the parking lot of the Publix grocery store!

Leaving Key West, you will see some amazing scenery. It is why Florida's state park system is designating this the Overseas Heritage Trail. The lower keys are some of the most remote and beautiful areas in the United States.

Leaving Key West

Post offices: There are many post offices along US1 in the Keys. Some are strip mall based, and some are in these vintage little buildings like the one below in Summerland Key.

Approaching Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key (and neighboring No Name Key) is a protected habitat for the Key Deer, an endangered species. This area is deisgnated as the National Key Deer Refuge. This are is marked with warning signs, lower speed limits and a wonderfully fanatical population dedicated to the protection of their animal friends.