The best traffic-free bike rides in St. Charles County

If you're looking for a wonderfully flat and scenic road cycling experience, the Katy Trail: St. Charles to Machens is a fantastic option. This route follows the Missouri River, treating you to views of lush farmland, open fields, and shaded forest segments, with impressive bluffs appearing near Klondike Park. The packed crushed limestone surface makes for a smooth ride, and the minimal 149 feet (45 metres) of elevation gain over 24.8 miles (39.9 km) ensures an easy, relaxed journey.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as this moderate route is suitable for all skill levels and takes about 2 hours and 44 minutes. You can start your adventure in Historic Downtown St. Charles, which offers a great historical backdrop. While the trail is generally very accessible, it's wise to check for local conditions, especially near Machens, as this low-lying area can be prone to flooding.

This segment is part of the historic Katy Trail State Park, the longest developed rail-trail in the United States, and is even designated as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. You'll find historical markers along the way, connecting you to the rich past of the region. It's a perfect choice for family cycling or anyone seeking a beginner-friendly ride with a blend of natural beauty and history.

The Katy Trail and Weldon Spring Loop offers a dynamic road cycling experience, blending the famously flat, crushed limestone surface of the Katy Trail with the more rugged, hilly terrain of the Weldon Spring Conservation Area. You'll enjoy peaceful stretches alongside the Missouri River, passing through forests and wetlands, before encountering the challenging gravel and dirt paths that wind through ridgetops and bottomlands, offering diverse scenery and potential wildlife sightings.

This moderate 31.0-mile (49.9 km) route, with an elevation gain of 773 feet (236 metres) and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 47 minutes, is best tackled by road cyclists with tires 25mm or wider to handle the varied surfaces. The Weldon Spring Conservation Area provides direct access to the Katy Trail, making it a convenient starting point for this unique blend of rail-trail and natural area cycling.

What makes this loop stand out is its ability to showcase a wide range of Missouri landscapes in a single ride, from the tranquil river views to the dramatic bluffs within the conservation area. It's a great option for cyclists looking to test their versatility and enjoy both the ease of a rail-trail and the challenge of more undulating terrain, offering a comprehensive tour of the region's natural beauty.

The Katy Trail and Earth City Levee Loop offers a unique blend of surfaces and scenery for cyclists near St. Louis. You'll ride along the historic Katy Trail's crushed limestone, enjoying views of the Missouri River, its floodplains, and dramatic limestone bluffs, before transitioning to the paved Earth City Levee with its wide-open river vistas. Keep an eye out for wildlife like white-tailed deer and various birds as you pass through woodlands, wetlands, and open agricultural fields on this 32.8-mile (52.9 km) journey with a gentle 246 feet (75 metres) of elevation gain. It's a great way to experience the diverse natural features of the region.

Planning your ride on this moderate route, which typically takes around 3 hours and 7 minutes, requires a quick check of current conditions. Some sections, especially in Riverwoods Park, have seen permanent closures due to flooding, and temporary construction closures can occur near the 370 bridge. Parking for Earth City Levee Loop cycling is generally available at various access points, and you'll find amenities like restrooms and water fountains at many trailheads. Consider spring or autumn for the best weather and most vibrant scenery.

This loop connects you to America's longest "rails-to-trails" project, the Katy Trail, which follows the path of the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad and much of the route taken by Lewis and Clark. The Earth City Levee Trail is also part of the broader Missouri River Greenway network, linking to the Riverwoods Trail and downtown St. Charles via the 370 Discovery Bridge. This rich history and connectivity make the Katy Trail Earth City Levee Loop a significant and rewarding ride in the St. Louis area.