The best cycling routes in St. Louis County

St. Louis County offers a diverse range of terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find extensive greenway networks with flat, paved paths, particularly along river valleys like the Meramec and Mississippi. However, there are also routes with moderate elevation changes and wooded sections, especially in parks like Castlewood State Park. The region is known for its varied landscapes, from industrial river views to scenic lakefronts and bluffs.

Yes, St. Louis County has many routes ideal for beginners. The region boasts over 140 miles of greenways, many of which are flat and paved, offering easy rides. For example, the River des Peres Greenway is a 7.3-mile paved trail that is mostly flat and sunny. Another excellent option is the Gravois Greenway (Grant's Trail), which is approximately 12 miles long, paved, and passes by Grant's Farm, offering a carefree ride.

For scenic views, consider routes along the Meramec Greenway, which meanders along the Meramec River and offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. The Al Foster Trail, part of the Meramec Greenway, features soaring bluffs. Castlewood State Park also provides riverside curves, bluff climbs, and views of the Meramec River Valley, particularly along the River Scene Trail. You can also find great views from Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, which is part of the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory – Seven Bridges Road loop from Lakewood route.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in St. Louis County are designed as loops. For instance, the Trail cut through the rock – Willard Munger State Trail loop from Lincoln Park is a 34.8-mile route. Another popular option is the Congdon Park loop from University of Minnesota Duluth, which is 14.3 miles long. The region's extensive greenway system also allows for creating custom loops by connecting various trails.

Many routes offer access to or views of various attractions. The Gravois Greenway (Grant's Trail) passes by Grant's Farm and Clydesdale pastures. The Mississippi River Greenway connects to Gateway Arch National Park, offering views of the iconic Arch. You can also find highlights like the Bob Smith Memorial Bench, which is featured on the Bob Smith Memorial Bench – Willard Munger State Trail loop from Nopeming Truck Station. Other notable points include Seven Bridges Road and Canal Park.

The touring cycling routes in St. Louis County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 29 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive greenway networks, the varied landscapes from river views to parklands, and the options available for different ability levels. The well-maintained trails and access to natural beauty are frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. St. Louis County offers 23 easy touring cycling routes. A good example is the Lester Park Trailhead loop from DT-72, which is 8.1 miles long and takes approximately 1 hour 14 minutes to complete. Another easy option is the Hartley Pond loop from Lakewood, a 6.7-mile route that can be finished in about 58 minutes.

St. Louis County offers good cycling conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and fall generally provide the most pleasant temperatures for touring. Summer can be warm and humid, but many trails offer shade. Winter cycling is possible, though conditions can vary with snow and ice, especially on unpaved sections. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Yes, many of the paved greenways are excellent for families. The River des Peres Greenway, with its mostly flat terrain, restrooms, and playgrounds along the way, is a great choice. The Gravois Greenway (Grant's Trail) is also very family-friendly, offering a flat, paved surface and passing by Grant's Farm, which can be an added attraction for kids.

There are over 60 touring cycling routes available in St. Louis County, offering a wide variety of distances and difficulties. This includes 23 easy routes, 32 moderate routes, and 12 difficult routes, ensuring options for every skill level.

Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, St. Louis County offers several difficult routes. The Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory – Seven Bridges Road loop from Lakewood is a 20.8-mile route with significant elevation gain, taking approximately 2 hours 44 minutes. Another challenging option is the Lester Park Trailhead – Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory loop from Lakeside-Lester Park, a 13.3-mile route that can be completed in about 1 hour 59 minutes.

The lengths of touring cycling routes in St. Louis County vary significantly. You can find shorter routes like the Hartley Pond loop from Lakewood at 6.7 miles, or moderate options such as the Bob Smith Memorial Bench – Willard Munger State Trail loop from Nopeming Truck Station at 15.1 miles. For longer rides, the Trail cut through the rock – Willard Munger State Trail loop from Lincoln Park extends to 34.8 miles.