The best road cycling routes in Riley County

Riley County offers a selection of 9 road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels and preferences.

Road cycling in Riley County is characterized by rolling hills and creek valleys, providing a varied landscape. You'll encounter open roads and routes that navigate natural features like Wildcat Creek, with notable ascents over hills such as Packers Hill, Rock Hill, and Morris Hill.

Yes, Riley County has 3 easy road cycling routes. A good option for beginners is the Morris Hill – Caisson Hill loop from Fort Riley Elementary, which is 18.1 miles (29.2 km) long and features moderate elevation changes.

For those seeking more challenge, Riley County offers 6 moderate routes. The Rock Hill – Longview Hill loop from Bill Snyder Family Stadium is a 26.7 miles (43.0 km) route with significant elevation gain, providing a good workout.

Yes, all the road cycling routes highlighted in Riley County are loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Wildcat Creek loop from Westchester Park Apartment Residences and the Packers Hill – Campbell Hill loop from Marshall Army Airfield.

Many routes in Riley County offer scenic experiences. The Wildcat Creek loop from Westchester Park Apartment Residences takes you through varied terrain with natural features. Routes that traverse hills like Rock Hill also provide elevated perspectives of the surrounding landscape.

For endurance riders, the Wildcat Creek loop from Westchester Park Apartment Residences is a substantial option at 30.5 miles (49.1 km). Another longer route is the Rock Hill – Longview Hill loop from Bill Snyder Family Stadium, covering 26.7 miles (43.0 km).

If you're looking for a shorter ride, the Rock Hill loop from Michael-Ross Audubon Preserve is a great choice at 10.7 miles (17.2 km), typically completed in under an hour. The Packers Hill – Campbell Hill loop from Marshall Army Airfield is also a good moderate option at 15.0 miles (24.2 km).

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Riley County, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summers can be hot, while winters may bring cold temperatures and potential for snow or ice, making some routes less accessible.

Road cyclists using komoot often praise Riley County for its varied terrain, including rolling hills and scenic creek valleys. The mix of easy and moderate routes, along with prominent hills like Packers Hill and Rock Hill, provides diverse experiences for different skill levels.

While there are no routes specifically designated as 'family-friendly,' the easy-rated routes in Riley County are generally suitable for those with less experience or families looking for a more relaxed ride. The Morris Hill – Caisson Hill loop from Fort Riley Elementary is an easy 18.1 miles (29.2 km) option that could be considered.

Elevation gains vary across routes, reflecting the county's rolling hills. For example, the Rock Hill – Longview Hill loop from Bill Snyder Family Stadium features over 300 meters of ascent, while the Rock Hill loop from Michael-Ross Audubon Preserve has a more modest 64 meters of climb.