The best cycling routes in Douglas County
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Touring cycling in Douglas County, Kansas, offers routes primarily around the city of Lawrence and its natural surroundings. The landscape features extensive levee trails along rivers, paths around Clinton Lake, and wetland areas. Routes often combine urban sections with natural parklands, providing varied scenery for cyclists. The terrain is generally gentle, with some moderate climbs around the lake and dam areas.
Best touring cycling routes in Douglas County
- The most popular touring cycling route is Lawrence Loop & Clinton Lake Dam, a 23.4 miles (37.6 km) trail that takes 2 hours 15 minutes to complete. This moderate route combines urban cycling with scenic paths around Clinton Lake.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Lawrence Levee Trail Loop, a moderate 21.6 miles (34.7 km) path. This route follows the levee system, offering flat terrain and views of the river and surrounding areas.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Long in-town Singletrack loop from Lawrence, a 8.9 miles (14.3 km) trail leading through urban and natural sections, often completed in about 1 hour 19 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Douglas County is defined by levee trails, lake shore paths, and wetland areas. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy urban loops to moderate routes with varied terrain.
- The routes in Douglas County are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 4 reviews. More than 200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Douglas County's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
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28
riders
37.6km
02:15
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
34.7km
02:39
20m
20m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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38
riders
14.3km
01:20
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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14
riders
36.2km
02:08
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
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22.7km
01:50
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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11
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28.8km
02:36
50m
50m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
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23.9km
01:25
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
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25.4km
01:33
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Lawrence Levee Trail runs along the top of the flood-control levee on the banks of the Kansas River. The trail is popular with cyclists, walkers and runners.
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This is a nice section of the Lawrence Loop that takes you a short distance away from the road; the open land to the south is Baker Wetlands.
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The Burcham Park Trail is a 1.5 mile long paved trail that runs through the park with the same name. The path is on the banks of the Kansas River and will at times, give you good views of the water.
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The dam that holds back Clinton Lake, which in turn serves as a drinking water reservoir for Lawrence. Amenities in the neighboring park include a 25-mile hike/bike trail, an enormous campground, cabins, playgrounds, and kayak rentals.
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The Lawrence Levee Trail runs along the top of the flood-control levee on the banks of the Kansas River. The trail is popular with cyclists, walkers and runners.
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Clinton State Park, nestled on the north shore of Clinton Lake near Lawrence, Kansas, offers more than just a scenic escape. From outdoor adventure to historical intrigue, this park boasts a treasure trove of interesting information.
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Lake Henry in Lawrence, Kansas, offers a delightful escape for cyclists of all levels, combining scenic beauty with diverse trails and exciting challenges. Lake Henry may not be the grandest lake, but it offers a charming retreat for families, fishing enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.
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right over the bridge from downtown Lawrence, turn right atop the leveee til you cometo the singletrack on the right, between the levee and the river
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Douglas County?
Touring cycling in Douglas County, Kansas, primarily features routes around the city of Lawrence, offering a mix of urban sections and natural parklands. You'll find extensive levee trails along rivers, paths around Clinton Lake, and wetland areas. The terrain is generally gentle, with some moderate climbs particularly around the lake and dam areas.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Douglas County?
Yes, Douglas County offers 15 easy touring cycling routes. A good option for beginners is the Long in-town Singletrack loop from Lawrence, an 8.9-mile trail that leads through urban and natural sections.
What are some scenic highlights or natural features I can see while cycling in Douglas County?
Cyclists in Douglas County can enjoy diverse scenery including views of rivers from the levee trails, the expansive Clinton Lake, and various wetland areas. Clinton State Park also offers beautiful natural surroundings to explore.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Douglas County?
Many routes in Douglas County are designed as loops. For example, the Lawrence Loop & Clinton Lake Dam is a popular 23.4-mile loop combining urban cycling with scenic paths around Clinton Lake. Another option is the Lawrence Levee Trail Loop, a 21.6-mile moderate path following the levee system.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Douglas County?
The touring cycling routes in Douglas County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 4 reviews. Over 200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the combination of urban and natural landscapes.
How many touring cycling routes are available in Douglas County?
There are 24 touring cycling routes available in Douglas County, offering a range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
Are there any routes that combine urban and natural cycling experiences?
Yes, several routes in Douglas County combine urban and natural sections. The Lawrence Loop (Baker Wetlands) – Clinton Lake Dam loop from Lawrence is a great example, offering a blend of city and natural parkland cycling over 22.4 miles.
What is the typical duration for touring cycling routes in Douglas County?
Route durations vary depending on length and difficulty. For instance, the Lawrence Levee Trail – Long in-town Singletrack loop from Lawrence, an easy 10.7-mile route, typically takes around 1 hour 17 minutes. Longer, moderate routes like the Lake Henry – Clinton State Park loop from Clinton Lake North Shore Trails Trailhead (16.4 miles) can take closer to 2 hours 30 minutes.
Are there any routes that offer views of Clinton Lake?
Yes, routes like the Clinton Lake Dam – Lawrence Loop (Baker Wetlands) loop from LMH Health West Campus provide excellent opportunities to cycle along and around Clinton Lake, offering scenic views of the water and surrounding areas.
Can I find routes that follow the levee system in Douglas County?
Absolutely. The levee system is a defining feature of touring cycling in Douglas County. The Lawrence Levee Trail loop from Lawrence is a 17.9-mile moderate route that specifically follows the levee, providing flat terrain and river views.
Are there any routes starting from the University of Kansas?
Yes, there are routes that start from the University of Kansas. For example, the Bike loop from University of Kansas is a 15.8-mile moderate route, and the Lawrence Loop (Baker Wetlands) loop from University of Kansas is an easy 14.9-mile option.
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