The best cycling routes around St. Matthews

There are over 40 touring cycling routes available around St. Matthews, offering a wide range of options for exploring the area. Most of these, around 33 routes, are rated as easy, while 11 are moderate.

The routes around St. Matthews are characterized by the picturesque rolling Bluegrass landscapes of central Kentucky. You'll find gentle hills and lush farmlands, along with well-maintained paths within the Louisville park system, including historic Frederick Law Olmsted parks like Cherokee Park. Sections of the expansive Louisville Loop are also accessible, offering varied terrain from urban park trails to scenic natural areas.

The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in St. Matthews, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm and humid, while winter may bring colder temperatures, though many routes remain accessible year-round.

Yes, St. Matthews offers many easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Cherokee Park – Cherokee Park Scenic Loop loop from Bellewood is an easy 13.1-mile trail that winds through scenic hills and woodlands. Another accessible option is the Big Four Bridge – Big Four Station Park loop from St. Matthews, which is 17.2 miles and leads through urban parks and along riverfront paths.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in the St. Matthews area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Cherokee Park – Cherokee Park Scenic Loop loop from Bellewood and the Cherokee Park Scenic Loop – Cherokee Park loop from Strathmoor Village, which explores more of the park system's rolling terrain.

Many routes offer access to notable landmarks and attractions. You can cycle past the iconic Big Four Bridge, explore the natural beauty of Cherokee Park, or visit the Louisville Waterfront Park. The Ohio River Greenway Entrance also provides access to scenic riverfront paths.

Yes, many routes are suitable for families, especially the easier, mostly paved paths within the park systems. The extensive Louisville Loop, particularly sections like the Parklands of Floyds Fork, offers well-maintained, multi-use paths that are great for family outings. Cherokee Park also features a scenic loop ideal for a peaceful ride with children.

Many parks and multi-use paths in the St. Matthews and Louisville area are dog-friendly, typically requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check specific park regulations before you go, but areas like Cherokee Park and sections of the Louisville Loop generally welcome leashed dogs.

Parking is generally available at various access points for popular routes. For example, Cherokee Park has designated parking areas, and there are parking facilities near the Big Four Bridge and other access points to the Louisville Loop. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route pages or park websites.

Louisville's public transportation system (TARC) serves the St. Matthews area and can provide access to various parts of the city, including some areas near cycling routes and parks. Cyclists should check TARC's policies regarding bikes on buses for specific routes and times.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 10 reviews. Reviewers often praise the beautiful rolling Bluegrass landscapes, the well-maintained paths within the historic Olmsted parks, and the accessibility of sections of the Louisville Loop, which offer diverse and scenic riding experiences.

While most routes are easy to moderate, some longer options provide more of a challenge. For example, the Cherokee Park – Splash Pad at Waterfront Park loop from St. Matthews is a moderate 38.2-mile route with over 870 feet of elevation gain, offering a more extensive ride through varied urban and park landscapes.