The best traffic-free bike rides in St. Louis County

Tricky to get to but a great access to the KATY Trail.

This is a paved trail that runs on top of the Levee that protects the Chesterfield Valley from the flood waters of the Missouri River. It is well-used and you can expect to encounter other cyclists, runners, in line skaters, and folks just out for a walk. The Monarch Levee Trail is linked to the World Famous KATY Trail via a separated bike lane on the Interstate 64 bridge across the Missouri River. There are plenty of parking areas along the trail length. I chose the trail head parking off of the Centaur Road. Expect to see wildlife such as foxes, turkey, deer, raccoons, and other critters mainly on the river side of the trail. On the Valley side is an airport, outlet mall, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. If you are looking for a peaceful serene ride this is NOT it. On a historical note, this levee was built after the devastating floods of 1993. This levee is nearly twice as high as the original levee. If you can imagine when you are looking out over the valley, the airport and all the buildings there, that in 1993 there was nearly 20 feet of water covering all of it! Rescue personnel used the interstate, which crosses the valley, as a boat ramp. All in all this is a well maintained wide trail that you will enjoy riding.

During a recent ride on the Monarch Levee Trail, I wanted to explore Howell Island. The map shows that there is a road/trail there HOWEVER, it is gone. The once low water crossing has been entirely removed and replaced with huge stone "rip rap" in its place. So if you are really wanting to see howell island then you will have to cross this large stone rip rap. You will need good hiking shoes and you will need to be very nimble to cross this area. Sorry no pictures, my camera did not save the pictures I "thought" I took of the area.

The Monarch Trail does not go all the way around the Chesterfield Valley unfortunately. It ends towards the East end of the valley right next to the Top Golf Facility. Beyond this point, it is private property. The Komoot Map shows the roads here as private, which is very true. They have no trespassing signs everywhere.

Had to include this very unusual find. I am assuming that this was a family cemetery and when the new levee, on top of which this bike trail runs, was built it must been over the old cemetery. So they relocated the cemetery to the top of the levee. These are very old, dating back to the 1890's. Be respectful and do not desecrate this place.

The Meramec Greenway Trail is a scenic route that connects riders to the Meramec River and many parks in the region as it winds along the river and limestone bluffs through woodlands and several communities.

Greens Bottom Road is a great alternative to the Katy Trail as it is lightly trafficked and has a 45 miles per hour speed limit. It's a short stretch of pavement where you can easily access or depart from the Katy Trail.

Simpson Park Lake is a refreshing oasis in the Valley Park area that offers a perfect location for a run. It features a fully paved, multi-use trail that runs on the southern edge of the lake and has parking areas, picnic shelters and is a stones throw away from the Meramec River.