The best traffic-free bike rides in Lincoln County
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No traffic touring cycling routes in Lincoln County traverse a landscape characterized by riverine greenways and urban parklands, offering accessible paths for cyclists. The region features mostly gentle elevations, making it suitable for a range of abilities. These routes often follow waterways, providing scenic views and a peaceful cycling experience away from vehicular traffic.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes in Lincoln County
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is The Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway, a 22.2 miles (35.8 km) trail that takes about 2 hours to complete. This moderate route follows the Big Sioux River, offering continuous scenic views.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is The Arc of Dreams – Bathrooms, Water and Shelter loop from Great Plains Zoo, an easy 13.3 miles (21.5 km) path. This route is known for its accessible amenities and urban greenway sections.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Pedestrian Bridge – Sertoma Park loop from The Empire Mall, a 10.9 miles (17.6 km) trail leading through parklands and along the river, often completed in about 1 hour.
- Touring cycling in Lincoln County is defined by riverine paths, urban greenways, and accessible parklands. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to moderate excursions.
- The routes in Lincoln County are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from more than 20 reviews. More than 200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Lincoln County's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 17, 2026
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35.8km
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Embark on a touring bicycle adventure along The Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway, a moderate route spanning 22.3 miles (35.8 km). You will experience a diverse landscape, transitioning from vibrant urban areas to serene wildlife habitats. The trail closely follows the Big Sioux River, providing consistent water views and guiding you through expansive open fields and shaded forested sections. A key visual landmark is the impressive Big Sioux River Falls at Falls Park, where you can observe stunning cascading waterfalls over unique quartzite formations. This journey involves a gentle elevation gain of 256 feet (78 metres) and typically takes about 2 hours and 2 minutes to complete, offering a pleasant ride for most cyclists.
Planning your touring bicycle trip on this greenway is straightforward, as the paved trails are well-maintained throughout the year, making it accessible in any season, including winter. You will find multiple convenient access points along the route, allowing you to start your ride from various locations. Restrooms and fix-it stations are also strategically placed, ensuring you have necessary amenities during your journey. Consider starting your ride in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, especially during peak seasons.
This trail is a notable feature of the region, offering a unique opportunity to explore Sioux Falls by bike while staying close to nature. Its continuous path along the Big Sioux River highlights the area's natural beauty and urban integration. The route provides a distinct perspective on the city's landscape, connecting various parks and green spaces. It stands out as a prime example of how urban development can coexist with natural riverine environments, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors seeking an active outdoor experience.
5.35km
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10m
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Enjoy an easy 3.3-mile touring bike ride on the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail, featuring the scenic Big Sioux River Falls.
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37.7km
02:09
80m
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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17.6km
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50m
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Lincoln County
Tips from the Community
The Skunk Creek spur of the Big Sioux River Greenway adds 4.5 miles of scenic trail winding back and forth along Skunk Creek to a lake in Family Park.
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The park has a network of singletrack trails for hiking and mountain biking, which wind through the woods by the disc golf course. There is a little pavilion and water bottle refill station by the parking lot.
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Sertoma Park is an outdoor recreation area in the south of Sioux Falls. The are hosts multiple playgrounds, picnic areas (including pavilions), a butterfly house and aquarium and an outdoor center to teach kids about nature. Therefore, it's the perfect spot to spend some family-time.
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The Skunk Creek spur of the Big Sioux River Greenway adds 4.5 miles of scenic trail winding back and forth along Skunk Creek to a lake in Family Park.
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This bridge provides convenient access to the Big Sioux River Greenway with a public parking lot on the south side of the Big Sioux River
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A portion of the Big Sioux River Greenway runs along both sides of the river in urban Sioux Falls.
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A great paved trail all around Sioux Falls. Plenty of bathrooms, bike repair stands and shelters along the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Lincoln County?
There are 8 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in Lincoln County featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of experiences, from easy rides suitable for beginners to more moderate challenges.
What is the overall difficulty level of no-traffic touring cycling routes in Lincoln County?
The no-traffic touring cycling routes in Lincoln County cater to various skill levels. You'll find 5 easy routes, perfect for a relaxed ride, and 3 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge. There are no difficult routes listed in this selection.
Are there any long-distance no-traffic touring cycling routes in Lincoln County?
Yes, for a longer no-traffic touring experience, consider The Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway. This route spans over 35 kilometers (approximately 22 miles) and offers a moderate challenge with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for an extended ride along the river.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring cycling routes in Lincoln County?
Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic routes in Lincoln County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the The Arc of Dreams – Bathrooms, Water and Shelter loop from Great Plains Zoo is an easy 21-kilometer (13-mile) circular route, and the Skunk Creek Spur – Sertoma Park loop from Sioux Falls offers a moderate 38-kilometer (23.6-mile) loop.
What kind of scenery can I expect on these no-traffic cycling routes?
While specific details for Lincoln County, South Dakota are limited, routes like The Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway suggest scenic rides along riverfronts. Generally, areas with river trails often feature natural landscapes, green spaces, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, providing a pleasant escape from traffic.
Are there any family-friendly no-traffic cycling routes in Lincoln County?
Yes, several easy routes are suitable for families. The shorter segment of The Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway, at just over 5 kilometers (3.3 miles), is an excellent option for a relaxed family outing. Its minimal elevation gain makes it accessible for riders of all ages.
What do other touring cyclists say about the no-traffic routes in Lincoln County?
The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic touring cycling experiences in Lincoln County, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful environment and the accessibility of these routes for various skill levels.
Are there any routes that offer amenities like restrooms or water along the way?
Yes, some routes are designed with convenience in mind. For instance, The Arc of Dreams – Bathrooms, Water and Shelter loop from Great Plains Zoo explicitly mentions access to bathrooms, water, and shelter, making it a well-supported option for a touring ride.
What is the best time of year to enjoy no-traffic touring cycling in Lincoln County?
While specific seasonal data for Lincoln County, South Dakota is not provided, generally, spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for cycling in many regions, with pleasant weather and vibrant natural scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it may be warmer.
Are there any routes that are particularly good for beginners?
Beginners will find several excellent options. The shorter Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway is an easy 5-kilometer ride, and the Pedestrian Bridge – Sertoma Park loop from The Empire Mall is another easy route spanning about 17.6 kilometers (10.9 miles) with minimal elevation changes, perfect for those new to touring cycling.
Most popular routes in Lincoln County
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