The best MTB trails in St. Louis County

The Zombie and Bluff View Trail Loop offers an easy mountain biking experience across 15.2 miles (24.4 km) of varied terrain. You will navigate predominantly singletrack sections, encountering rocky outcroppings and sustained climbs. The route winds through spectacular rock formations, providing expansive views of the Meramec River and Crescent Valley. Don't miss stopping at Aberdeen Lookout for a picturesque vista that truly lives up to the trail's name. With a total elevation gain of 974 feet (297 metres), you can expect to complete this loop in about 1 hour and 59 minutes.

Planning your ride on the Zombie and Bluff View Trail Loop is straightforward. Parking is generally available right at the trailhead, making access easy for most visitors. This route is part of a larger network of trails within the St. Louis county area, offering many options. You can ride it as a standalone loop or connect with nearby trails such as Sherman Park and Al Foster for an extended adventure. Consider starting early to enjoy the views and avoid busier times on the singletrack sections.

This mountain biking route is a highlight within Castlewood State Park, known for its diverse trail system. The area is rich in natural beauty, with the trail showcasing the unique geology of the region. It provides a great opportunity to explore the Meramec River corridor and its surrounding bluffs. The loop is often ridden as a lollipop, giving you flexibility in how you experience the different sections.

The Eagle Valley and DeClue Trail Loop offers a comprehensive mountain biking experience within Greensfelder County Park, blending doubletrack with seriously technical singletrack. You'll navigate varied terrain, from chat-covered surfaces and scenic stretches alongside a clear, rocky stream to challenging rock gardens and steep, "baby head" rock-covered descents. It's a ride that demands precise lines and good balance, rewarding those who enjoy pushing their skills.

This 13.0-mile (20.9 km) route, with 1064 feet (324 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate but includes sections that are quite difficult, especially on the DeClue Trail. Expect to spend around 1 hour and 56 minutes on the saddle. Given the rocky conditions, bringing extra tubes is a smart move, and you'll find helpful aid boxes at trail junctions.

This loop is a testament to the extensive trail network developed by the Gateway Off-Road Cyclists (GORC) in Greensfelder County Park. It's a "killer trail" for those seeking a workout with many steep climbs and large rock gardens, all set within a beautiful forested landscape that was once a site of logging and mining.

The Bootlegger's Run Trail in Creve Coeur Park offers a delightful mountain biking experience, winding around the scenic Creve Coeur Lake. You'll navigate hard-packed dirt, enjoy banked turns, and encounter fun dips and even a rock garden on the Main Loop. The route passes through areas of new growth trees, providing a pleasant, flowing ride that's engaging without being overly technical. It's a great spot to enjoy the outdoors and get some miles in.

This moderate 4.5-mile (7.2 km) trail features 218 feet (67 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 37 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option for beginner mountain bikers looking to build skills, but also offers a fast and enjoyable ride for more experienced riders. The trail is bi-directional and shared with runners, so keep an eye out for others on the path.

What makes this trail stand out is its accessibility and well-maintained features, including the multiple ravine crossings and roller coasters. The park is also home to the charming Dripping Springs Waterfall, adding a natural landmark to your ride. Its beginner-friendly sections make it a popular choice for those new to the sport, while the overall design ensures a fun outing for all skill levels.

The Grotpeter and Lone Wolf Trail Loop in Castlewood State Park offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, weaving through deep forests and along Kiefer Creek. You'll encounter a mix of flowy singletrack on the Grotpeter Trail, contrasted with the steep, rooty, and rocky technical descents of the Lone Wolf Trail. A highlight is the scenic viewpoint overlooking the Meramec River from the Lone Wolf Trail, providing a rewarding vista amidst the challenging terrain.

This 5.3-mile (8.5 km) route, with 423 feet (129 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy overall but includes advanced sections that will test your skills, particularly on the Lone Wolf Trail. Expect to complete the loop in about 47 minutes. It's wise to check current trail conditions before you go, especially if there's been recent rain, as the technical features can become more demanding.

What makes this loop stand out is its blend of challenges, from the notorious "Cardiac Hill" climb on Grotpeter to the "waterfall crossing thing" on Lone Wolf. This combination ensures a varied ride that caters to different skill levels within a single 5.3-mile (8.5 km) circuit, making it a popular choice for those seeking both speed and technical prowess in their mountain biking adventures.

