The best cycling routes around St. Louis

St. Louis offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 25 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 12 easy and 13 moderate options.

The touring cycling routes in St. Louis are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from urban green spaces to scenic river valleys, and the mix of paved and crushed gravel trails that offer options for different ability levels.

Yes, St. Louis has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Wheels Path – Forest Park loop from Washington University in St. Louis is an easy 5.7-mile path that winds through the beautiful Forest Park, an urban oasis with woodlands and green spaces.

While most routes are easy to moderate, some longer options provide a good challenge. The region's varied terrain, including rolling hills and river valleys, offers routes with more significant elevation changes. For example, the Barnes-Jewish Hospital – Tower Grove Park loop from Central West End is a moderate 31.1-mile route with over 760 feet of elevation gain, leading through urban parks and neighborhoods.

St. Louis touring cycling routes feature diverse terrain. You'll find extensive paved paths, especially in urban parks like Forest Park and along the Riverfront Trail. Many routes also utilize hard-packed crushed gravel, characteristic of former railroad routes like the Katy Trail. The landscape varies from flat river valleys to gently rolling hills, offering a mix of surfaces and gradients.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in St. Louis are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Old Chain of Rocks Bridge – Riverfront Tail trailhead loop from St. Louis - Gateway Station, which is a 27.9-mile moderate route, and the Wheels Path – Forest Park loop from Missouri Botanical Garden, a 16.8-mile moderate option.

Many routes in St. Louis provide scenic views and access to natural features. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge – Riverfront Tail trailhead loop from St. Louis - Gateway Station offers views of the Mississippi River and the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. Routes through Forest Park, such as the Wheels Path – Forest Park loop from Washington University in St. Louis, showcase woodlands, wetlands, and savannas. You can also explore highlights like the Emerson Grand Basin or the Forest Park itself.

Yes, parking is generally available at many trailheads and access points for touring cycling routes in St. Louis. Major parks like Forest Park and Tower Grove Park, as well as various conservation areas, offer designated parking facilities. It's always a good idea to check specific route details for parking information before you go.

Many touring cycling routes in St. Louis are very family-friendly, especially the easier, largely flat paths. Urban parks like Forest Park and Tower Grove Park offer paved loops suitable for all ages. The Katy Trail, while longer, is also largely flat and crushed gravel, making it accessible for families. The Wheels Path – Forest Park loop from Washington University in St. Louis is an excellent easy option for families.

Many parks and trails in the St. Louis area are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. However, specific rules can vary by park or trail system. It's recommended to check the regulations for the particular route you plan to cycle to ensure it accommodates dogs. Generally, urban greenways and state park trails are welcoming to leashed pets.

Yes, St. Louis offers numerous opportunities for refreshments along its cycling routes. Especially in urban areas and along popular trails like the Katy Trail, you'll find cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Forest Park and Tower Grove Park are often near commercial districts with dining options. The Missouri River Valley, through which the Katy Trail runs, is also known for its wineries and breweries, providing enjoyable stops for cyclists.

The best time for touring cycling in St. Louis is typically during the spring and fall. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures, vibrant foliage, and comfortable conditions for longer rides. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can bring cold temperatures and snow, making cycling less ideal, though still possible on milder days.