The best road cycling routes around Saint-Paul

Saint-Paul offers an extensive network of road cycling routes, with over 440 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 95 easy, 320 moderate, and 26 difficult options, ensuring there's a ride for everyone.

Road cycling in Saint-Paul features diverse terrain, from flat, paved paths along river corridors and urban parks to more challenging routes with significant elevation gain. You'll find scenic rides through natural landscapes, alongside lakes, and through urban environments, including some notable hills for those seeking a workout.

The best time for road cycling in Saint-Paul is generally from spring through fall, when the weather is mild and the trails are clear. The city's extensive network of paved trails and paths makes it enjoyable for most of the year, though winter conditions may require specific gear or alternative activities.

Yes, Saint-Paul has many easy and family-friendly options. Trails like the The Collegiate Church of Saint-Barthélemy – Parc Saint Paul loop from Saint-Paul offer gentle gradients. The Sam Morgan Regional Trail and routes around Como Lake Park and Lake Phalen are also known for being flat and accessible, perfect for a leisurely ride with family.

For those seeking more rigorous road cycling, Saint-Paul offers routes with significant climbs. The Plan d'eau du Canada – Gerberoy loop from Saint-Paul is a moderate route with notable elevation gain. Additionally, the 'Gears, Tears, and Fears' ride, a local classic, features some of the biggest hills in Saint Paul, and Upper Afton Road is known for its hilly terrain and good pavement.

Many routes offer stunning views of the Mississippi River Gorge, especially along the Mississippi River Boulevard Trail. You can also pass by historical sites like The Collegiate Church of Saint-Barthélemy, Beauvais Cathedral, and Statue of Jeanne Hachette. Other scenic highlights include the natural beauty of Crosby Farm Regional Park, Hidden Falls Park, and the prehistoric burial grounds at Indian Mounds Regional Park.

Absolutely. The Mississippi River is a central feature for cycling in Saint-Paul. The Mississippi River Boulevard Trail offers panoramic views of the gorge, while the Sam Morgan Regional Trail runs parallel to the river, providing flat routes with views of downtown. The Mississippi River Trail Loop also provides a moderate ride through diverse landscapes along the river.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Saint-Paul are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Parc Saint Paul – The Collegiate Church of Saint-Barthélemy loop from Saint-Paul and the Plan d'eau du Canada – Gerberoy loop from Saint-Paul. The Saint Paul Grand Round is also a significant circular route for road cyclists.

Saint-Paul is home to several excellent dedicated trails. The Gateway State Trail is an 18-mile multi-use trail starting in Saint-Paul, perfect for long-distance rides. The Bruce Vento Regional Trail connects to other regional routes and historical areas, while the Capital City Bikeway is a growing network within downtown. The Robert Piram Regional Trail offers a scenic bikeway along the Mississippi River.

Yes, many of Saint-Paul's regional parks and trailheads offer designated parking areas. For instance, parks like Como Lake Park, Crosby Farm Regional Park, and those along the Mississippi River often have convenient parking facilities for cyclists. It's always a good idea to check specific park websites for detailed parking information.

Saint-Paul's public transport system, including buses and light rail, is generally bike-friendly. Many routes and stations are located near popular cycling trails, especially in and around downtown. Buses are equipped with bike racks, making it feasible to combine public transport with your cycling adventures to access various trailheads.

The road cycling experience in Saint-Paul is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive and well-maintained trail networks, the stunning riverfront views, and the variety of routes that cater to all ability levels, from leisurely rides to challenging climbs.