4.6
(12)
65
riders
5
rides
Touring cycling around Arnold City offers diverse landscapes across two distinct regions: Arnold, Missouri, and Arnold, California. In Missouri, routes often follow the Meramec River through wooded areas and parks, characterized by generally flat terrain. In California, the Sierra Nevada foothills provide varied elevation changes, ancient forests, and mountain vistas. The region features pine forests, rivers, and lakes, offering a range of natural environments for cycling.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
5.0
(6)
29
riders
32.5km
02:05
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
16
riders
13.0km
00:49
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.0
(2)
14
riders
54.1km
03:24
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
138km
08:49
1,190m
1,190m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
This is a good place to take a break on a hot day, as the waterfall produces cold wind. DO NOT DRINK this water, It is from an acid mine and the red-orange color comes from iron and rust.
1
0
S THE WATERFALL Demonstrating acid mnine drainage The water here is acid and iron-rich, coming up to the surface from underground mines, stairung the-rocks ruspred. Acid mine drainage (AMID) is a major source of water pollution. Cause of extensive stream environmental damage. The Ocean Coal Company, a subsidiaries of Bevind- White Coal Company Philadelphia, PA, esaiblished several mines in this region including, in 1900, Ocean No. 2. It is purported that drainage from ocean No. 2 is the chief cause of the Red Waterfall Why is it acidic and full of iron? Hundreds of millions of years ago, the massive Pittsburgh Coal Seam formed underneath parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohiờ from ancient swamp plants. Sand, silts, shells, and other -matter were deposited and made a rock seal over the carbon-rich vegetation, This rock contained the mineral "pyrite," made of iron and sulfur Coal mining exposes pyrite to oxygen and ground water causing the formation of sulfuric acid and a number of red, orange, and yellow compound s. AMD occurs when this mine water seeps, or in this-case, bursts out into Streams. The yellow sulfur can be seen in the shale near coal seams. GRESCHIN DASSAGE SPONSORED BY: Southwestern PA Heritage Breservation- Commission Allegheny Trail Alliances Regional Trail Corpofation For moterinformation. www.gaptrail.org
0
0
its just a cemetery. i was riding for distance. and needed this place to keep the route on the GAP trail.
1
0
The Cedar Creek Hiker-Biker Campground is one of several campsites free to GAP users. At this one, there is a grassy area for tents, picnic areas, fire rings, and drinking water. It is also possible to park at the campsite. If you want to leave your car overnight, you need to fill out a registration form at the registration kiosk to let the staff know you are on the GAP.
0
0
The Red Waterfall is one of the main highlights on the GAP between West Newton and McKeesport. The falls gets its name from the water that has been colored red by nearby underground coal mines, which has made the water acidic and iron-rich water.
0
0
The West Newton Visitor Center is set in a replica of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad’s 1910 train station that used to found the town. It is open Monday through Friday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and has maps, bathrooms, and a lot of interesting information about the GAP.
0
0
Beautiful cemetery any time of year. The grounds are well maintained and the landscaping is immaculate and the staff is very helpful and friendly.
2
0
There are 5 touring cycling routes around Arnold City, offering a range of experiences from easy loops to challenging long-distance rides. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars.
The terrain varies significantly depending on whether you're cycling in Arnold, Missouri, or Arnold, California. In Arnold, Missouri, routes are generally flat and shaded, often following riverine paths through wooded areas and parks like the Arnold City Park Trail. In Arnold, California, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, you'll find more varied terrain with diverse landscapes, ancient forests, and significant elevation changes, from gentle paths through sequoia groves to more challenging ascents.
Yes, there are 2 easy touring cycling routes available. For instance, the Bike loop from Smithton is a 26.3 km trail with a modest 84 meters of elevation gain, often completed in about 1 hour 39 minutes. Another easy option is the Bike loop from Reduction, which is 12.99 km long with only 39 meters of elevation.
In Arnold, Missouri, routes often follow the Meramec River, offering scenic views and opportunities to observe wildlife in areas like Strawberry Creek Nature Area and Teszars Woods Conservation Area. In Arnold, California, you can cycle through old-growth forests, canyons, and rocky outcroppings with views overlooking the central valley, especially along the Arnold Rim Trail. You might also encounter giant sequoia trees in Calaveras Big Trees State Park or picturesque White Pines Lake.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Red Waterfall loop from Charleroi is a difficult route spanning 145.3 km with a significant elevation gain of over 1200 meters, typically taking over 9 hours to complete. This route features varied terrain and is ideal for those looking for a demanding ride.
Yes, several routes are designed as loops. Examples include the moderate Uniontown KOA Campground – Roundbottom Trekker Campground loop from Whitsett, which is 43.0 km long, and the easy Bike loop from Smithton. Another moderate option is the Roundbottom Trekker Campground loop from Reduction, covering 34.3 km.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 10 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the flat, shaded riverine paths in Missouri to the varied terrain and ancient forests of the Sierra Nevada foothills in California. The network offers options for different ability levels, ensuring there's something for everyone.
While not explicitly part of the listed routes, the Arnold, California region, specifically the Sierra Nevada foothills, is known for its natural beauty, and routes can include views of rivers and streams. There is a possibility of detours to natural attractions like the Bull Run Creek Waterfalls, which are characteristic of the area's diverse natural environment.
Yes, in Arnold, Missouri, you can access areas like the Strawberry Creek Nature Area and the Teszars Woods Conservation Area, which offers trails for hiking, nature observation, and bicycling. You can find more information about the latter at Teszars Woods Conservation Area. In Arnold, California, the Arnold Rim Trail winds through old-growth forests and canyons, and Calaveras Big Trees State Park is renowned for its giant sequoia trees and easily navigable trail systems.
The best time to visit depends on which Arnold City you're exploring. In Arnold, Missouri, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for cycling along the river and through parks. In Arnold, California, the Sierra Nevada foothills provide diverse seasonal beauty, from spring wildflowers to snowy winters. The region's higher elevations, like those accessed via Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway, are best enjoyed in warmer months when roads are clear of snow, while lower elevation trails might be accessible year-round.
In Arnold, Missouri, the area is connected to wider cycling networks, including parts of Grant's Trail, an old railroad right-of-way known for its easy grade, and the Meramec Greenway. These trails are popular for their wildlife viewing opportunities.


Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.