The best road cycling routes around Sioux Falls

Imagine a ride where the Big Sioux River is your constant companion, winding through a mix of vibrant urban landscapes and tranquil natural stretches. This easy 19.9-mile (32.0 km) road cycling route, with a minimal 247 feet (75 metres) of elevation gain, offers a delightful journey that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You'll glide on smooth, paved surfaces, enjoying continuous river views and passing by the impressive Falls Park, where the Big Sioux River cascades over quartzite formations.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail system boasts multiple access points and convenient amenities like restrooms and bike fix-it stations. The paved surface makes it suitable for year-round use, though spring through fall offers the best weather for enjoying the scenery. Since it's a multi-use path, be prepared to share the way with walkers and runners, especially in popular areas.

What makes this route stand out is its seamless blend of urban and natural environments. Beyond the river views and Falls Park, you'll encounter public art installations, including the Arc of Dreams in downtown Sioux Falls, and pass through serene wildlife habitats. It's an excellent choice for families, beginners, or anyone seeking a relaxed cycling experience that showcases the best of Sioux Falls.

The Palisades State Park loop via Sioux Falls Bike Trail offers a fantastic road cycling experience, blending the city's extensive paved trail system with the dramatic natural beauty of Palisades State Park. You'll cycle through varied terrain, from open fields along the Big Sioux River to the stunning Sioux quartzite formations and cliffs carved by Split Rock Creek. This moderate 51.1-mile (82.2 km) route, with 1511 feet (460 metres) of elevation gain, is a rewarding ride for those seeking unique scenery and a good workout, typically taking around 3 hours and 32 minutes.

Planning your visit means preparing for a longer ride; ensure you carry enough water and snacks for the duration. While the route is primarily paved, always check the state park's website for any specific parking information or potential fees if you plan to stop and explore the park's interior. Starting your ride earlier in the day can help you avoid peak crowds and enjoy the cooler temperatures, especially during warmer months.

The most notable aspect of this route is the opportunity to experience the ancient Sioux quartzite formations within Palisades State Park, which are estimated to be between 1.2 and 2.6 billion years old. These towering pink spires and the serene Split Rock Creek create a distinct natural escape, offering spectacular photo opportunities. The overall Sioux Falls Bike Trail system, which forms a significant part of this loop, is also celebrated for its comprehensive network connecting various green spaces, making it a prime destination for road cycling in the area.

The Pedestrian Bridge – Sioux Falls Bike Trail loop from Volleyball offers a delightful and accessible road cycling adventure, perfect for an easy outing. You'll pedal along a well-maintained paved path, enjoying varied scenery that shifts from urban stretches to open fields and tree-lined sections, often with views of the Big Sioux River. Keep an eye out for unique Sioux quartzite formations and local wildlife like deer and geese as you cruise this 20.9-mile (33.6 km) route, which features a minimal 203 feet (62 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour and 21 minutes.

Starting your ride from the volleyball courts, you'll find free parking available at various trailheads along the extensive Sioux Falls Bike Trail system. This loop is known for its safety, with minimal interaction with vehicle traffic, making it an excellent choice for beginners and families. It's a great option for a leisurely ride any time the weather is fair, offering a straightforward and enjoyable experience without complex logistics.

This route is part of the highly regarded Sioux Falls Bike Trail system, one of the nation's first urban trails, originally developed as a flood control project in the 1970s. The multi-use pathway connects many of the city's parks and green spaces, providing a blend of natural beauty and urban access. You can easily connect to other points of interest like Falls Park, downtown Sioux Falls, and the Great Plains Zoo from this extensive network.

The River View – Falls Park Waterfalls loop from Lincoln High School offers a rewarding road cycling experience, taking you along the scenic Big Sioux River and through urban greenways. You'll pedal past picturesque riverside views before reaching the iconic Falls Park, where the river tumbles over stunning pink quartzite formations, a true visual highlight of the ride. This route is a great way to explore the natural beauty woven into the heart of Sioux Falls.

This moderate road cycling route covers 44.6 miles (71.8 km) with an elevation gain of 809 feet (247 metres), typically taking around 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete. While much of the Sioux Falls bike trail system is paved, be aware that this particular loop may include some unpaved sections, requiring good fitness. Starting from Lincoln High School provides an easy and accessible trailhead.

The trail's notability comes from its integration of Falls Park, a historically significant and visually stunning landmark. The extensive Sioux Falls bike trails offer diverse options, but this loop stands out for its combination of a substantial distance and the captivating natural spectacle of the waterfalls, making it a popular choice for cyclists seeking a longer, engaging ride.

This easy road cycling route, the Skunk Creek Spur – Sertoma Park loop, offers a delightful journey through the green spaces of Sioux Falls. You'll glide along well-paved paths, enjoying open parkland and tranquil water views along Skunk Creek, a tributary of the Big Sioux River. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like geese and ducks as you pass through Sertoma Park, which also features an oxbow lake and a distinctive water tower.

At 20.5 miles (33.0 km) with only 201 feet (61 metres) of elevation gain, this loop is an easy ride suitable for all fitness levels, taking about 1 hour and 21 minutes. It's a fantastic option for family-friendly bike trails in Sioux Falls. Sertoma Park provides convenient amenities like restrooms and a water bottle refill station, making it an ideal mid-ride stop.

This route is a key segment of the larger Sioux Falls Bike Trail system, an impressive 19-mile (30.6 km) paved network connecting various city parks. Its accessibility and gentle terrain make it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike, offering a peaceful escape into nature right within the city limits.