The best road cycling routes in St. Charles County

The Katy Trail and Creve Coeur Lake Loop offers a delightful blend of crushed limestone rail-trail and smooth paved paths, making it a diverse road cycling experience. You'll glide past dense woodlands and catch glimpses of the Missouri River on the historic Katy Trail, then transition to the scenic Creve Coeur Lake Loop, where you'll enjoy picturesque views of the lake, wetlands, and native wildflowers. It's a moderate 22.1-mile (35.6 km) ride that feels more like a leisurely tour than a strenuous workout, perfect for soaking in the local scenery.

This route is generally accessible, but ensure your road bike has tires 25mm or wider to comfortably handle the crushed limestone sections of the Katy Trail, which can sometimes be a bit soft or bumpy after rain. The Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park is a popular spot, so consider an early start to secure parking, especially on pleasant weekend days. The trail is enjoyable across multiple seasons, with spring and autumn providing particularly comfortable temperatures and beautiful natural displays.

This combined loop is notable for its historical significance, as the Katy Trail is the longest rail-trail in the United States, built on a former railroad corridor and part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The route offers a unique blend of expansive river views and the vibrant environment surrounding Creve Coeur Lake, Missouri's second-largest natural lake. It's an excellent option for cyclists seeking a varied ride that connects natural beauty with historical context.

Embark on the Katy Trail and Busch Greenway Loop, a moderate road cycling adventure spanning 33.9 miles (54.6 km) with 705 feet (215 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in 3 hours and 52 minutes. This route offers a diverse ride, taking you through hardwood forests and along creek-side boardwalks. You will enjoy open views of the Missouri River, especially as you pass by the Historic Bridge. The varied surfaces and changing scenery make for an engaging journey.

Before you set out, be aware that while much of the Busch Greenway is paved and the Katy Trail is crushed limestone, the Hamburg Trail section consists of crushed gravel. If you are on a pure road bike, you might want to consider a bike with wider tires or plan an alternative route for that segment. A convenient self-service bike repair station is available at the Missouri Research Park trailhead, should you need it.

This loop takes you through significant natural conservation areas, including the August A. Busch Conservation Area. Here, you might spot local wildlife and wildflowers, depending on the season. You will also pass by Klondike Park, which features interesting natural and man-made elements like the Klondike Park Quarry, adding unique points of interest to your ride.

If you're looking for a wonderfully flat and scenic road cycling experience, the Katy Trail: St. Charles to Machens is a fantastic option. This route follows the Missouri River, treating you to views of lush farmland, open fields, and shaded forest segments, with impressive bluffs appearing near Klondike Park. The packed crushed limestone surface makes for a smooth ride, and the minimal 149 feet (45 metres) of elevation gain over 24.8 miles (39.9 km) ensures an easy, relaxed journey.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as this moderate route is suitable for all skill levels and takes about 2 hours and 44 minutes. You can start your adventure in Historic Downtown St. Charles, which offers a great historical backdrop. While the trail is generally very accessible, it's wise to check for local conditions, especially near Machens, as this low-lying area can be prone to flooding.

This segment is part of the historic Katy Trail State Park, the longest developed rail-trail in the United States, and is even designated as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. You'll find historical markers along the way, connecting you to the rich past of the region. It's a perfect choice for family cycling or anyone seeking a beginner-friendly ride with a blend of natural beauty and history.

This moderate 39.8 miles (64.0 km) racebike route combines the varied surfaces and scenery of the Katy Trail and Creve Coeur Lake Loop. You will cover 745 feet (227 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 3 hours and 46 minutes, offering a diverse ride. The Katy Trail section features a largely flat, crushed limestone path winding through river bluffs, forests, and open fields. As you transition to the Creve Coeur Lake Loop, the surface becomes paved, providing scenic views of the lake itself and its surrounding marshlands. You'll also cross the Veterans Memorial Bridge, a notable point on this popular St. Louis area ride.

When planning your visit, be aware that the Katy Trail's crushed limestone surface can become soft after rain, so check conditions before you go. For the most comfortable experience, consider riding in spring or autumn to enjoy mild temperatures or vibrant fall foliage. You will find restrooms and water fountains conveniently located within Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. Ample parking is typically available at the trailheads for both the Katy Trail and Creve Coeur Lake Loop, making access straightforward.

This route stands out for its unique combination of two distinct cycling environments near St. Louis. You get the expansive, natural feel of the Katy Trail, a former railroad corridor, paired with the more contained, scenic loop around Creve Coeur Lake. The trail offers a chance to experience both riverine landscapes and tranquil lake views, showcasing the diverse outdoor opportunities in the region. It is a popular choice for cyclists looking for a substantial ride with varied terrain and points of interest.

The Katy Trail and Weldon Spring Loop offers a dynamic road cycling experience, blending the famously flat, crushed limestone surface of the Katy Trail with the more rugged, hilly terrain of the Weldon Spring Conservation Area. You'll enjoy peaceful stretches alongside the Missouri River, passing through forests and wetlands, before encountering the challenging gravel and dirt paths that wind through ridgetops and bottomlands, offering diverse scenery and potential wildlife sightings.

This moderate 31.0-mile (49.9 km) route, with an elevation gain of 773 feet (236 metres) and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 47 minutes, is best tackled by road cyclists with tires 25mm or wider to handle the varied surfaces. The Weldon Spring Conservation Area provides direct access to the Katy Trail, making it a convenient starting point for this unique blend of rail-trail and natural area cycling.

