The best cycling routes in St. Louis city

Saint Louis city offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 25 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 12 easy and 13 moderate options.

Touring cyclists in Saint Louis can expect a diverse range of terrain. Many routes follow the flat, paved paths along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, offering scenic waterfront views. You'll also find routes through expansive urban parks like Forest Park and Tower Grove Park, which feature gently rolling landscapes and well-maintained paths. Additionally, the region is known for its converted rail-trails, such as the famous Katy Trail, which are typically flat and crushed limestone, passing through forests, fields, and river bluffs.

Yes, Saint Louis offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. For example, the Wheels Path – Forest Park loop from Washington University in St. Louis is an easy 5.7-mile path through one of the city's most beautiful parks. Another accessible option is the Bike loop from North Hampton, which is 8.5 miles long and also rated easy.

For stunning river views, consider routes that incorporate the Mississippi Riverfront Trail or the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge, such as the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge – Riverfront Tail trailhead loop from St. Louis - Gateway Station. Forest Park offers picturesque scenery with its diverse landscapes and landmarks, which you can explore on the Wheels Path – Forest Park loop from Missouri Botanical Garden. For urban green spaces and historic architecture, the Tower Grove Park loop from Cortex provides a beautiful ride.

Many touring cycling routes in Saint Louis pass by significant landmarks and natural attractions. You can cycle past the iconic Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse along riverfront trails. Routes through Forest Park offer views of its various lakes, including Post-Dispatch Lake and the Emerson Grand Basin. The River des Peres Greenway, a popular cycling path, is also a highlight in itself. Further afield, the Katy Trail offers a journey through historic towns and Missouri's wine country.

Absolutely. The Katy Trail State Park, the longest developed rail-trail in the United States, is a prime option for long-distance touring. While segments are accessible from Saint Louis, the trail itself spans 237 miles across Missouri, making it ideal for multi-day trips. It's mostly flat and crushed limestone, passing through diverse landscapes and connecting numerous small towns. The Rock Island Trail also connects to the Katy Trail, offering the potential for an even longer 450-mile loop.

The best times for touring cycling in Saint Louis are typically spring (April to early June) and fall (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can bring cold temperatures and snow, making cycling less enjoyable on some routes.

Many of Saint Louis's touring cycling routes are very family-friendly, especially those on dedicated greenways and within parks. Trails like those in Forest Park, Tower Grove Park, and the River des Peres Greenway offer paved or well-maintained surfaces, minimal elevation changes, and often provide amenities like restrooms and picnic areas. The Katy Trail, with its flat, crushed-limestone surface, is also excellent for families, though some sections can be quite long.

Many parks and greenways in Saint Louis are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. Always check specific park regulations before you go. The Katy Trail, for instance, generally allows leashed dogs. Urban parks like Forest Park and Tower Grove Park also welcome leashed dogs on their paths, making them great options for cycling with your canine companion.

The touring cycling routes in Saint Louis are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 16 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse scenery, from the majestic riverfronts to the lush urban parks and historic rail-trails. The accessibility of routes, with many being easy to moderate, and the well-maintained paths are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects.

Yes, Saint Louis offers several excellent circular touring cycling routes. For example, the Boathouse Lake Pavilion loop from Delmar Loop is a moderate 31.9-mile route. Another popular option is the Citygarden Sculpture Park – Tower Grove Park loop from Cortex, an easy 15.3-mile ride that combines urban sights with green spaces.

Parking is generally available at various access points for popular touring cycling routes. For routes in Forest Park, there are numerous parking lots throughout the park. For the Katy Trail, trailheads in towns along its length typically offer parking. Greenways like Grant's Trail and the River des Peres Greenway also have designated parking areas. For urban routes, public parking garages or street parking may be available near the starting points, though it's always advisable to check local signage.

While the Katy Trail itself begins slightly outside the immediate city limits, several greenways and routes provide connections or easy access. For example, the Fee Fee Greenway connects to Creve Coeur Lake and further to the Centennial Greenway, which can lead towards Katy Trail access points. The broader Mississippi River Trail (MRT) also includes segments near Saint Louis that can be linked to, offering extensive cycling opportunities that complement the Katy Trail experience.