The best road cycling routes around Boys Town

There are over 30 road cycling routes around Boys Town, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes primarily utilize the extensive paved trail network in the West Omaha area.

The routes around Boys Town feature diverse scenery, including extensive parklands, open lawns, woodlands, and riparian corridors. Many trails weave around scenic lakes like Zorinsky Lake and Wehrspann Lake, offering picturesque lakeside views. The Boys Town campus itself provides a pleasant backdrop with mature trees, gardens, and open spaces.

Yes, nearly 20 of the road cycling routes around Boys Town are classified as easy, making them perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. These routes often feature minimal elevation changes and well-maintained paved surfaces. An example is the Big Papio Trail loop from Boys Town, which is an easy 13.2-mile ride through parklands.

Many of the easy and moderate paved trails around Boys Town are suitable for families. Routes that stick to dedicated bike paths and avoid heavy traffic, such as those around Zorinsky Lake or sections of the Big Papio Trail, are excellent choices for a family outing. The generally flat to gently rolling terrain makes them accessible for various ages.

The road cycling routes around Boys Town are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.6 stars. Cyclists often praise the extensive network of well-maintained paved trails, the diverse scenery that includes parklands and lakes, and the interconnected system that allows for varied and longer rides.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Boys Town are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Old railroad bridge and dam – Papillion Lake loop from Oak View Mall is a popular 31.6-mile circular route, and the Big Papio Trail loop from Boys Town offers a shorter 13.2-mile option.

While cycling, you can pass by significant landmarks within Boys Town itself, such as Father Flanagan's Garden and House, historic chapels, and the scenic lake. In the surrounding area, routes often take you past natural attractions like Zorinsky Lake and through areas like Bluestem Prairie Preserve, offering diverse points of interest.

Route lengths vary significantly, catering to different preferences. You can find shorter routes like the Big Papio Trail loop from Boys Town at 13.2 miles, or longer excursions such as the Old railroad bridge and dam – Papillion Lake loop from Oak View Mall, which covers 31.6 miles.

Yes, the trail system around Boys Town is highly interconnected. Popular routes like the Big Papio Trail and Keystone Trail are part of an extensive network that allows for seamless transitions between different areas and longer rides. This connectivity is a key feature of road cycling in the Omaha Metropolitan Area.

Boys Town itself can serve as a convenient starting point, with general parking available within the village. Additionally, many of the larger parks and trailheads in the surrounding area, such as those near Zorinsky Lake Park or Chalco Hills Recreation Area, offer dedicated parking facilities for trail users.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling around Boys Town. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the natural landscapes, including gardens and parklands, are at their most vibrant. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

While the area is known for its accessible paved trails, there are routes that offer moderate challenges, often due to their length or slightly more varied elevation. For example, the Chalco Hills Recreation Area – Wehrspann Lake Trail loop from Millard North High School is a moderate 31.2-mile route with over 900 feet of elevation gain, providing a good workout for experienced riders.