What makes this loop stand out is its ability to showcase a wide range of Missouri landscapes in a single ride, from the tranquil river views to the dramatic bluffs within the conservation area. It's a great option for cyclists looking to test their versatility and enjoy both the ease of a rail-trail and the challenge of more undulating terrain, offering a comprehensive tour of the region's natural beauty.

Embark on the Boschert Greenway and Katy Trail Loop for a moderate road cycling adventure spanning 14.2 miles (22.8 km). You will gain 293 feet (89 metres) in elevation over an estimated 1 hour and 8 minutes. This route offers a varied experience, transitioning from paved greenway sections through New Town and past the lakes of Fox Hill Park, to the famous crushed limestone of the Katy Trail. As you cycle, you can enjoy elevated views of the Missouri River valley and spot the unique "Blomstre" sculpture.

When planning your visit, remember that both the Boschert Greenway and the Katy Trail are generally considered easy to moderate for cycling, making them suitable for many fitness levels. The Boschert Greenway is mostly paved, while the Katy Trail features hard-packed crushed limestone. While road bikes are generally fine, wider tires are often recommended for comfort on the Katy Trail, especially if the surface is sandy or mushy after rain. Parking is available at various access points along the route, making it easy to start your ride.

The Katy Trail section of this loop follows the Missouri River, offering picturesque views of majestic river bluffs, peaceful farmland, and thick forests. This part of the trail is a significant piece of Missouri's outdoor infrastructure, built on a former railroad corridor. The combination of urban greenway and historic rail-trail provides a unique blend of scenery and cycling surfaces, connecting you to Historic Downtown St. Charles along the way.

The Katy Trail and Earth City Levee Loop offers a unique blend of surfaces and scenery for cyclists near St. Louis. You'll ride along the historic Katy Trail's crushed limestone, enjoying views of the Missouri River, its floodplains, and dramatic limestone bluffs, before transitioning to the paved Earth City Levee with its wide-open river vistas. Keep an eye out for wildlife like white-tailed deer and various birds as you pass through woodlands, wetlands, and open agricultural fields on this 32.8-mile (52.9 km) journey with a gentle 246 feet (75 metres) of elevation gain. It's a great way to experience the diverse natural features of the region.

Planning your ride on this moderate route, which typically takes around 3 hours and 7 minutes, requires a quick check of current conditions. Some sections, especially in Riverwoods Park, have seen permanent closures due to flooding, and temporary construction closures can occur near the 370 bridge. Parking for Earth City Levee Loop cycling is generally available at various access points, and you'll find amenities like restrooms and water fountains at many trailheads. Consider spring or autumn for the best weather and most vibrant scenery.

This loop connects you to America's longest "rails-to-trails" project, the Katy Trail, which follows the path of the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad and much of the route taken by Lewis and Clark. The Earth City Levee Trail is also part of the broader Missouri River Greenway network, linking to the Riverwoods Trail and downtown St. Charles via the 370 Discovery Bridge. This rich history and connectivity make the Katy Trail Earth City Levee Loop a significant and rewarding ride in the St. Louis area.

Embark on the Katy Trail and Augusta Loop, a difficult road cycling route spanning 49.4 miles (79.5 km) with a significant 1856 feet (566 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging ride takes approximately 5 hours and 4 minutes to complete, guiding you through diverse landscapes. You will cycle past impressive rock cliffs, meander through dense woodlands, and enjoy picturesque views of the Missouri River Valley, especially near Klondike Park.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the Katy Trail provides abundant trailheads equipped with amenities like water fountains and restrooms for convenient access. Augusta serves as a popular and well-equipped stop along the route, offering restaurants, lodging, and essential bike services. For added flexibility, consider using Amtrak's bike-friendly service, which allows for various shuttle options to create different loop configurations.

This route is specifically designed for road cyclists seeking a substantial and rewarding experience. As you pedal, you will discover charming small towns, including Augusta, which is renowned for its local wineries. The trail's path alongside the Missouri River and through farmlands offers a peaceful atmosphere, making it a notable journey for those who appreciate both natural beauty and a good workout.

Embark on the Katy Trail and St. Charles Greenways Loop, a moderate road cycling adventure spanning 52.2 miles (84.0 km) with an elevation gain of 1266 feet (386 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 3 hours and 50 minutes. The trail offers a varied landscape, blending the rustic charm of the Katy Trail with the more developed feel of paved greenways. As you cycle, you will encounter picturesque views of the Missouri River and impressive limestone bluffs, especially along the Katy Trail sections. Keep an eye out for the Veterans Memorial Bridge over the Missouri River, a significant landmark on your journey.

This loop is generally accessible, connecting various communities and providing safe passage over busy highways. While the route is well-established, remember that services like bike shops or cafes might not be available at every trailhead along the Katy Trail. It is a good idea to plan your stops for refreshments and any bike maintenance needs in advance. Consider starting your ride early in the day to make the most of the daylight and avoid peak traffic times in more urban sections.

The Katy Trail and St. Charles Greenways Loop offers a unique blend of natural beauty and local history. The route takes you through historic downtown St. Charles, allowing you to experience a mix of natural scenery and local amenities. This trail is notable for its combination of the historic Katy Trail State Park, one of the country's longest rail-trails, with modern greenways, providing a diverse and engaging cycling experience for you to explore.