The best road cycling routes around Saint-Louis

There are 8 road cycling routes available around Saint-Louis, offering a diverse range of experiences from urban greenways to scenic riverfront paths and rolling terrain in nearby state parks. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community.

The road cycling routes around Saint-Louis are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 3 reviews. Over 180 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes and well-maintained paths.

Yes, Saint-Louis offers 2 easy road cycling routes. For a relaxed ride, consider the Roadbike loop from Saint-Ours, which is 42.5 km long with minimal elevation gain. Urban greenways like Grant's Trail and the 6.6-mile loop in Forest Park also provide excellent, flat options for beginners.

For longer rides, the Swing by the Yamaska River loop from Saint-Jude covers 77.2 km. The Katy Trail, while not exclusively within Saint-Louis, offers 247 miles of nearly flat terrain extending into Missouri's wine country, ideal for multi-day adventures.

While most routes in the immediate guide are moderate, the region offers more challenging options. State parks like Castlewood State Park and Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park feature hilly countryside and rugged, wooded trails with significant elevation changes, providing a more demanding experience for road cyclists.

Many routes offer scenic views. The Swing by the Yamaska River loop from Saint-Jude provides views along the Yamaska River. The Mississippi Riverfront Trails offer unique views of the river and the Gateway Arch. Forest Park features diverse scenery with old-growth forests, wetlands, and lakes, while Castlewood State Park boasts fantastic views of the Meramec River Valley.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are loop trails, designed to bring you back to your starting point. Examples include the Lac Pelletier loop from Yamaska and the Roadbike loop from Saint-Thomas-d'Aquin. Forest Park also has a popular 6.6-mile loop.

Absolutely. Forest Park's extensive pathways, including its 6.6-mile loop, are very popular for families. Grant's Trail offers a flat, well-shaded, paved route, and Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park features pleasant paved pathways around its lake, all suitable for family rides.

Many routes pass by notable attractions. Within Forest Park, you can cycle past the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, and Missouri History Museum. The Riverfront Trail offers views of the iconic Gateway Arch. Grant's Trail passes by Grant's Farm, and Tower Grove Park provides a leisurely ride through an ornamental green space with Victorian-era pavilions.

For less crowded experiences, consider routes in conservation areas like the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, which offers peaceful rides amidst wetlands and forests. The Shaw Nature Reserve also provides extensive trails within its diverse habitats, often less frequented than urban parks.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Saint-Louis, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can bring cold temperatures and potential for snow or ice, though dedicated cyclists may still find suitable days.

Many popular cycling areas in Saint-Louis offer ample parking. Forest Park has numerous parking lots. Trailheads for routes like Grant's Trail and those in state parks such as Castlewood and Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park typically provide designated parking facilities for visitors.