The best cycling routes around Maplewood

There are over 40 touring cycling routes available around Maplewood, offering a variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.

The routes in Maplewood cater to a range of abilities. You'll find 17 easy routes, 23 moderate routes, and 4 more challenging options, ensuring there's something for everyone from beginners to experienced cyclists.

The touring cycling routes in Maplewood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the accessible urban parks, dedicated greenways, and river corridors that define the area's network.

Yes, Maplewood offers several easy routes perfect for beginners. A great option is the Wheels Path – Forest Park loop from Washington University in St. Louis, which is 5.7 miles (9.2 km) and navigates through established parkland with minimal elevation changes.

For those seeking a longer ride, the Boathouse Lake Pavilion loop from Delmar Loop is a moderate 31.9 miles (51.4 km) path featuring lakeside paths and urban greenways with some gentle climbs. There are also 4 routes classified as difficult for more advanced cyclists.

Many routes in Maplewood are designed as loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. For example, the River Des Peres Park – River des Peres Greenway loop from Sunnen is a 14.4-mile (23.2 km) loop through a river greenway.

The terrain around Maplewood is generally flat to gently rolling, with minimal elevation changes. Routes primarily follow urban parks, dedicated greenways, and river corridors, offering a mix of paved and well-maintained surfaces suitable for relaxed rides.

Many routes pass through or near beautiful parks and natural features. You can explore areas like Forest Park, which features Post-Dispatch Lake and the Emerson Grand Basin. Tower Grove Park is another notable highlight with its Flowering Trees.

Many routes start from or pass through major parks and urban areas, which typically offer parking facilities. For instance, routes around Forest Park often have accessible parking. Specific parking details can usually be found on individual route pages on komoot.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Maplewood, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be warm, but routes through shaded parks and along river corridors provide some relief. Winter cycling is possible, but conditions may vary.

Absolutely. The prevalence of easy, flat routes through urban parks and greenways makes Maplewood ideal for family cycling. The Wheels Path – Forest Park loop from Washington University in St. Louis is a great example of a gentle ride suitable for families.

While many routes are popular, exploring some of the less-trafficked sections of the greenway system or smaller park loops can offer a quieter experience. The Tower Grove Park – Forest Park loop from Richmond Heights offers a diverse urban and park experience that might reveal new favorite spots.