1.
Daniel Boone Bridge Bike Path – Katy Trail loop from Spirit of Saint Louis Airport
32.9km
01:49
150m
150m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The best gravel rides around Cottleville
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 31, 2026
If you've ever tried planning gravel biking around Cottleville, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. With so many trails and paths, it's hard to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – sifting through endless possibilities to find the real gems can be a pain.
That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes around Cottleville, giving us the inside scoop on what's truly special. This guide is your shortcut, a curated shortlist of the gravel bike trails that are worth your legs, saving you the guesswork and getting you straight to the good stuff.
Gravel biking around Cottleville is defined by the expansive Katy Trail, the Missouri River, and a network of connecting greenways like the Busch Greenway and Dardenne Greenway Trail. You'll find everything from mostly level crushed limestone paths perfect for a relaxed ride to routes with moderate elevation changes and even some challenging climbs on mixed terrain. The best times to explore are generally spring and fall, when the temperatures are pleasant and the scenery is vibrant.
If you only do one route, we'd start with the Daniel Boone Bridge Bike Path – Katy Trail loop from Spirit of Saint Louis Airport. At 20.5 miles (32.9 km), it's an easy, classic introduction to the area, following the Katy Trail with lovely views along the Missouri River. For something a bit more challenging, the Katy Trail – Katy Trail loop from Daniel Boone Bridge offers a difficult 60.8 miles (97.9 km) ride through river bluffs and open countryside. With more than 150 gravel bikers already exploring Cottleville with komoot, you're in good company.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Boone Bridge Bike Path – Katy Trail loop from Spirit of Saint Louis Airport | 32.9 km | 150 m | Easy |
| Katy Trail – Katy Trail loop from Daniel Boone Bridge | 97.9 km | 250 m | Hard |
| Katy Trail – Historic Bridge loop from Spirit of Saint Louis Airport | 61.5 km | 270 m | Moderate |
| Historic Bridge – Defiance loop from Weldon Spring Heights | 46.2 km | 250 m | Moderate |
| Pittman Hill Trailhead – Greens Bottom Road loop from Spirit of Saint Louis Airport | 32.1 km | 70 m | Easy |
| Katy Trail – Katy Trail loop from Bonhomme Island | 20.9 km | 40 m | Easy |
| Sunflower Silo – Katy Trail loop from Weldon Spring Heights | 72.9 km | 420 m | Moderate |
| Fallen Oak Trailhead – Hampton Lake loop from Hampton Lake Dam | 12.1 km | 80 m | Easy |
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2.
Katy Trail – Katy Trail loop from Daniel Boone Bridge
97.9km
05:20
250m
250m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.
Katy Trail – Historic Bridge loop from Spirit of Saint Louis Airport
61.5km
03:22
270m
270m
The Katy Trail – Historic Bridge loop from Spirit of Saint Louis Airport offers a fantastic gravel biking experience, guiding you along the historic Missouri River. You'll glide over smooth, packed crushed limestone, passing through diverse landscapes of limestone bluffs, dense woodlands, and open farmlands. Keep an eye out for historic railway bridges, like the 1926 Warren through truss bridge over Turkey Creek, which add character to this scenic journey.
This moderate 38.2-mile (61.5 km) route, with 882 feet (269 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 3 hours and 21 minutes to complete. While there isn't a direct path from Spirit of Saint Louis Airport, you can connect to the Katy Trail via shuttle services or a 14-mile road route to the Page Bridge access point. The trail's gentle gradient makes it suitable for all skill levels, from families to experienced riders.
As the longest developed rail-to-trail in the United States, the Katy Trail is rich in history, often following the path of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The eastern sections, particularly around St. Charles and Defiance, are known for their historic towns and scenic river views. You might even spot wildlife, including bald eagles, especially during winter, making it a rewarding ride for nature lovers.
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4.
Historic Bridge – Defiance loop from Weldon Spring Heights
46.2km
02:51
250m
250m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.
Pittman Hill Trailhead – Greens Bottom Road loop from Spirit of Saint Louis Airport
32.1km
01:31
70m
70m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6.
Katy Trail – Katy Trail loop from Bonhomme Island
20.9km
01:01
40m
40m
The Katy Trail – Katy Trail loop from Bonhomme Island offers a delightful gravel biking experience, tracing the Missouri River with frequent views of its bluffs and limestone formations. You'll glide over smooth, packed crushed limestone, often described as "dream gravel," through a landscape that transitions from riverfront to peaceful farmlands and dense woodlands. It's an easy, scenic ride that feels like a journey through Missouri's natural beauty, perfect for a relaxed outing.
Planning your visit is straightforward for this popular route. The trail is accessible year-round, but many riders find early autumn to be the best time to bike Katy Trail Bonhomme Island, thanks to pleasant weather and colorful foliage. This 13.0-mile (20.9 km) loop, with its minimal 141 feet (43 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and takes about 1 hour and 1 minute to complete, making it highly suitable for family biking.
This specific section of the Katy Trail connects you to an area rich in history, with Bonhomme Island having ties to the Lewis and Clark expedition. As part of America's longest rails-to-trails project, the route offers a unique blend of natural features and historical context. The trail's flat elevation profile and well-maintained surface make it an excellent choice for beginner gravel biking, providing a taste of the larger Katy Trail system.
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7.
