The best cycling routes in St. Louis County
4.7
(114)
1,115
riders
93
rides
Touring cycling in St. Louis County offers diverse landscapes, from riverfront paths and urban green spaces to rolling hills and state parks. The region is characterized by extensive trail networks, including paved greenways and paths through woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. Limestone bluffs along the Meramec River and the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers contribute to the varied terrain.
Best touring cycling routes in St. Louis County
- The most popular touring cycling route is Creve Coeur Park Trails,…
Last updated: October 10, 2026
4.8
(5)
39
riders
21.8km
01:16
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
10
riders
40.3km
02:22
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
12.3km
00:49
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
41.1km
02:31
160m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
4
riders
25.6km
01:27
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
52.0km
03:06
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
62.6km
03:47
320m
320m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(11)
61
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(4)
37
riders
19.4km
01:09
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
33
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Forest Park is a huge recreational park in the heart of St. Louis. The park is perfect for relaxing, biking, golfing, and exploring the various cultural offerings at the Museum of History, St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, or Planetarium. It's also easily accessible by metro.
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The bike lanes here are wonderful. The connectors could be improved though!
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This is a paved trail that runs on top of the Levee that protects the Chesterfield Valley from the flood waters of the Missouri River. It is well-used and you can expect to encounter other cyclists, runners, in line skaters, and folks just out for a walk. The Monarch Levee Trail is linked to the World Famous KATY Trail via a separated bike lane on the Interstate 64 bridge across the Missouri River. There are plenty of parking areas along the trail length. I chose the trail head parking off of the Centaur Road. Expect to see wildlife such as foxes, turkey, deer, raccoons, and other critters mainly on the river side of the trail. On the Valley side is an airport, outlet mall, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. If you are looking for a peaceful serene ride this is NOT it. On a historical note, this levee was built after the devastating floods of 1993. This levee is nearly twice as high as the original levee. If you can imagine when you are looking out over the valley, the airport and all the buildings there, that in 1993 there was nearly 20 feet of water covering all of it! Rescue personnel used the interstate, which crosses the valley, as a boat ramp. All in all this is a well maintained wide trail that you will enjoy riding.
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During a recent ride on the Monarch Levee Trail, I wanted to explore Howell Island. The map shows that there is a road/trail there HOWEVER, it is gone. The once low water crossing has been entirely removed and replaced with huge stone "rip rap" in its place. So if you are really wanting to see howell island then you will have to cross this large stone rip rap. You will need good hiking shoes and you will need to be very nimble to cross this area. Sorry no pictures, my camera did not save the pictures I "thought" I took of the area.
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The Monarch Trail does not go all the way around the Chesterfield Valley unfortunately. It ends towards the East end of the valley right next to the Top Golf Facility. Beyond this point, it is private property. The Komoot Map shows the roads here as private, which is very true. They have no trespassing signs everywhere.
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Had to include this very unusual find. I am assuming that this was a family cemetery and when the new levee, on top of which this bike trail runs, was built it must been over the old cemetery. So they relocated the cemetery to the top of the levee. These are very old, dating back to the 1890's. Be respectful and do not desecrate this place.
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Creve Coeur Lake is a 320-acre lake located in Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. The park dates back to 1945 and now offers a place for picnics, non-motorized boating, and fishing.
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This is a scenic lake on the south side of Creve Couer Lake Park. There are options to do a running loop around the lake and marsh joining onto Creve Couer Lake to the north, or follow Creve Couer Connector to the Veteran's Memorial Bridge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in St. Louis County?
St. Louis County offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 100 options available. These routes cater to various preferences, from easy paved paths to more challenging trails with elevation changes.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the routes in St. Louis County?
The touring cycling routes in St. Louis County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, well-maintained trails, and the variety of environments, including riverfront paths, urban green spaces, and state parks.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in St. Louis County?
St. Louis County's touring cycling routes feature diverse terrain. You'll find extensive paved greenways, paths through woodlands, wetlands, and prairies, as well as routes with rolling hills and limestone bluffs along rivers like the Meramec. Options range from mostly flat to routes with moderate elevation changes.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in St. Louis County?
Yes, St. Louis County has many easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. For instance, the Creve Coeur Park Trails offer paved pathways around Creve Coeur Lake. Another great option is the Route 66 State Park Outer Loop Trail, which is also an easy ride through the park.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists in St. Louis County?
For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Katy Trail – Katy Trail loop from Chesterfield offer a longer distance of over 100 km and some elevation. The region also features trails with more significant climbs, such as the Rock Hollow Trail loop from Manors of Castle Ridge, which includes over 300 meters of ascent.
Which touring cycling routes offer scenic views or pass by natural features?
Many routes in St. Louis County offer scenic views and pass by natural features. The Gravois and River des Peres Greenways Loop provides diverse scenery, while the Meramec River Valley, accessible via routes like the Meramec Greenway: Valley Park Loop, offers stunning views of the river and limestone bluffs. Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park also features beautiful lake views, especially at Sunset View of Creve Coeur Lake.
Are there any touring cycling routes that are circular or loop back to the start?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in St. Louis County are designed as loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Gravois and River des Peres Greenways Loop, the Meramec Greenway: Valley Park Loop, and the Baldwin loop.
What attractions or landmarks can I see along the touring cycling routes?
Along the touring cycling routes, you can explore various attractions and landmarks. The River des Peres Greenway is a notable cycling path, and you might cross the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Many routes pass by lakes such as Mallard Lake. Additionally, Forest Park, though not directly on all routes, is a major attraction with cultural institutions and extensive paths.
Are there dog-friendly touring cycling trails in St. Louis County?
While specific regulations vary by park and trail, many greenways and state parks in St. Louis County generally allow dogs on leashes. It's always best to check the specific rules for the park or trail you plan to visit, but areas like the Meramec Greenway are often popular with dog owners.
When is the best time of year for touring cycling in St. Louis County?
The best time for touring cycling in St. Louis County is typically spring and fall. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures, beautiful foliage, and comfortable conditions. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can bring cold temperatures and occasional snow, though some dedicated cyclists ride year-round.
Are there routes that incorporate parts of the Katy Trail?
Yes, several touring cycling routes in St. Louis County connect with or incorporate sections of the famous Katy Trail. For example, the Katy Trail and Monarch-Chesterfield Levee Loop allows you to experience both the Katy Trail and the levee system. Another option is the Katy Trail – Frontier Park loop from Monarch Chesterfield Levee Trail Parking.
Are there any touring cycling routes that are suitable for mountain bikes or have unpaved sections?
While many touring routes are paved, St. Louis County also offers options for those who prefer unpaved sections or mountain biking. Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, for instance, has dirt trails like "Bootlegger's Run" in addition to its paved pathways. Areas like Castlewood State Park and Eureka Mountain Bike Park also provide more rugged terrain suitable for mountain bikes.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in St. Louis County?
Many popular touring cycling routes in St. Louis County have designated parking areas at trailheads or within nearby parks. For example, routes like the Katy Trail – Frontier Park loop from Monarch Chesterfield Levee Trail Parking explicitly mention parking availability. Major parks like Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park and Route 66 State Park also offer ample parking facilities.
Most popular routes in St. Louis County
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