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Kansas

Douglas County

The best traffic-free bike rides in Douglas County

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated May 11, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan road cycling in Douglas County, you know how quickly the options can feel 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. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the very best, saving you the guesswork.

Road cycling in Douglas County is all about diverse scenery and accessible routes. Stretching across the Front Range, you'll find everything from open grasslands to Ponderosa pine forests, with striking red-rock formations and scenic river valleys providing a constantly changing backdrop. The extensive network of paved and smooth-surface trails means there's something for every ability, from easy spins to more challenging rides with rewarding elevation.

For a fantastic moderate ride that connects urban areas with beautiful park settings, we'd start with the Lawrence to Clinton State Park loop, a 37.8 miles (60.8 km) path that offers varied scenery. If you're looking for something a bit shorter and easier, the Clinton Lake Dam – Clinton State Park loop is a great choice at 14.9 miles (23.9 km), perfect for a relaxed outing. With more than 90 road cyclists having explored these routes on komoot, you know you're in good company.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Lawrence to Clinton State Park loop — Douglas County
  2. 2

    Lawrence – Burcham Park Trail loop from Lawrence
  3. 3

    Clinton Lake Dam – Clinton State Park loop from Kanza Southwind Nature Preserve

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Lawrence to Clinton State Park loop — Douglas County

60.8 km

380 m

Moderate

Lawrence – Burcham Park Trail loop from Lawrence

40.4 km

290 m

Moderate

Clinton Lake Dam – Clinton State Park loop from Kanza Southwind Nature Preserve

23.9 km

150 m

Easy

Clinton State Park loop from Clinton State Park

8.65 km

40 m

Easy

Clinton State Park loop from Clinton State Park

7.98 km

40 m

Easy

1.

Lawrence to Clinton State Park loop — Douglas County

60.8km

02:58

380m

380m

The Lawrence to Clinton State Park loop is a moderate 37.8-mile (60.8 km) road cycling route that takes you through a delightful mix of Kansas landscapes. With 1242 feet (379 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 58 minutes, it's a solid ride that offers diverse scenery, including woodlands, open meadows, and bluffs overlooking creeks. You'll enjoy expansive views around Clinton Lake and the surrounding state park, primarily on well-paved surfaces, making for a smooth and enjoyable cycling experience.

To make the most of this popular cycling route, aim for a spring or fall ride when the temperatures are milder and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. The route connects the bicycle-friendly city of Lawrence with Clinton State Park, offering a convenient and accessible option for a longer ride. While the main loop is road-friendly, remember that venturing into Clinton Lake's extensive trail system will quickly shift to rugged mountain biking terrain.

This loop is a fantastic option for road cyclists looking for a substantial workout combined with scenic beauty in Douglas County. It's a testament to Lawrence's reputation as a Bicycle Friendly Community, providing a well-integrated route that links urban amenities with significant natural features like Clinton State Park. The region's unique geography, nestled between the Kansas and Wakarusa Rivers, makes for a distinctive and rewarding cycling adventure.

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3.

Clinton Lake Dam – Clinton State Park loop from Kanza Southwind Nature Preserve

23.9km

01:18

150m

150m

The Clinton Lake Dam – Clinton State Park loop from Kanza Southwind Nature Preserve offers an accessible road cycling experience, winding through parklands and areas rich in prairie grasses and woodlands. You'll enjoy extensive views of Clinton Lake and its shores, passing by the Kanza Southwind Nature Preserve with its ponds and native grasses. The route is primarily on well-paved surfaces, including sections of the concrete-paved South Lawrence Trafficway Hike and Bike Path, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride.

This easy 14.8-mile (23.9 km) loop features a gentle 470 feet (143 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. Parking is available at the Kanza Southwind Nature Preserve, which is the starting point. It's an ideal choice for a relaxed outing, suitable for various fitness levels, and can be enjoyed throughout the year, weather permitting.

This route is notable for combining several distinct natural and recreational areas around Clinton Lake, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and ecological features. It provides specific viewpoints around the Clinton Lake Dam area and showcases the Kanza Southwind Nature Preserve, named in honor of the KANZA Native Americans. It's a great option for beginner road cycling near Lawrence, Kansas, or for families looking for a pleasant ride.

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4.

Clinton State Park loop from Clinton State Park

8.65km

00:28

40m

40m

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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5.

Clinton State Park loop from Clinton State Park

7.98km

00:25

40m

40m

The Clinton State Park loop from Clinton State Park offers a delightful and easy road cycling experience, perfect for a quick outing. You'll glide along well-paved surfaces, enjoying a mix of extensive lake views, open prairie grasses, and tranquil woodlands. This 5.0-mile (8.0 km) route with a modest 134 feet (41 metres) of elevation gain is designed for relaxation, taking only about 25 minutes to complete, making it an ideal Clinton State Park road cycling loop difficulty for all skill levels.

Starting directly from Clinton State Park, this route is easily accessible with ample parking available. It's a great option for a spontaneous ride, as no special permits are typically required beyond standard park entry. Consider visiting during the morning or late afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures, especially if you're looking for a peaceful ride.