The Beulah Trail in Greensfelder County Park offers a surprisingly technical mountain biking experience, despite its easy rating. This 5.8-mile (9.3 km) singletrack winds through varied terrain, featuring hard-packed dirt, challenging rock gardens, and some gravel sections. You'll feel a distinct "mountainous" vibe, especially when the autumn colors are at their peak, making it a scenic and engaging ride that takes about 51 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride on the Beulah Trail is straightforward; it's easily accessible within Greensfelder County Park in Wildwood, Missouri. Since it's a multi-use trail, be prepared to share the path with hikers and horses. While no specific parking warnings are noted, arriving earlier in the day is always a good strategy to ensure a spot, especially on weekends. The trail is best enjoyed during the fall for its vibrant scenery.

With 439 feet (134 metres) of elevation gain, the Beulah Trail is an excellent spot to develop your mountain biking skills, particularly in navigating technical features like berms, drops, and those frequent rock gardens. It's a popular route for those seeking a quick, challenging ride that feels more substantial than its distance suggests, offering a unique regional experience.

Get ready for an easy mountain biking adventure on the Cliff Cave County Park Trail. This route takes you through heavily wooded forests with old-growth trees and past floodplain wetland areas, offering a diverse natural setting. You'll cover 4.4 miles (7.2 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 158 feet (48 metres), typically taking about 33 minutes to complete. Keep an eye out for expansive views of the Mississippi River Valley from several overlooks along the way.

When you plan your visit, you'll find ample parking available, making access straightforward. Be aware that the natural surface trails can get muddy after rain, so it's a good idea to check conditions beforehand. If the trails are too wet, you can always opt for the paved Mississippi River Trail as an alternative, ensuring you can still enjoy a ride in the park.

This trail is a great spot to experience the local ecosystem, home to abundant wildlife like deer and wild turkey. The mix of forest and wetlands creates a rich habitat, making each ride a chance to connect with nature. It's a perfect choice if you're looking for a relaxing ride that combines scenic river views with a pleasant natural environment.

Embark on the Chubb, Flint Quarry and Castlewood Loop for an easy mountain biking adventure that spans 11.2 miles (18.0 km). You will navigate varied terrain, from challenging rocky sections to smoother paths along the riverbank, all while gaining 727 feet (222 metres) in elevation. The route takes you through dense forested areas, offering a refreshing atmosphere and scenic views, especially from the notable viewpoint on the Flint Quarry Trail.

This loop is designed to be completed in about 1 hour and 38 minutes, making it a great option for a focused ride. While the Chubb and Flint Quarry trails generally hold up well in damp conditions, be aware that slippery rocks can make certain parts tricky. It is wise to check local trail conditions before you head out, especially after heavy rain, as the Lone Elk connector on the Chubb Trail is known to flood.

As you ride, you will follow the winding course of the Meramec River, which adds beautiful waterside vistas to your journey. This combination of diverse trails and natural features provides a dynamic experience for mountain bikers looking for an accessible yet engaging route near St. Louis, Missouri.

The Grotpeter Trail – Riverscene Trail loop from Lake Pogo offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, blending easy riverside paths with more challenging forested singletrack. You'll enjoy smooth riding along the Meramec River on the River Scene Trail, then transition to the Grotpeter Trail's flowy terrain with significant elevation changes and technical features like roots and loose rock. This 11.6-mile (18.7 km) loop, rated easy overall despite its varied sections, includes 665 feet (203 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 1 hour and 23 minutes to complete.

When planning your ride, be mindful of trail conditions, especially on the River Scene Trail, which can develop large muddy puddles after rain. There's also a notable sand trap near the beach section that might require dismounting. This loop is located within Castlewood State Park, a well-known mountain biking hub, so consider arriving early on weekends to ensure parking.

This combination of trails provides a diverse workout and scenic contrast, moving from expansive river views to dense woodland. The Grotpeter Trail is considered the heart of Castlewood State Park's mountain biking, known for its climbs and descents, while the River Scene Trail offers a gentler, more relaxed ride, making the combined loop a compelling option for riders seeking variety.