Sunflower Silo – Katy Trail loop from Weldon Spring Heights
72.9km
04:03
420m
420m
This moderate Sunflower Silo Katy Trail loop from Weldon Spring Heights offers a dynamic gravel biking experience, blending the smooth, crushed limestone of the Katy Trail with the more rugged, undulating paths of the Weldon Spring Conservation Area. You'll cycle past the distinctive Sunflower Silos, enjoy sweeping views of the Missouri River, and traverse through tranquil forests, open fields, and glades, making for a varied and engaging ride.
To tackle this 45.4-mile (73.0 km) route, which involves 1394 feet (425 metres) of elevation gain and takes around 4 hours and 3 minutes, plan to start at the Weldon Spring Trailhead. This trailhead provides essential amenities like parking, restrooms, and a bike repair station. Given the length and varied terrain, wider tires are recommended for comfort, and carrying ample water is a must, especially on warmer days.
What makes this route stand out is its seamless integration of the renowned Katy Trail, America's longest rails-to-trails conversion, with the diverse ridgetop and bottomland environments of the Weldon Spring Conservation Area. This combination allows you to experience both the consistent, easy-going nature of the rail-trail and the more challenging, scenic hills and glades, offering a comprehensive tour of the region's natural beauty.
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8.
Fallen Oak Trailhead – Hampton Lake loop from Hampton Lake Dam
12.1km
00:40
80m
80m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Scottrod
August 4, 2025, Pittman Hill Trailhead
Tricky to get to but a great access to the KATY Trail.
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oliviakellis
July 28, 2025, Bums Cave
Known locally as “Devil’s Boot Cave,” this natural overhang carved in sandstone resembles the shape of a boot and stretches roughly 25 feet deep and wide, near Marthasville. Once used as a pioneer shelter and noted by local schools for nature trips, the site offers a little geological curiosity beside the trail—a hands-on reminder of Missouri’s limestone landscape and early frontier life. Great for a quick stop and photo op!
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AndyCook
September 14, 2024, Daniel Boone Bridge Bike Path
take the time to stop and enjoy the view while crossing the bridge
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Scottrod
May 11, 2024, Katy Trail
One of 3 major highway bridges over the Missouri between Weldon and St Charles, MO. The KATY trail through here is as smooth as concrete and the scenery is beautiful!
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j3f12
April 23, 2024, Daniel Boone Bridge Bike Path
Fantastic bike path over the Daniel Boone Bridge. Great views of the Missouri.
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Tyler Sanders
February 19, 2024, Katy Trail
This trail runs alongside the Missouri River, providing a relaxing ride with the soothing sounds of the water. The trail is well-maintained dirt with ample tree coverage, offering pleasant shade along the way.
1
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Alexandra P
January 8, 2024, Greens Bottom Road
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Cottleville?
There are over 15 gravel bike routes around Cottleville, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Cottleville's gravel bike trails?
The primary terrain you'll encounter is the crushed limestone surface of the renowned Katy Trail State Park. Additionally, connecting greenways like the Busch Greenway offer a mix of paved and unpaved sections. You can expect diverse scenery including river bluffs along the Missouri River, agricultural lands, and forested areas.
Are there any long-distance gravel routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders looking for a challenge, routes like the Frontier Park – Katy Trail loop from Weldon Spring Heights cover over 60 miles, traversing diverse landscapes including riverfronts and rural areas. Another option is the Katy Trail – Katy Trail loop from Daniel Boone Bridge, also over 60 miles, leading through river bluffs and open countryside.
Can I find any moderate gravel bike routes in the area?
Absolutely. A popular moderate option is the Katy Trail – Historic Bridge loop from Spirit of Saint Louis Airport. This route spans over 37 miles and offers a balanced ride through varied scenery.
Are there any easy gravel bike trails suitable for beginners?
Beginners can enjoy the Daniel Boone Bridge Bike Path – Katy Trail loop from Spirit of Saint Louis Airport. This easy 20.5-mile route follows the crushed limestone surface of the Katy Trail, providing gentle gradients and scenic views along the Missouri River.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while gravel biking near Cottleville?
Many routes offer stunning views of the Missouri River, often running alongside the Katy Trail. You can also explore areas like the Weldon Spring Conservation Area and the Missouri River Overlook. The Veterans Memorial Bridge is another notable landmark you might encounter.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes around Cottleville?
Yes, many of the gravel biking routes around Cottleville are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Daniel Boone Bridge Bike Path – Katy Trail loop and the Sunflower Silo – Katy Trail loop.
Is the Katy Trail suitable for gravel biking, and where can I find more information about it?
The Katy Trail State Park is exceptionally well-suited for gravel biking, featuring a crushed limestone surface that's ideal for the sport. It's a significant part of the gravel biking experience in Cottleville. For more details on experiencing this iconic trail, you can visit VisitMO.com.
Are there opportunities for wildlife viewing on these trails?
Yes, the August A. Busch Conservation Area, accessible via the Busch Greenway, provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. The trails often pass through natural habitats where you might spot various local wildlife.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Cottleville?
While gravel biking is enjoyable year-round, spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, but early mornings or late afternoons are still great for riding. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potential trail closures due to ice or snow.
Are the gravel trails in Cottleville family-friendly?
Many sections of the Katy Trail, with its mostly level and well-maintained crushed limestone surface, are very family-friendly. Easy loop routes like the Daniel Boone Bridge Bike Path – Katy Trail loop are suitable for families looking for a relaxed ride.
Where can I find parking for the gravel bike trails?
The Katy Trail has numerous access points and trailheads with dedicated parking areas along its length, including those near Cottleville. Specific parking information can often be found on individual route descriptions or local park websites.
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