The best cycling routes around Edwardsville

Edwardsville offers over 20 touring cycling routes, providing a wide range of options for exploring the area's diverse landscapes and attractions.

The Edwardsville area is enjoyable for touring cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially with spring wildflowers in places like Bohm Woods Nature Preserve. Summer is also popular, though it can be warm, while winter conditions may vary, so checking local weather is always recommended.

Yes, Edwardsville has several easy touring cycling routes. For example, the Bike loop from 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House is an easy 11.1-mile (17.8 km) trail that takes about an hour to complete, passing through historical areas and local parks. The extensive Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails system, with its paved, off-road pathways, is generally very family-friendly.

Edwardsville's touring cycling routes feature a mix of terrain. You'll find extensive paved, off-road pathways, primarily part of the MCT Trails system. The landscape includes open spaces, wooded areas, wetlands, tallgrass prairie, and gradual rolling hills, offering a dynamic and varied riding experience.

Many routes offer access to significant natural and historical sites. You can cycle past the Watershed Nature Center, which features wetlands and tallgrass prairie, or explore the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. The Marine Heritage Lake loop from 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House also offers scenic views around Marine Heritage Lake.

Yes, many of Edwardsville's touring cycling routes are designed as loops. For instance, the Troy Junction at Route 162 – Bridge on MCT Goshen Trail loop from Goshen - Heritage Trail Connector is a popular moderate 31.3-mile (50.3 km) circular route. Another option is the Bike loop from Edwardsville, an easy 29.1-mile (46.8 km) ride.

The Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails system, which forms the backbone of touring cycling in Edwardsville, has numerous access points and parking facilities throughout the network. Specific parking information can often be found on local trail maps or by checking the starting points of individual routes.

The touring cycling routes in Edwardsville are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive network of well-maintained, paved trails, the varied scenery including wooded areas and open spaces, and the accessibility to local attractions and parks.

Yes, the Nickel Plate Trail leads directly into Downtown Edwardsville, where you can find a variety of dining options. Additionally, some routes may pass near local parks or communities that offer opportunities for refreshments. The Luna Cafe (Route 66) is also a notable stop for cyclists.

Absolutely. Edwardsville's Madison County Transit (MCT) trails are a central hub that seamlessly connects to larger regional and national networks. These include the historic Route 66 Trail and the Mississippi Greenway, which is part of the ambitious TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, offering extensive long-distance touring opportunities.

One of the longer touring cycling routes is the Troy Junction at Route 162 – Bridge on MCT Goshen Trail loop from Goshen - Heritage Trail Connector, which spans 31.3 miles (50.3 km) and typically takes around 2 hours and 51 minutes to complete.

Yes, Edwardsville offers several moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge. The Troy Junction at Route 162 – Goshen Trail loop from MCT Walmart is a popular moderate 28.5-mile (45.9 km) path that provides a scenic ride through varied landscapes, including wooded sections and open areas.