The best road cycling routes in St. Louis County

St. Louis County offers over 25 road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a mix of easy and moderate paths to explore the region's diverse landscapes.

The road cycling routes in St. Louis County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from riverfront views to rolling hills, and the extensive network of greenways and paved paths.

Yes, St. Louis County has 8 easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. Routes like The Lakewalk offer gentle terrain and scenic views, ideal for an enjoyable outing.

Road cycling in St. Louis County features diverse terrain. You'll encounter extensive greenways and paved paths, riverfront views along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, rolling hills, and woodlands. Some routes also pass by lakes, wetlands, and limestone bluffs, offering varied scenery.

While there are no routes officially graded as 'difficult' in our guide, St. Louis County offers 17 moderate routes that provide a good challenge with significant elevation changes. For example, the Jasper Peak – Lake Vermilion State Park loop from Armstrong River features over 460 meters of elevation gain, offering a more demanding ride.

Many routes offer scenic views and pass by notable landmarks. For instance, the View of St. Louis River Gorge – Trail cut through the rock loop from Norton Park provides stunning vistas of the St. Louis River Gorge. You can also find highlights like the Trail cut through the rock, Seven Bridges Road, and Canal Park along various paths.

Yes, many road cycling routes in St. Louis County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include The Lakewalk and the Ely loop from Burntside Lake, which offer convenient circular journeys.

The best seasons for road biking in St. Louis County are typically spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the natural scenery is vibrant. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it's advisable to ride earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak heat. Winter cycling is possible, but some trails may be affected by snow or ice.

Absolutely. St. Louis County boasts numerous greenways and paved paths that are ideal for families. Many of the easy routes, such as the The Lakewalk, offer flat, well-maintained surfaces away from traffic, making them safe and enjoyable for all ages. The region's extensive greenway system, including parts of the Great Rivers Greenway, is designed with accessibility in mind.

Yes, St. Louis County is known for its riverfront views. Routes like the Mississippi River Trail and the Florissant and Mississippi River Trail Loop provide stunning vistas of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The View of St. Louis River Gorge – Trail cut through the rock loop from Norton Park also offers picturesque river gorge landscapes.

Many popular road cycling routes in St. Louis County, especially those part of the greenway system, offer designated parking areas. For instance, trails like Grant's Trail and the River des Peres Greenway typically have accessible parking lots at various trailheads. It's always recommended to check specific trail information for the most convenient parking options.

Yes, several road cycling routes in St. Louis County pass through or near urban areas and parks where you can find amenities. For example, routes around Forest Park and Tower Grove Park are often close to cafes and other facilities. The Great Rivers Greenway system also aims to connect communities, increasing the likelihood of finding services nearby.