The best road cycling routes around St. Joseph

There are several road cycling routes around St. Joseph, with komoot featuring 5 distinct tours. These include 3 easy routes and 2 moderate routes, offering options for various skill levels.

Road cycling in St. Joseph offers a diverse landscape. You'll find routes along the historic St. Joseph Parkway, riverfront paths by the Missouri River, and paths through open farmland. The terrain ranges from mostly flat, well-paved surfaces to routes with moderate elevation gain, catering to different fitness levels.

Yes, for longer rides, the Mississippi River Dam – Lake Wobegon Regional Trail loop from United States Post Office is a moderate 102.8 km route. Additionally, the Missouri 36 Bike Route, part of a larger 260-mile touring route, begins in St. Joseph and extends towards Chillicothe, offering extensive cycling through small towns and open farmland.

Many routes incorporate the historic St. Joseph Parkway, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and connects various parks like Krug Park. You can also enjoy riverfront trails along the Missouri River, offering views of the water and access to areas like the Remington Nature Center. For a challenge with a view, the climb up King Hill offers an overlook of South St. Joseph.

Yes, St. Joseph offers several easy road cycling routes suitable for families. The Lower Spunk Lake loop from Saint Joseph is an easy 42.4 km trail, and the Roadbike loop from Saint Joseph is an even shorter easy option at 27.8 km. These routes typically feature mostly well-paved surfaces.

The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road biking in St. Joseph, with milder temperatures. Summer can also be enjoyable, particularly in the mornings or evenings, though it can be warmer. The Missouri River area, in particular, is vibrant from spring to fall.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in St. Joseph are designed as loops. For example, the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail – Holdingford Covered Bridge loop from Saint Joseph is a moderate 82.5 km circular path, and the Lower Spunk Lake loop from Saint Joseph is an easy 42.4 km loop.

The road cycling routes in St. Joseph are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average score of 5.0 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from riverfront paths to open farmland, and the extensive parkway system that provides scenic and accessible rides.

Absolutely. St. Joseph is rich in outdoor recreation. You can cycle along the Missouri Riverfront Trails and then visit the Remington Nature Center. Krug Park, connected by the St. Joseph Parkway, offers walking trails and a lagoon. For those interested in more rugged trails, River Bluff Trails Park provides mountain biking and hiking options.

Parking is generally available at various points along the St. Joseph Parkway and near popular trailheads. Many parks connected by the Parkway, such as Krug Park, offer parking facilities. For specific routes, checking the komoot tour details for the starting point often provides insights into parking availability.

Yes, beginners have several easy options. The Roadbike loop from Saint Cloud is an easy 29.1 km route, and the Roadbike loop from Saint Joseph is an easy 27.8 km ride. These routes are characterized by mostly well-paved surfaces and manageable distances.