The best cycling routes around Collinsville

Collinsville offers a good selection of touring cycling routes, with nearly 20 options available on komoot. These routes primarily utilize the extensive Madison County Transit (MCT) Bike Trails network, providing diverse experiences for cyclists.

The terrain around Collinsville is generally flat to gently rolling, making it accessible for various cycling abilities. The routes often traverse scenic landscapes and connect historical neighborhoods, providing a pleasant ride without significant climbs. For example, the MCT Goshen Trail is an easy option with minimal elevation changes.

Yes, Collinsville is very family-friendly for touring cyclists. The Madison County Transit (MCT) Bike Trails are known for being suitable for all ages and skill levels. Many routes are paved and have gentle gradients, with 14 easy routes available. A great option for families is the Bike loop from Glen Carbon, which is an easy 19.5 km ride.

Collinsville's cycling routes offer access to several natural and historical attractions. You can explore the upland forest system of Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve, or visit Horseshoe Lake State Park for bird-watching and scenic views. The routes also connect to significant historical sites like Monks Mound at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.

Yes, there are several circular routes available for touring cyclists. For instance, the Troy Junction at Route 162 – Goshen Trail loop from MCT Walmart offers a moderate 45.9 km loop, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

A key access point for the Madison County Transit (MCT) Bike Trails network is the MEPRD Trailhead in Collinsville. This trailhead offers convenient amenities such as parking, restrooms, and bicycle repair stations, providing direct access to trails like the MCT Schoolhouse Trail.

The touring cycling routes in Collinsville are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive paved trail network, its connections to historical sites like Cahokia Mounds, and the accessibility to natural reserves, making for varied and enjoyable rides.

Yes, some routes and areas around Collinsville offer opportunities for refreshments. For example, the historic Luna Cafe (Route 66) is a notable spot. The extensive trail network often passes through or near towns with local establishments.

The spring and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Collinsville, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, but the paved trails are still very rideable, especially in the mornings or evenings. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

For those looking for longer rides, Collinsville offers several moderate routes. The MCT Schoolhouse Trail is a popular choice, spanning 44.5 km and taking approximately 2 hours 31 minutes to complete, offering varied scenery and a good workout.

Yes, the natural areas around Collinsville provide opportunities for wildlife spotting. The Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve, with its 30-acre upland forest, protects diverse wildlife including various birds like finches and hawks, and animals such as Eastern box turtles. Horseshoe Lake State Park is also excellent for bird-watching.

The Madison County Transit (MCT) system, which manages the bike trails, also operates bus services throughout Madison County. While specific bike-friendly routes or direct trail access via public transport would require checking the current MCT bus schedules and policies, the network is designed to be accessible within the region.