Clinton State Park is renowned for its clear waters and diverse recreational opportunities, including its historical connection to the Underground Railroad. While the park features extensive trail systems for various activities, this road cycling loop provides a unique perspective of the area's natural beauty and wildlife Clinton State Park road cycling offers, away from the more rugged mountain bike trails.

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Tips from the Community

Lisa
June 29, 2025, Clinton Lake Dam

The dam that holds back Clinton Lake, which in turn serves as a drinking water reservoir for Lawrence. Amenities in the neighboring park include a 25-mile hike/bike trail, an enormous campground, cabins, playgrounds, and kayak rentals.

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mtm05005
February 19, 2024, Burcham Park Trail

The Burcham Park Trail is a 1.5 mile long paved trail that runs through the park with the same name. The path is on the banks of the Kansas River and will at times, give you good views of the water.

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Scott
February 19, 2024, Clinton State Park

Clinton State Park, nestled on the north shore of Clinton Lake near Lawrence, Kansas, offers more than just a scenic escape. From outdoor adventure to historical intrigue, this park boasts a treasure trove of interesting information.

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Scott
January 27, 2024, Lake Henry

Lake Henry in Lawrence, Kansas, offers a delightful escape for cyclists of all levels, combining scenic beauty with diverse trails and exciting challenges. Lake Henry may not be the grandest lake, but it offers a charming retreat for families, fishing enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.

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Main street of Lawrence

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available in Douglas County?

Komoot features 6 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes in Douglas County. These routes offer a variety of distances and difficulties, ensuring there's something for every cyclist looking to avoid vehicle traffic.

Are there easy no-traffic road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Douglas County?

Yes, Douglas County offers several easy no-traffic road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Clinton State Park loop from Clinton State Park is an easy option, covering approximately 8.8 km. The region's extensive trail systems, including paved paths like segments of the Cherry Creek Trail, also provide gentle, car-free riding experiences.

What kind of terrain can I expect on no-traffic road cycling routes in Douglas County?

The no-traffic road cycling routes in Douglas County feature a diverse range of terrain. You'll find well-paved surfaces on many trails, such as the "Power Springs loop from Floyd Road Trailhead" mentioned in regional research. Some routes, like the Lawrence to Clinton State Park loop, offer moderate elevation changes, providing a good workout while still being traffic-free. The landscape often includes grasslands, oak bluffs, and scenic views.

Are there any scenic no-traffic road cycling routes in Douglas County?

Absolutely! Douglas County is known for its natural beauty. Many no-traffic routes offer expansive views of the Colorado Front Range mountains and the Denver metro area, especially from higher points like The Bluffs. You can also expect to cycle through areas where wildflowers bloom in summer and potentially spot wildlife. Routes around attractions like Clinton State Park provide picturesque lakeside scenery.

Can I find loop routes for no-traffic road cycling in Douglas County?

Yes, several no-traffic road cycling routes in Douglas County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Lawrence to Clinton State Park loop (60.8 km) and the Clinton State Park loop from Clinton State Park (12.5 km). These circular routes are convenient for planning your ride.

What are some notable natural attractions or landmarks I might see along these routes?

While cycling no-traffic routes in Douglas County, you can enjoy several natural attractions. Many routes pass near Clinton Lake and Clinton State Park, offering beautiful lakeside views and recreational opportunities. The region is also characterized by dramatic red rock formations, particularly in areas like Roxborough State Park and Castlewood Canyon State Park, which provide stunning backdrops to your ride.

How long are the no-traffic road cycling routes in Douglas County?

The no-traffic road cycling routes in Douglas County vary significantly in length. You can find shorter options, such as the Clinton State Park loop from Clinton State Park at approximately 8.8 km, suitable for a quick ride. For longer excursions, routes like the Wells Overlook Viewpoint – Lawrence loop from Lawrence extend to about 63.9 km, offering a more extensive cycling experience.

Are there any specific trails known for being entirely car-free or having minimal traffic?

Yes, Douglas County is committed to providing car-free options. The Cherry Creek Trail, a nearly 40-mile paved path, is a popular choice for being almost entirely off-road. While not exclusively for road bikes, segments of the Douglas County East/West trail are also described as smooth dirt paths, offering a non-technical, car-free experience through grasslands and oak bluffs. Our listed routes are specifically curated to be no-traffic for road cycling.

What is the best time of year for no-traffic road cycling in Douglas County?

Douglas County offers great cycling opportunities throughout much of the year. Spring and fall generally provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with wildflowers blooming in summer. While some trails may be accessible in winter, it's always advisable to check local weather conditions and trail status, as snow and ice can affect rideability, especially on less maintained paths.

Are there any moderate difficulty no-traffic road cycling routes for more experienced riders?

Yes, for riders seeking a bit more challenge, Douglas County has several moderate difficulty no-traffic road cycling routes. For example, the Lawrence – Burcham Park Trail loop from Lawrence covers about 40.4 km with moderate elevation changes. These routes provide a good balance of distance and ascent without the concern of vehicle traffic.

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