The best road cycling routes in St. Clair County

St. Clair County offers a mix of terrain, primarily characterized by gently rolling hills and expansive farmlands. You'll also find routes that meander along riverfronts and through pleasant wooded areas, providing diverse scenery for road cyclists. The extensive MetroBikeLink System features smooth, paved surfaces, making it ideal for road cycling.

There are over 18 road cycling routes documented in St. Clair County on komoot, offering a variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. This includes 9 easy routes and 9 moderate routes.

Yes, St. Clair County has several easy routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. For example, the Memorial Hospital Station loop from Wabash at Arabelle is an easy 24.1-mile path with accessible paved sections. Another great option is the MetroBikeLink Trail loop from Swansea, which is 14.7 miles long and also rated easy.

The road cycling routes in St. Clair County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-developed and interconnected trail system, particularly the paved surfaces of the MetroBikeLink System, and the scenic views of rolling farmlands and wooded areas.

While most routes are easy to moderate, some offer longer distances and gentle elevation changes. The Horseshoe Lake – McKinley Bridge loop from O'Fallon is a moderate 56.8-mile route, providing a longer ride. Another moderate option is the Marine Heritage Park – Bridge on MCT Goshen Trail loop from O'Fallon, which covers 43.4 miles.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in St. Clair County are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. Examples include the popular MetroBikeLink Trail – Memorial Hospital Station loop from O'Fallon and the 7 Gates of Hell: Gate 2 loop from O'Fallon, both providing excellent circular options.

Absolutely. The extensive paved trail system, particularly the MetroBikeLink System, offers safe and accessible pathways suitable for families. Trails like the MCT Goshen Trail, which links Madison and St. Clair counties, are known for being flat and paved, making them ideal for all skill levels, including families.

Road cycling in St. Clair County often takes you through picturesque landscapes. You can expect views of rolling pastures, meandering creeks, and historic barns. Routes like the Orchard Loop Trail pass by Eckert's Family Farm, while the Tecklenburg Trail winds through the Tecklenburg Forest Preserve, offering scenic journeys through wooded and remote areas.

The MetroBikeLink System is well-integrated with public transport, with trails often running parallel to the MetroLink alignment and connecting to transit centers like the Fairview Heights Transit Center and the Shiloh-Scott Transit Center. Many trailheads also offer dedicated parking facilities, making access convenient for cyclists.

The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in St. Clair County, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be enjoyable, but it's advisable to ride in the mornings or evenings to avoid the midday heat. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potential icy conditions on some paths.

While popular routes like sections of the MetroBikeLink Trail can see more traffic, exploring some of the shorter, local park trails or less central sections of the larger network might offer a quieter experience. The Zion Fellowship Park loop from Millstadt, for instance, offers a peaceful 24.4-mile ride through the countryside.

Yes, the St. Ellen Park Trail is a 1-mile paved path that connects neighborhoods and schools to St. Ellen Park itself. While not a long road cycling route on its own, it can serve as an access point or a short extension to other rides, allowing you to explore the park's additional 1.2-mile walking path.