The best road cycling routes around Granite City

Granite City offers a diverse selection of nearly 30 road cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 16 easy options and 13 moderate challenges, ensuring there's a suitable ride for everyone.

Yes, Granite City features 16 easy road cycling routes, many of which are part of the extensive Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails system. These trails are generally flat and paved, making them ideal for beginners and families. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge – Old Chain of Rocks Bridge loop from Granite City, for example, offers a moderate distance with scenic views that can be enjoyed by a wide range of cyclists.

Road cycling routes in Granite City offer varied scenery, from the iconic Mississippi River views, especially around the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, to tranquil wooded areas and quiet farmlands. You'll also find routes circling large bodies of water like Horseshoe Lake, providing opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying natural landscapes.

For those seeking longer distances, Granite City provides several moderate routes. The Horseshoe Lake – Marine Heritage Park loop from MCT Trail Map is a good option, covering over 63 kilometers. Another excellent choice is the Bridge on MCT Goshen Trail loop from Glen Carbon, which extends for about 58 kilometers through shaded woods and farmlands.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Granite City are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Popular loop options include the Horseshoe Lake loop from Granite City, which circles the expansive lake, and the Roadbike loop from Glen Carbon, providing a comprehensive tour of the local terrain.

Many routes incorporate significant landmarks. The historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, a pedestrian and cyclist-only bridge over the Mississippi River, is a major highlight. You can also cycle past Horseshoe Lake, a large U-shaped lake within a state park, and explore areas near Forest Park, which offers natural beauty.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 60 reviews. Reviewers often praise the extensive and well-maintained MCT Trails system, the unique experience of cycling across the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, and the diverse, relatively flat landscapes that make for enjoyable rides.

The Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails system, which forms the backbone of road cycling in Granite City, is designed to connect various communities. While specific public transport access points to trailheads can vary, the extensive network aims to be accessible, and local bus services often serve areas near the trails. It's advisable to check local MCT bus routes for the most direct access to specific trailheads.

Road cycling in Granite City is enjoyable for much of the year. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, making them ideal. Summer can be warm, but many routes, like those on the Goshen Trail, pass through shaded wooded areas. The paved MCT trails are generally open from dawn to dusk year-round, weather permitting.

While specific cafes directly on the trails may be limited, the MCT Trails system connects various communities, including Granite City and Edwardsville. These towns offer a range of amenities, including cafes and restaurants, typically a short detour from the main trail. Planning your route with komoot can help identify nearby towns where you can find refreshments.

The Chain of Rocks Bridge is a truly unique cycling experience. It's a historic Route 66 landmark, now exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, spanning 5,300 feet over the Mississippi River. Its most distinctive feature is an unusual 30-degree turn in the middle, offering fantastic photo opportunities and panoramic views of the river and the 'chain of rocks' natural feature that gives it its name.