The best cycling routes in Missouri

The Rock Island Trail offers a moderate touring bicycle experience, stretching 26.2 miles (42.2 km) with an elevation gain of 811 feet (247 metres). You can expect to complete this ride in about 3 hours and 31 minutes. As you pedal, you'll journey through a mix of peaceful woodlands, open agricultural fields, and wetlands. The route is often shaded by trees, providing a pleasant canopy, and you'll catch glimpses of tallgrass prairie and wildflowers along the way. Keep an eye out for scenic views of ponds that dot the landscape, adding to the natural beauty of your ride.

When planning your visit, be aware that amenities like water and restrooms are not available at every trailhead. These facilities are often closed during colder months, typically from November to March. However, towns along the trail do offer some services if you need a break. The trail is multi-use, welcoming walkers, hikers, and bicyclists, including electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles (e-bikes).

This route is notable for its journey through charming historic downtown areas, such as Pleasant Hill. Here, you can explore restored depots and local shops, which offer a pleasant break from your ride. The trail's path, likely converted from an old railway line, provides a unique perspective on the region's history and landscape, connecting communities through its scenic corridor.

Embark on the Katy Trail and Creve Coeur Lake Loop for an easy touring cycling adventure that spans 20.0 miles (32.2 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 289 feet (88 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 1 hour and 56 minutes. The trail offers a delightful mix of flat, crushed limestone paths along the famous Katy Trail and smooth paved sections circling Creve Coeur Lake, providing diverse scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.

When planning your visit, be aware that the Lakeview Loop around Creve Coeur Lake can become quite busy, especially on weekends, so you might prefer a quieter ride by going on a weekday or during off-peak hours. While the route is generally easy, there is a short but fairly steep hill on the Creve Coeur Connector segment that you should be prepared for. Parking is readily available at various access points within Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park.

This route stands out for its unique combination of the historic Katy Trail, known for its scenic bluffs and forested river views, and the vibrant Creve Coeur Lake. As you cycle, you'll have opportunities for wildlife spotting along the Missouri River and enjoy picturesque views of the lake, which are particularly stunning as the sun begins to set. It's a perfect way to experience Missouri's natural beauty and diverse landscapes.

The Creve Coeur Park Trails offer an easy touring bicycle ride, perfect for a relaxed outing. You will follow paved paths that wind through diverse landscapes, including picturesque views of Creve Coeur Lake and the smaller Mallard Lake. Keep an eye out for various waterfowl, such as herons and egrets, especially near the water. This route covers 13.6 miles (21.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 133 feet (41 metres), and you can expect to complete it in about 1 hour and 16 minutes.

Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park is St. Louis County's largest, providing convenient amenities like picnic shelters, restrooms, and water fountains along the way. While the paved trails are generally flat, be aware of a short but fairly steep hill on the Creve Coeur Connector section. This makes it a great choice for a pleasant ride, and you might consider starting in the morning for a quieter experience.

Beyond the main loop, the Creve Coeur Connector links you directly to the Katy Trail and the Centennial Greenway, opening up possibilities for much longer rides. As you cycle, you will pass through wetland and wooded sections, with the Connector also offering views of native prairie grasses and wildflowers in spring. You can even catch a notable view of the Missouri River from certain points along the route, making this park a key hub for regional cycling.

Embark on a relaxed touring bicycle ride along the Katy Trail, a moderate 25.9-mile (41.6 km) route that promises scenic views and a comfortable journey. You'll pedal for approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes, experiencing a gentle elevation gain of just 138 feet (42 metres) as you explore. The trail's crushed limestone surface guides you through a diverse landscape, often running alongside the majestic Missouri River. Expect picturesque river views and the cool shade of dense hardwood forests. You'll also pass towering limestone bluffs, adding a dramatic backdrop to your ride. This section offers a pleasant and accessible cycling experience for many.

Planning your visit to the Katy Trail is straightforward, as Missouri State Parks maintains it well. For the most enjoyable experience, consider cycling during May, September, or October when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. During these months, you can witness vibrant blooming flowers or stunning fall foliage. Parking is generally available at various trailheads, such as Frontier Park in St. Charles, making access convenient for cyclists. Always check local conditions before you head out.

The Katy Trail holds a significant place as one of the longest rail-trails in the United States, transforming former railroad lines into a recreational path. This unique conversion allows you to traverse a corridor rich in history and natural beauty, connecting numerous small towns and offering glimpses into Missouri's past. The trail's extensive network provides a continuous, relatively flat route, making it ideal for long-distance touring and exploring the region's diverse ecosystems. It's a prime example of how old infrastructure can be repurposed for outdoor enjoyment.

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle adventure with the Busch Greenway, Katy Trail, and Hamburg Trail Loop, a route spanning 33.5 miles (53.8 km) that will take you about 3 hours and 33 minutes to complete. You'll gain 643 feet (196 metres) in elevation as you cycle through a diverse landscape, from the open prairies and woods of the Weldon Springs Conservation Area, where the Busch Greenway meanders past lakes like the Mononame 207 Reservoir, to the peaceful views along the Katy Trail. The Hamburg Trail section offers a more rugged, green experience with the sound of running water accompanying you.

