The best road cycling routes in Union County

Union County offers a diverse selection of nearly 20 road cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 10 designated as easy and 8 as moderate, ensuring there's something for every road cyclist.

Road cycling in Union County primarily features generally flat to gently rolling terrain with low elevation gains. You'll traverse metro parks, wetlands, and open areas, often on paved paths and quiet roads, providing varied and scenic backdrops for your ride.

Yes, Union County is very welcoming for beginners and families, with 10 easy routes available. A great option is the Roadbike loop from Jerome, which offers a gentle ride through the local landscape.

For those seeking a more extended or moderately challenging ride, Union County has 8 moderate routes. Consider the View from Home Road Bridge loop from Shawnee Hills, which covers over 42 miles with a moderate elevation gain, offering a good workout.

Many routes in Union County are designed to showcase the region's natural beauty. The routes through Glacier Ridge Metro Park, such as the Glacier Ridge Metro Park Trail – Wetland Education Center loop from Dublin Jerome High School, offer picturesque views of wetlands and parkland, making for a very pleasant ride.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Union County are convenient loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Glacier Ridge Metro Park Trail loop from Shawnee Hills is a popular loop route that takes you through the park's scenic areas.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 10 reviews. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful metro park environments, and the accessibility of routes for various skill levels.

The routes in Union County vary in length to suit different preferences. You can find shorter rides like the Glacier Ridge Metro Park – Glacier Ridge Metro Park Trail loop from Saint Brigid Of Kildare at around 13.7 miles, up to longer excursions such as the Roadbike loop from Shawnee Hills, which spans nearly 46.5 miles.

While Union County is generally known for its low elevation gains, some routes do offer more climbing for those seeking it. The Antrim Lake Deck – Delawanda Park loop from Jerome, for instance, features over 770 feet of ascent, providing a more challenging ride.

Union County's road cycling routes are enjoyable across multiple seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even winter can be an option on clear days, though conditions should always be checked.

While many routes pass through well-known areas like Glacier Ridge Metro Park, exploring some of the less-trafficked loops can reveal quieter stretches. The Glacier Ridge Metro Park Trail loop from Ashbaugh Lot offers a slightly different perspective of the park, often with fewer cyclists.