The best cycling routes around Ferguson

Ferguson and its immediate surroundings offer several touring cycling routes, with komoot featuring 4 distinct tours. These routes cater to various skill levels, including both easy and moderate options.

Yes, Ferguson has easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. For instance, the Luther Ely Smith Square – Gateway Arch loop from Sumner High School is an easy 16.2 km (10.1 mi) route. Another accessible option is the Gravel Road in Columbia Bottom loop from VC Parking Lot A, which is 12.7 km (7.9 mi) and also rated easy.

Touring cycling routes around Ferguson offer a diverse mix of urban green spaces and natural corridors. You'll find extensive park systems within Ferguson itself, such as January-Wabash Park with its lake, and Forest Wood Park. Routes also connect to broader regional greenways and can lead to areas with rolling hills and timbered landscapes, like those found in the nearby Ferguson-Herold Conservation Area.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Ferguson are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the moderate Boathouse Lake Pavilion loop from Delmar Loop, which covers 51.4 km (31.9 mi), and the easy Gravel Road in Columbia Bottom loop from VC Parking Lot A.

While cycling around Ferguson, you can explore various points of interest. Many routes pass through or near significant green spaces like Forest Park, which features landmarks such as the Post-Dispatch Lake and the Saint Louis Zoo – Wetterau Pavilion. Further afield, you might encounter the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge or the scenic Chouteau Island Country Road.

Ferguson's local trails, such as the Ted Jones Trail, connect the city with the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), where it links to the St. Vincent Greenway. This connectivity suggests that routes originating from or passing through UMSL or other well-connected areas may be accessible via public transport options in the wider St. Louis metropolitan area.

The extensive park system and trails in Ferguson are enjoyable year-round. However, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling, with milder temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer can be warm, while winter cycling is possible, though some trails might be less maintained or require appropriate gear.

Yes, the numerous parks and natural areas around Ferguson provide opportunities for wildlife observation. Parks like January-Wabash Park and Forest Wood Park offer green spaces where local birds and small animals can be seen. For a more dedicated nature experience, the nearby Ferguson-Herold Conservation Area is known for wildlife viewing, including turkey and deer, amidst its rolling hills and timber.

Many of Ferguson's 11 parks, such as Hudson Park and Robert-Superior Park, offer facilities including parking, making them convenient starting points for rides. For routes that extend beyond the immediate city limits, trailheads or park entrances often provide designated parking areas.

The touring cycling routes around Ferguson are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from 3 reviews. Cyclists often praise the blend of well-maintained park trails and the ability to connect to broader regional greenways, offering varied scenery and options for different skill levels.

While Ferguson itself has local trails, the Ted Jones Trail connects the city to the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) and the St. Vincent Greenway. This connection allows access to more extensive regional cycling opportunities, potentially linking to larger networks like the Katy Trail State Park, which offers over 240 miles of scenic routes across Missouri.

Beyond the well-known parks, the Ferguson-Herold Conservation Area, though a bit further out, offers a unique experience with its 175 acres of rolling hills, timber, and the headwaters of Little Horseshoe Creek. While primarily for hiking, some service roads might be suitable for cycling, providing a more rugged and secluded natural setting away from urban trails.