When planning your visit, be aware that the route features a mix of surfaces, including paved sections, crushed limestone, and crushed gravel. The Hamburg Trail, in particular, is not suitable for road bikes, so you should plan to use mountain or hybrid tires for this loop. For your convenience, a self-service bike repair station is available at a trailhead located within the Missouri Research Park, ensuring you're prepared for any minor adjustments needed during your ride.

This loop stands out for its unique combination of three distinct trails, offering a varied cycling experience that showcases the natural beauty of Missouri. You'll encounter fields of sunflowers and diverse flora, making each section feel fresh and engaging. The blend of different trail types and scenery ensures that your touring bicycle journey is anything but monotonous, providing a rich tapestry of sights and sounds throughout.

Embark on an easy touring cycling adventure along the Missouri Riverfront Trail, a 13.6-mile (21.9 km) route that offers varied terrain and scenic views. You will gain a gentle 76 feet (23 metres) of elevation, making it a relaxed ride you can complete in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. As you cycle, you will pass through bottomland forest and pastoral landscapes, with a notable section atop the Quindaro Bend Levee providing expansive panoramas of the Missouri River. The trail combines concrete, gravel, and asphalt surfaces, ensuring a diverse experience.

When planning your visit, be aware that parts of the Platte County section of the trail may experience periodic closures. These can be due to maintenance work, high water levels, or ongoing construction, so it is wise to check conditions beforehand. For your convenience, restrooms are available at both the E.H. Young Park and English Landing Park trailheads, which are good starting or resting points for your ride.

This route stands out for its unique blend of natural beauty and accessibility, allowing you to truly connect with the environment. It offers a peaceful escape where you can enjoy the river and its surrounding floodplain, making it a perfect choice for a leisurely outing. The mix of surfaces and the dramatic views from the levee create a memorable experience that sets this trail apart in the region.

Embark on a relaxed touring bicycle ride along the Katy Trail, a moderate route spanning 21.7 miles (34.9 km). You will gain about 147 feet (45 metres) in elevation, and the journey typically takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete. As you cycle, you'll experience diverse landscapes, from dense hardwood forests to open pastures and farm fields, often with expansive views of the Missouri River and its floodplains. Keep an eye out for the towering limestone bluffs that add a dramatic backdrop to your ride.

Before you head out, know that the trail features a hard-packed, crushed limestone surface. While most bikes can handle it, a hybrid or mountain bike might offer a more comfortable experience. Be aware that the surface can become dusty during dry spells or soft after heavy rain, so plan accordingly. It's also a good idea to check a map beforehand, as not all trailheads provide water and restroom facilities.

This section of the Katy Trail is perfect for exploring the scenic Missouri River valley, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical context. The route closely follows the river, allowing you to immerse yourself in the region's ecosystem. It's a great way to connect with the outdoors and enjoy a peaceful ride through varied terrain.

Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride along the Centennial Greenway and Creve Coeur Connector, covering 15.1 miles (24.3 km) with a gentle 255 feet (78 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this route in about 1 hour and 25 minutes. As you pedal, you will encounter a mix of paved surfaces, passing through residential areas and sections lined with trees, offering a pleasant and varied cycling experience. Keep an eye out for the stunning view of the Missouri River from the Page Avenue Extension Bridge, a key highlight of your journey.

For your convenience, the trails are mostly paved with asphalt, typically 8 feet wide, ensuring a smooth ride. While some initial parts of the Centennial Greenway might have light car traffic, the majority is dedicated to cyclists and pedestrians. You will find benches along the way, and an outdoor water fountain is available at the Heritage Museum. Restrooms are also accessible at the museum during operating hours, with additional facilities, water fountains, and even boat rentals offered within Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park.

This route offers a unique blend of urban greenway and natural landscapes, connecting vital parts of the St. Louis trail network. The Creve Coeur Connector, even when paralleling a highway, surprises with picturesque scenes of native prairie grasses, a marsh, and wildflowers. This area provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching around Little Creve Coeur Lake and the Memetonwish wetland, making it a notable escape into nature within the region.

Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride along the Line Creek Trail, a well-maintained path spanning 11.4 miles (18.4 km). You will experience a gentle elevation gain of 295 feet (90 metres) over approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes. The route winds through mature, heavily wooded areas, giving it the feel of an arboretum. As you cycle, you will closely follow Line Creek, where you might discover small waterfalls and open meadows. This diverse scenery makes for a pleasant and accessible ride for all skill levels.

Starting your journey on the Line Creek Trail is straightforward, as multiple accessible trailheads provide convenient parking. You will also find restroom facilities available at these starting points. While the path is well-maintained, some sections may have inconsistent signage. Therefore, it is advisable to bring your navigation tools to ensure you stay on track. This will help you enjoy your ride without any unexpected detours.

Beyond the scenic views, the Line Creek Trail offers a chance to connect with local wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer and various bird species as you pedal through the natural surroundings. This opportunity to observe nature adds to the trail's appeal, making it a refreshing escape from urban life. It's a great option if you are looking for a peaceful outdoor experience close to the city.