The best cycling routes around Saint-Paul

Saint Paul offers a wide array of touring cycling routes, with over 90 routes documented on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy to difficult, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

Touring cycling in Saint Paul features diverse terrain. You'll find flat river bottomlands, gentle inclines, and bluffs, particularly along the Mississippi River. The city's extensive park system also provides varied landscapes, from urban green spaces to more natural, wooded areas.

Yes, Saint Paul has many family-friendly options. Trails like the Como Park Trails, which circle Como Lake, and the Sam Morgan Regional Trail along the Mississippi River are generally flat and paved, making them ideal for families. The city's commitment to bike-friendliness means many routes are designed for accessibility.

Many routes offer spectacular views. The Mississippi River Boulevard Trail provides panoramic views of the Mississippi River Gorge. Areas like Mounds Boulevard offer rewarding vistas from atop the city's white sandstone cliffs. The Indian Mounds Trail also provides views of prehistoric Native American burial grounds overlooking the Mississippi.

Saint Paul has a robust public transport system, and many trails are accessible via bus or light rail. Cyclists can often bring their bikes on public transit, making it convenient to reach trailheads or return from longer rides. It's advisable to check the specific transit provider's rules regarding bikes.

Yes, Saint Paul features several excellent circular routes. The Grand Round is a scenic and historic parkway system that circles the city, offering a 30-mile route through various parks and neighborhoods. Many park trails, such as those around Como Lake, also form convenient loops.

Saint Paul is rich in natural beauty and attractions. The Mississippi River and its gorge are central to many routes, offering stunning views and access to parks like Hidden Falls Regional Park and Crosby Farm Park. You can also explore picturesque lakes such as Como Lake and Lake Phalen, or visit the Citadel of Blaye and Château Pontet d'Eyrans, which are nearby highlights.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of well-maintained trails, the beautiful riverfront scenery, and the city's overall bike-friendly environment. The diversity of routes, from flat paths to bluffs, is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, Saint Paul offers routes with significant elevation changes. While the region is known for its gentle terrain, some areas, particularly along the bluffs and river corridors, can provide more demanding climbs. Approximately 12 of the routes on komoot are rated as difficult.

The best time for touring cycling in Saint Paul is typically from spring through fall (April to October), when the weather is mild and the natural landscapes are vibrant. Summer offers warm temperatures, while spring and fall provide cooler rides and beautiful foliage. Winter cycling is also possible for those equipped for colder conditions.

Absolutely. Areas like Crosby Farm Regional Park, with its nearly 7 miles of paved trails winding through a nature preserve, offer excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife. The numerous green spaces and river bottomlands along the Mississippi River also serve as habitats for various birds and animals.

Saint Paul hosts several annual cycling events. The Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour allows cyclists to ride car-free on parkways, and the Twin Cities Bike Tour highlights the area's diverse landscapes. For current event schedules and details, you can often find information on the Visit Saint Paul website or local cycling club pages.