The best MTB trails around Maryland Heights

The Bootlegger's Run Trail in Creve Coeur Park offers a delightful mountain biking experience, winding around the scenic Creve Coeur Lake. You'll navigate hard-packed dirt, enjoy banked turns, and encounter fun dips and even a rock garden on the Main Loop. The route passes through areas of new growth trees, providing a pleasant, flowing ride that's engaging without being overly technical. It's a great spot to enjoy the outdoors and get some miles in.

This moderate 4.5-mile (7.2 km) trail features 218 feet (67 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 37 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option for beginner mountain bikers looking to build skills, but also offers a fast and enjoyable ride for more experienced riders. The trail is bi-directional and shared with runners, so keep an eye out for others on the path.

What makes this trail stand out is its accessibility and well-maintained features, including the multiple ravine crossings and roller coasters. The park is also home to the charming Dripping Springs Waterfall, adding a natural landmark to your ride. Its beginner-friendly sections make it a popular choice for those new to the sport, while the overall design ensures a fun outing for all skill levels.

The Katy Trail – Katy Trail loop from Spirit of Saint Louis Airport offers a delightful mountain biking experience on a hard-packed, crushed limestone path. You'll pedal through a varied landscape of rolling farmland, dense forests, and tallgrass prairies, with a significant portion of the route providing stunning views of the Missouri River and its towering limestone bluffs. This 21.9-mile (35.3 km) route, with its minimal 620 feet (189 metres) of elevation gain, is a moderate ride that takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed outing.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the Katy Trail is well-maintained and features numerous trailheads with amenities like water and restrooms. While the crushed limestone surface is generally firm, it can become soft or muddy after heavy rains, so check conditions before you head out. This trail is ideal for mountain bikes, hybrids, or comfort bikes with wider tires, and its gentle grades make it a great option for beginner mountain biking near the Spirit of Saint Louis Airport.

As the longest developed rail-trail in the United States, the Katy Trail follows the historic route of the Lewis and Clark expedition, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. It's a fantastic spine for exploring the region, even connecting to more intense singletrack trails in nearby parks like Lost Valley and Klondike for those seeking a greater challenge. The trail's flat profile and scenic river views make it a popular mountain biking trail near the Spirit of Saint Louis Airport for all skill levels.

This easy mountain biking loop offers a delightful blend of history and riverfront scenery, perfect for a relaxed ride. You'll glide along the Katy Trail, enjoying continuous views of the Missouri River, before meandering through the charming brick-paved streets of Historic Downtown St. Charles. The flat, crushed limestone and paved surfaces make for a smooth journey, letting you soak in the surroundings, from the lush green banks to the historic architecture.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with Frontier Park serving as a convenient starting point and major trailhead. You'll find plenty of parking there, and the entire area is well-equipped with amenities like restrooms, picnic spots, and dining options, especially in Historic Downtown St. Charles. This 7.0-mile (11.3 km) route, with its minimal 135 feet (41 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 46 minutes, making it an excellent choice for families or anyone seeking a leisurely outing. Consider an early morning or late afternoon ride for the most pleasant conditions.

What makes this route truly special is its historical significance and accessibility. Frontier Park is a notable site from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the Katy Trail itself is part of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. This family-friendly mountain bike route connects you directly to the vibrant, historic heart of St. Charles, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion without any technical challenges. It's a great way to experience the area's heritage and river views.