The best cycling routes around Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 20 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy urban loops to more challenging rides, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

Yes, Sioux Falls is very accommodating for beginners, with 16 easy touring cycling routes. The extensive Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway is particularly suitable, offering paved pathways and diverse scenery that can be enjoyed by cyclists of all fitness levels.

For families, the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway is an excellent choice, with its paved surfaces and access to parks like Sertoma Park and Family Park. The Skunk Creek Spur – Sertoma Park loop from Sioux Falls also provides a pleasant, family-friendly experience, connecting to recreational areas.

Many of the trails in Sioux Falls, including sections of the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway, are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. Always check local signage for specific regulations in parks and natural areas to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

Sioux Falls offers diverse scenic views. You'll encounter urban landscapes, open fields, and forested sections, especially along the Big Sioux River. Highlights include the dramatic pink quartzite formations at Big Sioux River Falls and Falls Park Waterfalls, as well as the monumental Arc of Dreams sculpture spanning the river downtown.

Yes, Sioux Falls features several excellent circular routes. The main loop of the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway is approximately 20 miles, offering a full circuit around the city. Another popular option is the Palisades State Park loop, which is a longer, moderate 45.6-mile ride featuring dramatic Sioux quartzite formations.

Many trailheads and parks throughout Sioux Falls offer convenient parking. For instance, areas around Falls Park, Sertoma Park, and other access points along the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway typically have parking facilities. The Skunk Creek Spur also connects to Family Park, which provides parking.

While Sioux Falls' trails are maintained for year-round enjoyment, the spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling. The Big Sioux River Recreation Trail is accessible year-round, but warmer months provide ideal conditions for exploring the diverse scenery.

The touring cycling routes in Sioux Falls are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the extensive network of well-maintained, paved trails, the diverse scenery blending urban and natural landscapes, and the accessibility to key attractions like Falls Park.

While the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail is popular, you might find less crowded sections on the spurs connecting to neighborhoods or by exploring trails slightly further afield. For a more secluded experience, consider the trails within Beaver Creek Nature Area or Great Bear Recreation Park, which offer a feeling of being removed from the city.

Yes, many sections of the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway pass through or near urban areas of Sioux Falls, providing easy access to cafes, restaurants, and other amenities. Falls Park, a central hub, also has facilities and is close to downtown dining options.

Beyond the iconic Big Sioux River Falls and Falls Park Waterfalls, you can explore the dramatic Sioux quartzite formations at Palisades State Park. The Bridge over Big Sioux River – The Arc of Dreams loop from Howard Wood Field will take you past the impressive Arc of Dreams sculpture. Good Earth State Park at Blood Run also offers scenic trails and historical significance.