The best road cycling routes around Edwardsville

Edwardsville offers a comprehensive network for road cyclists, with 14 routes detailed on komoot. These routes are part of the larger Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails system, which boasts over 130 miles of well-maintained, paved, off-road pathways.

The most popular times for road cycling in Edwardsville are April and May, when the weather is generally pleasant. The region's diverse landscapes, including woodlands and riverbanks, offer beautiful scenery during spring and fall.

Yes, Edwardsville is very beginner-friendly. Out of the 14 routes available on komoot, 10 are rated as easy. Routes like Roadbike loop from Visitor Parking offer smooth rides through local areas, perfect for those new to road cycling.

Edwardsville's road cycling routes traverse varied terrain, including open spaces, wooded areas, wetlands, and tallgrass prairie. You'll cycle along riverbanks, over creeks and streams, and through gradual rolling hills, providing a diverse and scenic experience.

The road cycling routes in Edwardsville are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive network of paved, off-road pathways and the varied natural scenery, from woodlands to riverbanks.

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, Edwardsville offers several options. The MCT Trails system includes the 28.5-mile MCT Nickel Plate Trail and a 26.1-mile loop utilizing the MCT Nature Trail, MCT Schoolhouse Trail, and MCT Goshen Trail. A moderate route like Horseshoe Lake loop from Edwardsville covers nearly 63 km.

Many routes connect to local attractions. You can access the Watershed Nature Center via the MCT Watershed Trail, or visit the historic 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House from the MCT Nickel Plate Trail. Other notable points include the Horseshoe Lake and the vibrant Gardens at SIUE, which are connected by a scenic trail.

Yes, the MCT Trails system, which forms the backbone of road cycling in Edwardsville, is designed to be very family-friendly. These are Class 1 bikeways, meaning they are paved, off-road, and separated from traffic, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages.

Edwardsville's extensive park system often provides convenient access points and parking for the MCT Trails. Many local parks, such as Joe Glik Park, Leclaire Park, and Township Park, connect directly to the bike trail system, offering good starting points for your ride.

Yes, some routes and trails pass near local amenities. For example, the Luna Cafe (Route 66) is a notable stop that cyclists might encounter, offering a chance to refuel during your ride.

The diverse natural environments along Edwardsville's trails, including the Watershed Nature Center and Bohm Woods State Nature Preserve, offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. These areas feature prairie, forest, and wetland habitats, supporting abundant local wildlife.

Yes, many of Edwardsville's road cycling routes are designed as loops, providing convenient starting and ending points. Examples include MCT Nature Trail – Edwardsville loop from Edwardsville and Edwardsville loop from Edwardsville, allowing you to explore without retracing your path.