The best road cycling routes around South Lincoln

South Lincoln offers a diverse range of terrain for road cyclists. You'll find a mix of easy, flat paths, rolling hills, and quiet country lanes. The extensive trail system includes urban green spaces, wooded areas, and open countryside, providing varied experiences for all skill levels.

Yes, South Lincoln has several accessible routes. For instance, the Blue Bridge Over Train – Lincoln Children's Zoo Loop is an easy 19.3-mile ride through suburban areas. Another local favorite is the Lincoln Children's Zoo – Rock Island Trail loop, an easy 20.3-mile path that includes flat, traffic-free sections of the Rock Island Trail.

For longer rides, the Homestead Trail is a significant option, stretching over 70 miles and connecting Lincoln to points south, even reaching Kansas. The MoPac Trail East also offers a substantial 25-mile crushed limestone trail from Lincoln to Wabash, with amenities like restrooms and water at its trailhead.

You can cycle through beautiful areas like Wilderness Park, known for its wooded areas, creeks, and diverse wildlife. Holmes Lake Park offers several miles of paths around a large lake with bridges. While not directly on a cycling route, the Sunset Ledge lookout - Long Trail offers scenic views nearby.

For those seeking a challenge, the region offers routes with significant elevation gains. One difficult option is the Appalachian Gap loop from Deer Leap Natural Area, which is 42.2 miles long and features an elevation gain of 4,875 feet (1,486 meters).

The fall season is particularly beautiful for road cycling in South Lincoln, as the trees change colors, offering stunning scenery. However, the extensive trail network is accessible year-round, with some crushed limestone trails like the Jamaica Trail even suitable for cross-country skiing in winter.

Yes, many of South Lincoln's trails are suitable for families. The city's extensive and well-connected trail network includes numerous flat and traffic-free sections, perfect for a leisurely family ride. Routes like the Lincoln Children's Zoo – Rock Island Trail loop are popular choices for their ease and safety.

Yes, many of the routes in South Lincoln are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Great Eddy Covered Bridge loop from Sugarbush Resort and the Warren Falls loop from Sugarbush Resort, which offer scenic circular rides.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can find interesting points of interest. While not directly on a cycling route, the Lincoln Peak and Mount Abraham offer impressive natural landmarks. For a tranquil post-ride visit, Sunken Gardens is a beautiful oasis with themed plantings and statues.

Yes, some trails offer amenities. For example, the MoPac Trail East trailhead, accessible just south of 84th and "O" streets, provides restrooms and water facilities for cyclists.

This guide features a selection of highly-rated routes, but the broader South Lincoln area, part of Lincoln's extensive trail system, boasts over 134 miles of trails, offering numerous possibilities for road cyclists.

Road cyclists often praise South Lincoln for its extensive and well-connected trail network, which allows for long and scenic rides. The diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to flat paths and urban green spaces, are also frequently highlighted as a major draw.