The best traffic-free bike rides in St. Louis city

There are 10 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Saint Louis area featured in this guide. Most of these, 8 to be exact, are classified as easy, making them accessible for a wide range of cyclists.

Saint Louis offers several excellent car-free options. The Grant's Trail loop from Concord is a popular choice, winding through suburban communities and past attractions like Grant's Farm. Another fantastic option is the 6.6-mile 'Wheels Path' in Forest Park, which provides scenic views of landmarks like the Grand Basin and Kennedy Forest.

Yes, many of the no-traffic routes in Saint Louis are ideal for families. Trails like those in Tower Grove Park offer pleasant urban green spaces. The paved pathways around Creve Coeur Lake also provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages, with views of sailboats and paddleboards.

You'll find diverse viewpoints. Routes near the city center, such as the Luther Ely Smith Square – Gateway Arch loop, offer iconic views of the Gateway Arch and the St. Louis skyline. Riverfront trails provide scenic vistas of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, while routes in parks like Forest Park showcase natural beauty and historic architecture.

Spring and Fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for bike touring in Saint Louis, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can bring cold temperatures and occasional snow, though many paved trails remain accessible.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops for convenience. The Bike loop from Kirkwood is an easy circular option. Additionally, the 'Wheels Path' in Forest Park is a popular 6.6-mile paved loop, perfect for a continuous ride without retracing your steps.

Many routes pass by or near significant attractions. The Luther Ely Smith Square – Gateway Arch loop takes you past the Luther Ely Smith Square and the Gateway Arch. Forest Park itself is home to the St. Louis Zoo and Art Museum. Grant's Trail offers views of Grant's Farm and the Ulysses S. Grant Historic Site.

Parking is generally available at trailheads and major parks. For instance, Tower Grove Park and Forest Park have designated parking areas. Many of the greenways and converted rail-trails also have accessible parking lots at various points along their length.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic cycling experience in Saint Louis, with an average score of 4.54 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of well-maintained, car-free trails, the beautiful urban green spaces, and the unique blend of natural scenery with historical landmarks.

Absolutely. The majority of the no-traffic routes in this guide are rated as easy, with 8 out of 10 routes falling into this category. The River overlook loop from Oakville is a shorter, easy option, and the various segments of Grant's Trail, like the Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park – Grant's Trail loop from Crestwood, are also very beginner-friendly.

Saint Louis's commitment to being a 'silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community' means many trails are accessible via public transport. The MetroLink light rail system and MetroBus routes often have stops near major parks and greenways, allowing for convenient access to car-free cycling paths like those in Forest Park or along the riverfront.