The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Paul

Saint Paul offers an extensive network of bike-friendly trails and roads, with over 200 miles available for cyclists. This guide specifically features 9 curated traffic-free road cycling routes, ranging from moderate to difficult, allowing you to explore the city's diverse landscapes without vehicle interference.

Saint Paul is consistently ranked as one of America's most bike-friendly cities, boasting over 200 miles of trails. Its unique blend of natural beauty, including the Mississippi River, numerous parks, and varied terrain with bluffs and hills, provides diverse and scenic traffic-free cycling experiences for all skill levels.

Yes, Saint Paul has several options perfect for beginners and families. The Savière Canal – Canal de Savières Road loop is a moderate route that offers a pleasant ride. Additionally, trails like the Sam Morgan Regional Trail are known for being flat and family-friendly, providing great views of the Mississippi Riverfront and connecting to parks.

You'll encounter a rich variety of landscapes. Many routes follow the majestic Mississippi River, offering stunning views of the gorge, bluffs, and tranquil waters. You'll also cycle through vast park systems like Como Park with its wooded paths and open meadows, and experience challenging hills and bluffs that provide rewarding panoramic vistas.

Absolutely. For advanced riders seeking a challenge, routes like The assless four! – Allevard loop and Signal du Mont du Chat – Mont du Chat lookout 🐱 loop are classified as difficult, featuring significant elevation gains and varied terrain. The region's bluffs and hills, such as those along Ohio Street, also offer rewarding climbs.

Many routes offer access to beautiful natural and historical sites. You can enjoy views of Lake Bourget, explore the historic Swede Hollow on the Bruce Vento Trail, or visit Indian Mounds Regional Park for views of downtown Saint Paul. The Mississippi River National River and Recreation Area also provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and scenic vistas.

Saint Paul's commitment to cycling includes efforts to integrate trails with urban infrastructure. While specific public transport access varies by route, many trails are within city limits and accessible via local bus routes or light rail, particularly those connecting to downtown areas and major parks. We recommend checking local transit schedules for the most convenient access points.

Parking is generally available at major trailheads and regional parks throughout Saint Paul. Popular starting points like Como Park, Harriet Island Regional Park, and various access points along the Mississippi River Trail Loop often have dedicated parking facilities. It's advisable to check specific park websites for detailed parking information before your ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 600 reviews. Reviewers often praise the stunning river views, the well-maintained paved trails, and the feeling of being immersed in nature while still being close to urban amenities. The variety of routes, from flat riverside paths to challenging bluff climbs, is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, Saint Paul offers several excellent circular routes. The Mississippi River Trail Loop is a popular choice, offering a diverse 24.5-mile circuit with varied landscapes. The Canal de Savières Road – Savière Canal loop is another great option for a moderate circular ride.

The spring, summer, and fall months (roughly April through October) offer the most pleasant conditions for traffic-free road biking in Saint Paul. During these seasons, the weather is generally mild, and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Fall, in particular, provides beautiful foliage along the river bluffs and park trails.