The best cycling routes in Monroe County

Monroe County's touring cycling routes are primarily characterized by park trails and river corridors. The terrain generally features gentle gradients, making it accessible for various skill levels. You'll often find yourself on established greenways, passing through wooded areas and open spaces, offering a mix of natural scenery and developed parkland.

Yes, Monroe County offers a good selection of easy touring cycling routes. Out of the 21 available routes, 13 are rated as easy. A great option for a gentle ride is the Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park – Grant's Trail loop from Concord, which is 9.8 miles (15.7 km) and takes about 55 minutes to complete.

Many of the routes in Monroe County are well-suited for families due to their gentle gradients and established greenway paths. These trails often pass through parks and natural areas, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for cyclists of all ages. The River overlook loop from Oakville is a shorter, easy option at 2.4 miles (3.9 km), perfect for a family outing.

The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Monroe County, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially in the mornings or late afternoons, though it can be warm and humid. Winter cycling is possible, but some trails might be affected by snow or ice, so checking local conditions is advisable.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Monroe County are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. For example, the Cliff Cave loop from Oakville is an easy 10.6 miles (17.1 km) path that provides scenic views along a river corridor and through natural areas.

Monroe County offers a variety of route lengths to suit different preferences. You can find shorter loops like the Grant's Trail – Grant's Trail loop from Mehlville at 9 miles (14.5 km), up to longer, more challenging rides such as the Willers Lake loop from Saint Pius X High School, which spans 42.5 miles (68.4 km).

Given that many routes utilize park trails and greenways, parking is generally available at designated trailheads or within the parks themselves. It's always a good idea to check the specific starting point of your chosen route for detailed parking information.

Many park trails and greenways in Monroe County are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash. However, specific regulations can vary by park or trail section, so it's recommended to check local signage or park websites for the most current rules before heading out with your furry companion.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling in Monroe County, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's accessible park trails and river corridors, highlighting the pleasant, gentle gradients and the mix of natural and developed parkland scenery.

While many routes are easy, Monroe County also offers options for those seeking a longer or more challenging ride. For instance, the Forest Park – River des Peres Greenway loop from Concord is a moderate 33.7 miles (54.3 km) route, and the Grant's Trail – Kirkwood loop from St. George is a difficult 21.1 miles (34 km) option.

The touring cycling routes in Monroe County primarily follow established greenways and park trails, which are generally well-maintained. You can expect mostly paved or finely crushed gravel surfaces, suitable for touring bicycles. Conditions can vary with weather, so it's always wise to check forecasts before your ride.

Given that many routes traverse wooded areas and river corridors, there are opportunities to observe local wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species, small mammals, and other creatures that inhabit the natural spaces along the greenways and park trails.