The best traffic-free bike rides in St. Louis County

St. Louis County offers a great selection of traffic-free road cycling routes. There are currently 13 routes available in this guide, with 7 easy and 6 moderate options, ensuring a suitable ride for various skill levels.

The traffic-free road cycling routes in St. Louis County offer diverse terrain. Many routes utilize the region's extensive greenway network, providing paved and relatively flat surfaces. However, some routes, like the Ely loop from Burntside Lake, feature moderate elevation gains, offering more challenging rides with rolling hills and scenic views.

Yes, St. Louis County is well-suited for family-friendly cycling. Many of the greenway trails, such as the River des Peres Greenway and Grant's Trail, offer dedicated, paved paths away from vehicle traffic, making them ideal for cyclists of all ages. The Mesabi Trail system loop from Biwabik is an easy option that families might enjoy.

St. Louis County's traffic-free routes often pass through beautiful natural areas and near interesting landmarks. You can enjoy picturesque views of the St. Louis River Gorge on routes like the View of St. Louis River Gorge loop from Norton Park. The region also features several waterfalls, such as Congdon Park Waterfalls and Amity Creek and Falls, and natural monuments like the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory.

Yes, several traffic-free road cycling routes in St. Louis County are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Little Caboose Park loop from Elys Peak and the View of St. Louis River Gorge loop from Norton Park, allowing you to experience diverse scenery without retracing your steps.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in St. Louis County, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's extensive network of greenways, the varied scenery from riverfronts to wooded areas, and the accessibility of routes that cater to different fitness levels, all while enjoying the peace of traffic-free paths.

Absolutely. St. Louis County is renowned for its greenway system. Popular options for traffic-free road cycling include the River des Peres Greenway, Grant's Trail, and sections of the Meramec River Greenway. These dedicated paths provide safe and enjoyable riding experiences away from vehicular traffic.

Many of the popular greenways and parks in St. Louis County offer designated parking areas. For instance, Forest Park, Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, and various access points along the River des Peres Greenway and Grant's Trail typically have parking facilities, making it convenient to start your traffic-free ride.

The spring and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for traffic-free road cycling in St. Louis County, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be enjoyable, especially in the mornings or evenings, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter cycling is possible on cleared paths, but conditions can vary.

Yes, for experienced cyclists looking for longer, moderate challenges, routes like the Ely loop from Burntside Lake offer distances around 40 km (25 miles) with notable elevation gains. These routes provide a good workout while still enjoying the benefits of traffic-free or low-traffic roads.

While direct access to all trailheads via public transport might vary, many parts of St. Louis County's greenway network, especially those closer to urban centers like the River des Peres Greenway and Forest Park, are accessible by public transportation, allowing you to connect to the traffic-free cycling routes.