The best cycling routes around Saint-Paul

There are over 60 touring cycling routes around Saint-Paul, offering a wide range of experiences for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 30 reviews.

Saint-Paul's touring cycling routes feature diverse terrain, from paved paths along river corridors and through urban parks to converted rail trails. You'll find options for all skill levels:

• Easy routes: There are 2 easy routes, perfect for a relaxed ride, such as Bike loop from Espagnac, which is mostly flat.
• Moderate routes: With 28 moderate routes, you can enjoy rides like Tour of Lake Marcillac, which includes some elevation changes.
• Difficult routes: For those seeking a challenge, 36 difficult routes are available, offering significant climbs and longer distances, such as Château de Sainte-Fortunade loop from Forgès.

Yes, Saint-Paul offers several family-friendly touring cycling options. Many paved trails, particularly those around parks like Como Park and Lake Phalen, are ideal for leisure rides with minimal grades. The Sam Morgan Regional Trail, running parallel to the Mississippi River, is another excellent choice for families, offering scenic views and easy navigation.

For stunning views, consider routes along the Mississippi River Corridor, such as sections of the Mississippi River Boulevard Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River Gorge. The Indian Mounds Trail also provides picturesque skyline views from a historic site. For natural features, trails through Crosby Farm Regional Park wind through a nature preserve with abundant wildlife, and Hidden Falls Regional Park is known for its waterfalls and scenic picnic areas.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Saint-Paul are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include Tour of Lake Marcillac and Puy des Bordes loop from Champagnac-la-Prune. The Saint Paul Grand Round also offers a diverse loop experience through urban and natural settings.

Saint-Paul's routes often blend natural beauty with urban and historic exploration. Along your rides, you can encounter:

• Waterfalls: Discover natural cascades like Cascade, Cascades de Gimel, and Murel Waterfalls.
• Viewpoints: Enjoy scenic overlooks such as the Chastang Dam.
• Historic Sites: The Indian Mounds Trail offers views from a site of sacred burial mounds, and the Saint Paul Grand Round connects various historic landmarks.

The best time for touring cycling in Saint-Paul is generally from spring through autumn. Spring offers lush greenery, while autumn provides beautiful fall foliage, especially along river bluffs and park trails. The city's trail network also offers unique seasonal displays, such as eagles fishing in winter along the Sam Morgan Regional Trail, though winter cycling requires appropriate gear.

While popular trails can see more traffic, exploring sections of the Gateway State Trail or the Brown's Creek State Trail, which extend northeast from Saint-Paul, can offer a more tranquil experience. These converted rail trails provide a mix of woodland and prairie, often feeling less crowded than central urban routes.

Saint-Paul is well-equipped for cyclists, with many trailheads offering parking facilities. For public transport, the city's metro system and bus routes often provide access points near major parks and trail networks. It's advisable to check specific route starting points for the most convenient parking or public transport connections.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the comprehensive and well-maintained trail system that integrates stunning riverine landscapes, tranquil parks, and historically rich urban areas. The diversity of routes, catering to all skill levels, and the blend of natural beauty with urban exploration are frequently highlighted.

Yes, for experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like Puy des Bordes loop from Champagnac-la-Prune offer significant climbs, reaching an elevation gain of 2,845 feet (867 meters). Similarly, the Chastang Dam – Argentat loop from Espagnac is another difficult option with over 900 meters of elevation gain, providing a demanding ride.