The best road cycling routes around St. Paul

St. Paul boasts an extensive network of over 200 miles of trails and paths suitable for road cycling. On komoot, you'll find 5 curated road cycling routes, all rated moderate, that showcase the best of the region's diverse landscapes.

St. Paul's road cycling routes feature varied terrain, from flat, paved paths along lakes and rivers to more challenging climbs on river bluffs. You can expect scenic stretches along the Mississippi River, through woodlands, and around urban parks.

While many routes offer moderate difficulty, the city's topography includes bluffs and river valleys that provide opportunities for more challenging rides. For instance, areas like Ohio Street on the Westside offer routes with switchbacks and significant climbs up the river bluff. The Twin Cities Bike Club even has a ride called "Gears, Tears, and Fears" that tackles 8 or 9 of the biggest hills in the St. Paul and Mendota area.

The Mississippi River is a major highlight for cyclists. The Mississippi River Boulevard Trail offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River Gorge. The Sam Morgan Regional Trail also runs parallel to the Mississippi near downtown, providing views of the working river and connecting Harriet Island Regional Park and Indian Mounds Regional Park. For a longer ride, the Robert Piram Regional Trail connects Harriet Island to Kaposia Landing Park, extending along the river corridor.

Yes, St. Paul's park system includes several beautiful lakes with dedicated cycling trails. Como Lake Park features a paved trail around Como Lake, and Lake Phalen also offers paved trails, beaches, and the Phalen Regional Park China Garden. These routes are generally family-friendly and provide serene outdoor beauty.

The road cycling routes in St. Paul are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 3 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from riverfront paths to urban park trails, and the extensive network that caters to various ability levels.

The Gateway State Trail is an excellent option, starting in St. Paul and stretching 18 miles northeast through Maplewood, North St. Paul, and Oakdale, ending near Stillwater. It's a converted rail-trail offering a mix of woodland and prairie scenery. It also connects to the Bruce Vento Trail and Lake Phalen Trail System.

Yes, many routes in St. Paul are designed as loops or can be combined to form loops. For example, the Saint Paul Grand Round is a 29.1-mile route that connects parks, lakes, and the Mississippi River, offering varied terrain and spectacular views. The Indian Mounds Trail is also a 2.6-mile paved loop trail with picturesque skyline views.

For family-friendly rides, trails around Como Lake Park and Lake Phalen are excellent choices, offering paved paths and serene environments. Crosby Farm Park also provides nearly 7 miles of paved trails through a nature preserve, suitable for a relaxed family outing.

Many of St. Paul's routes seamlessly blend urban and natural settings. The Bruce Vento Regional Trail, for instance, connects the Sam Morgan Regional Trail and Vadnais Heights, running through historical areas like Swede Hollow and linking with the Gateway Trail and Lake Phalen, offering a diverse experience.

The best time for road biking in St. Paul is typically from spring through fall, when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is vibrant. The city's expansive park system ensures accessibility for bikers to experience nature and the changing seasons.

The Capital City Bikeway is a planned network of bicycle facilities specifically designed for downtown St. Paul, with segments already completed along Jackson Street and 9th/10th Streets. For more information on St. Paul's biking infrastructure, you can visit the official tourism site: visitsaintpaul.com/biking.