The best road cycling routes around St. John'S University

The road cycling routes around St. John's University primarily feature gentle rolling hills and well-paved surfaces. The area is set within a diverse natural landscape, including the Saint John's Abbey Arboretum, offering rides through extensive forests and restored prairie.

Yes, the region offers several easy road cycling options. For instance, the Lower Spunk Lake loop from Saint Joseph is an easy 26.4-mile path with pleasant views. Another easy option is the Lower Spunk Lake loop from Avon Township, covering about 15 miles.

While most routes are easy to moderate, experienced riders can find longer, more engaging rides. The Lake Wobegon Regional Trail – Holdingford Covered Bridge loop from Saint Joseph is a moderate 51.3-mile route that takes around 3 hours to complete, offering a good distance challenge with some elevation.

You can expect picturesque lake views, especially around Upper Spunk Lake, Lower Spunk Lake, and Lake Sagatagan. Routes also traverse through the Saint John's Abbey Arboretum, offering scenery of restored prairie and diverse forests. The area is particularly beautiful during fall colors.

A significant landmark you might encounter is the Holdingford Covered Bridge, which is part of the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail. Routes like the Holdingford Covered Bridge – Lake Wobegon Regional Trail loop from Avon Township specifically feature this scenic bridge.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in the area are loops, providing convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Roadbike loop from Upper Spunk Lake and the various loops around Lower Spunk Lake.

Yes, for those looking for longer distances, the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail – Holdingford Covered Bridge loop from Saint Joseph offers a substantial 51.3-mile ride. Other routes can be combined or extended along the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail for even greater distances.

The spring, summer, and fall months are ideal for road cycling around St. John's University. The fall is particularly scenic with vibrant foliage, while spring and summer offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the lakes and arboretum.

Many of the easy, well-paved loop routes, especially those around Spunk Lake, are suitable for families. These routes typically have minimal elevation gain and offer a relaxed cycling experience through scenic areas.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 35 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse natural landscapes, including the quiet forests and restored prairies of the Abbey Arboretum, as well as the scenic lake views and the well-maintained surfaces of the regional trails.

While popular routes like sections of the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail can see moderate use, the extensive network within the Saint John's Abbey Arboretum and around the various lakes offers opportunities to find quieter paths, especially during off-peak hours or on less-trafficked loops.