Mississippi River Trail: St. Louis Loop

The full loop is approximately 70.6 kilometers (43.9 miles) long. For a racebike, it typically takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the sights.

The terrain is mostly level, offering an easy ride for much of the loop. Key sections, like the St. Louis Riverfront Trail, are paved. While about 91% of the route is paved, there are some unpaved sections, and wider tires are recommended for urban parts. You'll encounter a few challenging hills, particularly a quick, fairly steep climb at the northern end of the St. Louis Riverfront Trail.

The route offers a unique blend of urban and natural scenery. You'll get majestic views of the Mississippi River, the iconic Gateway Arch, and the St. Louis skyline. Other highlights include the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, the "graffiti wall" near the southern end, and glimpses of St. Louis's industrial past. You might also spot large tugboats and trains running alongside the river.

While largely considered easy with mostly flat sections, the route does present a few challenging hills that might be difficult for less experienced riders. The "quick, fairly steep climb" at the northern end of the Riverfront Trail is one such point. Beginners should be prepared for these sections or consider shorter segments of the loop.

You can find parking near the Riverfront Trail trailhead, which is a key access point for the loop. Parking is also available in various lots and streets near the downtown St. Louis riverfront, close to the Gateway Arch.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant cycling conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold with potential for ice or snow, making cycling less comfortable. Always check the weather forecast before you go.

Yes, the route is part of the much larger Mississippi River Trail (Missouri) and also utilizes sections of the St. Louis Riverfront Trail, the MCT Confluence Trail, and crosses the McKinley Bridge Bikeway. It also briefly touches on Route 66 (Missouri).

Generally, dogs are welcome on the paved sections of the trail, especially in urban park areas, as long as they are kept on a leash and you clean up after them. Always be mindful of other cyclists and pedestrians.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Mississippi River Trail: St. Louis Loop. It is freely accessible to the public.

For a unique experience, consider starting your ride early in the morning to catch the sunrise over the Mississippi River, especially near the Gateway Arch. Also, if you're looking for a less strenuous ride, you can focus on the flatter, paved sections of the Riverfront Trail and turn back before the more challenging climbs at the northern end.

Given that the route is categorized for 'racebike' and is mostly paved, a road bike is ideal. However, due to some unpaved sections and urban environments, a gravel bike or a hybrid bike with slightly wider tires could offer more comfort and versatility.