The best road cycling routes around Kirkwood

The Gravois Greenway and River des Peres Greenway Loop offers a delightful road cycling experience, weaving through a mix of tree-lined paths and urban landscapes. You'll find yourself cruising along paved surfaces, passing by marsh restoration areas and a scenic boardwalk through wetlands, where you might spot ducks and geese. This easy 22.3-mile (35.8 km) route, with only 525 feet (160 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a leisurely ride, taking about 1 hour and 32 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the trail boasts excellent amenities at its various trailheads, including restrooms, water fountains, and bike pumps. The route is easily accessible, with connections to MetroLink stations for public transport users. While the trail is generally open year-round, consider cycling during the cooler months of spring or autumn for the most pleasant conditions.

This combined loop is a significant part of the Great Rivers Greenway network, notable for its seamless connection completed in 2020, making it the longest continuous ADA-accessible route in the system. Beyond the ride itself, you can access points of interest like Grant's Farm directly from the Gravois Greenway, adding a cultural dimension to your outdoor adventure.

The Kirkland to Meramec River loop offers a delightful road cycling experience, winding through picturesque landscapes along the Meramec River. You'll pedal past impressive limestone bluffs and through shaded woodlands, with opportunities to spot wildlife like white-tailed deer and various songbirds. The terrain is mostly paved and largely flat, making it an easy 14.0-mile (22.5 km) ride with just 638 feet (194 metres) of elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed outing.

This family-friendly route is highly accessible, with no permits or fees required. You can find convenient parking at various access points along the Meramec Greenway Trail system, often located within the parks it connects. With an estimated duration of just over an hour, it's a great option for a quick escape, and the ample shade makes it enjoyable even on warmer days.

Part of the extensive Meramec Greenway system, this loop connects various community parks and offers a chance to explore areas with both natural and historical significance. The trail's riparian forests are crucial for local ecology, providing habitats and helping to control flooding. It's a top-rated road cycling trail in the St. Louis region for its blend of ease, scenic beauty, and accessibility.

If you're seeking a relaxed road cycling adventure that blends urban convenience with natural beauty, the River des Peres Greenway loop from Bella Villa is an excellent choice. This easy 27.3-mile (44.0 km) loop, with just 682 feet (208 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 52 minutes to complete. You'll ride mostly on smooth paved surfaces, following the River des Peres Drainage Channel, and enjoy diverse scenery as you pass through green spaces and parks like Willmore Park and Carondelet Park.

This route is highly accessible and suitable for nearly all fitness levels, thanks to its mostly flat terrain and minimal climbing. While the greenway is largely separated from vehicle traffic, be prepared for street crossings where you'll need to stop. As part of the Great Rivers Greenway network, it's well-maintained, and you can generally find parking at various access points, though an early start is always recommended for popular routes.

The River des Peres Greenway is a testament to urban revitalization, transforming a once-neglected waterway into a vibrant recreational corridor. It connects to other popular trails, such as the Gravois Greenway / Grant's Trail, offering opportunities to extend your ride. The greenway also features amenities like restrooms and playgrounds, and efforts in habitat restoration contribute to its natural appeal.