The best traffic-free bike rides in Mills County

Mills County offers 8 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 3 easy routes and 5 moderate routes, ensuring a suitable option whether you're looking for a relaxed ride or a more challenging experience.

The no-traffic road cycling routes in Mills County feature diverse terrain. While many routes are on paved surfaces, you'll encounter the unique, corrugated hills of the Loess Hills, offering significant elevation changes and breathtaking scenery. Some routes may incorporate sections of multi-use trails, which could include crushed limestone paths, particularly if they connect to the Wabash Trace Nature Trail.

Yes, Mills County has 3 easy no-traffic road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. An example is the Halleck Park Arboretum loop from Bellevue Second I Precinct, which covers about 32 km with minimal elevation gain, providing a pleasant and accessible ride.

For those seeking longer rides, Mills County offers several moderate no-traffic routes. The Bluestem Prairie Preserve – Hastings Banner Park loop from Offutt Air Force Base is one of the longest, stretching approximately 70 km. Another substantial option is the Beautiful wall painting – Halleck Park Arboretum loop from Tregaron Golf, at around 67 km.

Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic road cycling routes in Mills County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Big Papio Trail – Big Papio Trail loop from Bellevue Second I Precinct and the Big Papio Trail – Keystone Trail loop from Tregaron Golf, providing convenient circular journeys.

Riding in Mills County means you'll experience the stunning Loess Hills, offering breathtaking scenery and panoramic views, especially from areas like Folsom Point Preserve. Many routes traverse or offer glimpses of the Missouri River valley, forests, and prairies. The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway itself provides picturesque backdrops for your ride.

Yes, the famous Wabash Trace Nature Trail, which spans 25 miles within Mills County, is a significant multi-use trail. While parts are crushed limestone, it's popular for biking and offers views of the Loess Hills. Some road cycling routes may incorporate or connect to sections of this trail, or other multi-use paths within parks like the Glenwood Archeological State Preserve.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for no-traffic road biking in Mills County, with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions can vary.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic road cycling routes in Mills County, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the unique beauty of the Loess Hills, the peacefulness of the dedicated routes, and the variety of options available for different fitness levels.

Beyond dedicated routes, parks like the Glenwood Archeological State Preserve offer multi-use trails suitable for biking across its 907 acres, featuring diverse landscapes including forest, oak savanna, and native prairie. While not exclusively road cycling, these areas provide excellent opportunities for traffic-free exploration.

For additional details about the unique geology and attractions of the Loess Hills region, including Mills County, you can visit visitloesshills.org.