The best road cycling routes around Saint Paul

Saint Paul offers a diverse range of road cycling routes, from flat, scenic paths along riverfronts to more challenging climbs through bluffs and park systems. You'll find extensive paved trails within city parks and longer regional trails extending beyond the city limits, catering to various skill levels.

Yes, Saint Paul has several easy and beginner-friendly options. The trails around Como Lake Park and Lake Phalen are paved and relatively flat, ideal for leisure rides. The Sam Morgan Regional Trail also offers a flat, family-friendly experience along the Mississippi River. For a slightly longer easy route, consider the Freymuth Road loop from Lake Saint Louis.

For those seeking more challenging rides, Saint Paul's terrain includes hills that provide significant elevation gain. Routes like the Freymuth Road loop from Mid Rivers Cinema offer a moderate challenge with notable climbs. Additionally, areas like Mounds Parkway & Upper Afton Road and Ohio Street feature steep ascents up the river bluffs, rewarding cyclists with spectacular views.

Road cycling in Saint Paul offers numerous scenic views and landmarks. The Mississippi River Corridor is a major draw, with trails like the Mississippi River Boulevard providing panoramic views of the Mississippi River Gorge. You can also explore parks such as Crosby Farm Park and Hidden Falls Park, or enjoy skyline views from Indian Mounds Regional Park. The Gateway State Trail offers diverse scenery including woodlands and wetlands.

Absolutely. Many of Saint Paul's paved park trails are excellent for families. Como Lake Park and Lake Phalen both feature paved loops perfect for all ages. The Sam Morgan Regional Trail, running parallel to the Mississippi, is another great option, offering flat routes and access to various parks.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Saint Paul, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 7 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's varied terrain, which includes both scenic river corridors and extensive park systems, offering a good mix of leisure rides and more challenging climbs.

Route lengths vary significantly. You can find shorter loops within parks, such as the 2.6-mile loop at Indian Mounds Regional Park. Longer routes, like the Freymuth Road loop from Mid Rivers Cinema, can be around 48 miles (78 km) and take over three hours to complete. The Gateway State Trail extends for 18 miles, offering options for longer rides.

Yes, many of Saint Paul's road cycling options are designed as loops. Popular examples include the paved trails around Como Lake and Lake Phalen. Several routes in the komoot guide are also loops, such as the Busch Greenway – Daniel Boone Bridge Bike Path loop from Lou Fusz Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram and the 370 Lakeside Park loop from O’Fallon.

The best time for road cycling in Saint Paul is typically from spring through fall, when the weather is mild and the trails are clear. While some trails may be maintained in winter, many cyclists prefer the warmer months to fully enjoy the scenic riverfronts and park systems.

Saint Paul's extensive park system and trail networks generally offer good access. Many parks, such as Como Lake Park, Crosby Farm Park, and Harriet Island Regional Park, provide parking facilities. Additionally, the city's public transport system can often get you close to major trailheads, especially for routes within the urban core.

Yes, Saint Paul serves as a starting point for several longer regional trails. The Gateway State Trail begins in Saint Paul and stretches 18 miles northeast, connecting to other trail systems like the Bruce Vento Trail and Lake Phalen Trail System, allowing for extended rides beyond the city limits.

The Mississippi River is a central feature for road cycling in Saint Paul. The iconic Mississippi River Boulevard Trail offers continuous views of the river gorge. The Sam Morgan Regional Trail and the Robert Piram Regional Trail also run parallel to the Mississippi, providing excellent opportunities to cycle alongside the river.