The best road cycling routes around Stillwater

Stillwater offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with over 30 tours available on komoot. These range from easy, flat rides to more moderate routes with elevation changes, catering to different skill levels.

The Stillwater area provides diverse terrain for road cyclists. You'll find mostly flat, paved trails built on former rail beds, such as sections of the Brown's Creek State Trail and Gateway State Trail. There are also routes with significant elevation gains, traversing through farmlands and wooded areas within the scenic St. Croix River Valley.

Yes, Stillwater is very welcoming for beginners. Many routes utilize paved, mostly flat former rail beds, offering an easy and enjoyable experience. For example, the Stillwater Lift Bridge – Duluth Junction loop from Stillwater is an easy 25.1-mile path featuring views of the St. Croix River.

Experienced road cyclists can find routes with significant elevation gains and longer distances. Stillwater's diverse terrain includes challenging climbs through farmlands and wooded areas. Events like the Minnesota IRONMAN bike ride also utilize the scenic St. Croix River Valley for more demanding routes.

Road cycling in Stillwater offers stunning views of the St. Croix River Valley, a National Scenic Riverway. You can ride across iconic structures like the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge and the modern St. Croix Crossing Bridge. Some routes also pass by Willow Falls, offering a beautiful natural spectacle.

Yes, Stillwater features several excellent loop routes. A notable one is the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail, which connects Minnesota and Wisconsin via the historic Lift Bridge and the St. Croix Crossing Bridge. You can also explore routes like the Duluth Junction – Gateway State Trail loop from Stillwater, a moderate 32.6-mile loop.

Absolutely. Many of Stillwater's trails, particularly those built on former rail beds like sections of the Brown's Creek State Trail, are paved and mostly flat, making them ideal for families. The St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail is also a popular choice for its manageable distance and scenic views.

Parking is available at various trailheads and parks throughout the Stillwater area. Matoska Park, for instance, offers parking and amenities. Additionally, many routes are accessible from downtown Stillwater, where parking options are available, or from specific trail access points like the north end of Main Street near the old train depot for the Brown's Creek State Trail.

Yes, you'll find convenient stops along some of the popular routes. The Gateway Trailside is a well-known spot for food and drinks for those riding the Gateway State Trail. Downtown Stillwater also offers numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs for post-ride refreshments.

The road cycling routes in Stillwater are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.9 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the scenic St. Croix River Valley, the well-maintained paved trails, and the unique experience of riding across the historic and new bridges.

Route durations vary depending on distance and difficulty. Easy routes, such as the Stillwater Lift Bridge – Stillwater Lift Bridge loop from Grill Stand (14.3 miles), can take around an hour. Longer, moderate routes like the Duluth Junction – Gateway State Trail loop from Stillwater (32.6 miles) typically take over two hours.

Spring through fall generally offers the best conditions for road cycling in Stillwater, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. The St. Croix River Valley is particularly beautiful during these seasons. While some trails may be accessible in winter, specific road cycling conditions can vary greatly with snow and ice.