The best traffic-free bike rides in St. Croix County

St. Croix County offers a good selection of traffic-free road cycling routes, with over 25 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 13 easy and 14 moderate options, ensuring a suitable ride for most cyclists.

You'll find a diverse range of landscapes, from picturesque rolling hills and river valleys to lush forests and tranquil rural settings. Many routes utilize low-traffic town and county roads, or dedicated trails, providing a scenic and enjoyable experience. Expect some routes, particularly around Glenwood City, to feature more significant elevation changes.

Yes, St. Croix County has options suitable for families. The Roadbike loop from Hudson is an easy 24.9 km route that offers a pleasant ride. Additionally, the St. Croix Crossing Loop Trail, which connects Houlton, WI, and Stillwater, MN, is a popular choice for its scenic river views and generally flat terrain, making it great for all ages.

Many routes offer stunning views of the St. Croix River, a National Scenic Riverway. You can also encounter iconic structures like the Historic Stillwater Lift Bridge and the modern St. Croix Crossing Bridge. For nature lovers, areas like Eckert Blufflands Park near Hudson provide scenic vistas, and Willow River State Park, though primarily for mountain biking, features the impressive Willow Falls nearby.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for road cycling in St. Croix County. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant, from lush greenery to stunning autumn colors. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Absolutely. Many of the routes in St. Croix County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Duluth Junction – Lake McKusick loop from Stillwater is an easy 44 km circular route perfect for exploring the area without retracing your steps.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience in St. Croix County, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse and scenic landscapes, the extensive network of trails, and the peacefulness of the low-traffic roads, making for a truly enjoyable ride.

Parking information is typically available for specific trailheads and starting points of routes. For routes originating from cities like Hudson, Stillwater, or New Richmond, you can often find public parking facilities. For specific details on parking for a particular route, it's best to check the individual route description on komoot or local park websites.

Yes, the St. Croix Crossing Loop Trail is a prime example, connecting Houlton, WI, with Stillwater, MN, via the St. Croix River Crossing Bridge and the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge. This allows cyclists to easily access and explore parts of both states on a single ride.

While there are no routes explicitly rated as 'difficult' in this selection, many of the moderate routes offer significant mileage and elevation changes that can provide a good challenge. For instance, the Stillwater Lift Bridge – Stillwater Lift Bridge loop from Stillwater covers over 72 km with substantial elevation, and routes originating from Glenwood City are known for their dramatic elevation changes, offering a more strenuous ride.

Routes that start or pass through towns like Stillwater, Hudson, New Richmond, or River Falls will offer access to cafes, restaurants, and other amenities. It's always a good idea to plan your route and check for available services along the way, especially on longer rides through more rural areas.