The best cycling routes around Brooklyn
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Touring cycling around Brooklyn offers a diverse blend of urban landscapes and waterfront vistas. The borough features an extensive network of bike paths, dedicated lanes, and greenways. The terrain is generally flat with minor elevation changes, making it accessible for a wide range of riders. This environment provides varied routes suitable for different cycling preferences and skill levels.
Best touring cycling routes around Brooklyn
- The most popular touring cycling route is River Des Peres Park – River des Peres Greenway loop from Cortex, a 35.1 miles (56.5 km) trail that takes 3 hours 19 minutes to complete. This moderate route features a significant elevation gain of 748 feet (228 meters).
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Bike loop from Missouri Botanical Garden, an easy 3.5 miles (5.5 km) path. This shorter route is completed in about 20 minutes and has minimal elevation changes.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Citygarden Sculpture Park – Tower Grove Park loop from Cortex, a 15.3 miles (24.6 km) trail leading through urban parks, often completed in about 1 hour 29 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Brooklyn is defined by urban greenways, waterfront paths, and park loops. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy rides to moderate distances.
- The routes in Brooklyn are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 139 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Brooklyn's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
24
riders
56.6km
03:19
230m
230m
This extensive touring cycling loop, spanning 35.1 miles (56.6 km) with a moderate difficulty, offers a unique perspective on St. Louis's urban green spaces. You'll pedal along mostly flat, paved surfaces, following the River des Peres Drainage Channel and passing through revitalized areas. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like ducks in the quieter, tree-lined sections, which provide a pleasant contrast to the urban backdrop.
To embark on this 3-hour and 18-minute journey, you'll start from the Cortex Innovation District, though you'll need to navigate some city streets to connect to the main River des Peres Greenway. The route is well-supported with amenities such as restrooms and water fountains in various parks along the way, making it a practical choice for a longer ride. It's generally accessible for all skill levels, especially those comfortable with urban cycling.
The River des Peres Greenway is a testament to urban revitalization, transforming a historically significant waterway into a vibrant recreational corridor. It's a key part of the Great Rivers Greenway network, connecting different parts of the city and county, and even crosses over historic Route 66. This makes it an excellent option for family-friendly outings or anyone looking to explore St. Louis's green infrastructure on two wheels.
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5.59km
00:20
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
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10
riders
24.6km
01:29
140m
140m
Pedal through the heart of St. Louis on the Citygarden Sculpture Park – Tower Grove Park loop from Cortex, an easy touring cycling route that showcases the city's unique blend of art, history, and green spaces. This 15.3-mile (24.6 km) journey, with a modest 472 feet (144 metres) of elevation gain, guides you past interactive sculptures, through a historic arboretum, and along dedicated bike paths. Expect a smooth ride on mostly paved, flat surfaces, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely outing that takes about 1 hour and 29 minutes.
For planning your St. Louis cycling routes, consider starting near Citygarden Sculpture Park or Tower Grove Park where parking is available. The route is best enjoyed during the milder spring and fall months. Keep in mind that the Tower Grove Connector, a key part of this route, is undergoing construction until early 2026, which could lead to minor detours or temporary changes in traffic flow. Always check for current conditions before you go.
What makes this route stand out among St. Louis cycling options is its integration of diverse points of interest. You'll experience the modern art installations of Citygarden, the meticulously maintained Victorian landscape of Tower Grove Park with its nearly 7,000 trees, and the innovative atmosphere of the Cortex district. The inclusion of the protected Tower Grove Connector cycle track significantly enhances safety and comfort, making this a top choice for family-friendly bike trails in St. Louis.
9
riders
33.5km
01:55
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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5
riders
32.1km
01:54
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Brooklyn
Tips from the Community
Forest Park is a huge recreational park in the heart of St. Louis. The park is perfect for relaxing, biking, golfing, and exploring the various cultural offerings at the Museum of History, St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, or Planetarium. It's also easily accessible by metro.
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The bike lanes here are wonderful. The connectors could be improved though!
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If you want to bike (or inline skate), this is the trail for you; it keeps faster-moving trail users separate from the slower walkers and runners on the "Heels" Trail. Both trails form a full loop around the park.
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The Madison County Transit (MCT) Schoolhouse Trail is a 15.5-mile flat, paved multi-use trail. The MCT has a 130-mile network of nine interconnected trails.
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Aloe Plaza is a small park and plaza in St Louis, directly in front of Union Station.
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Tower Grove park is a historical green space made up of about seven thousand trees with flowerbeds throughout. It is located adjacent to the Missouri Botanical Gardens, which are well worth visiting while there.
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This lake, in addition to its picturesque surroundings and beautiful fountain, stands out for its lovely building, which has somehow become an icon of the park.
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Forest Park, with 1,326 acres, is considered one of the premier urban public parks in the US. It features beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, and lakes and streams. It als contains cultural institutions including the St Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Science Center, and Muny Opera.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Brooklyn?
There are over 15 touring cycling routes around Brooklyn documented on komoot, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes have been explored by more than 190 touring cyclists in the community.
What are the difficulty levels of touring cycling routes in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn offers a good mix of routes for different skill levels. You'll find 7 easy routes, perfect for beginners or a relaxed ride, and 10 moderate routes for those looking for a bit more of a challenge. There are no difficult routes listed in this guide.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in Brooklyn?
Yes, Brooklyn has several options suitable for families. The 3.35-mile loop within Prospect Park is known for its smooth pavement and gentle curves, making it ideal for all skill levels. Additionally, sections of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway and Ocean Parkway offer relatively flat and protected paths, providing safe and scenic rides for families.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while touring cycling in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn's touring cycling routes showcase a diverse landscape. You'll encounter urban greenways with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, expansive parks like Prospect Park and Marine Park with their varied terrain, and picturesque waterfronts along the East River and towards Coney Island. Expect a mix of tree-lined paths, open grasslands, and historic parkways.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Brooklyn?
Yes, many routes in Brooklyn are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A prominent example is the 3.35-mile loop within Prospect Park, which is very popular among cyclists. Other routes, like the Boathouse Lake Pavilion loop from Grand, also offer circular paths.
What are some notable attractions or landmarks I can see along touring cycling routes in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn's routes often pass by or provide access to significant landmarks. You can cycle along the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway for views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. Routes near DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights offer iconic bridge views. While cycling, you might also pass by highlights such as the Old Courthouse or the Gateway Arch, depending on the specific route.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about touring cycling in Brooklyn?
The touring cycling routes in Brooklyn are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 17 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic waterfront views, the well-maintained paths within parks like Prospect Park, and the unique urban-meets-nature experience that Brooklyn offers.
Are there touring cycling routes that offer views of the water or lakes?
Absolutely. The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway provides extensive views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline. Ocean Parkway leads directly to Coney Island, offering glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean. Within parks, Prospect Park Lake offers peaceful views, and routes near Marine Park explore salt marsh and waterfront areas. You can also find routes near highlights like Post-Dispatch Lake or Horseshoe Lake.
Can I access touring cycling routes in Brooklyn using public transport?
Many of Brooklyn's touring cycling routes are easily accessible via public transport. Major parks like Prospect Park and sections of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway are well-served by subway and bus lines, allowing you to reach starting points conveniently without a car.
Are there any touring cycling routes that connect to other neighborhoods or areas?
Yes, the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway is designed to connect various neighborhoods from Greenpoint to Bay Ridge, including areas like Williamsburg and Brooklyn Bridge Park. Ocean Parkway provides a direct link from Prospect Park all the way to Coney Island, offering a continuous ride through different parts of the borough.
What is the longest touring cycling route available in Brooklyn?
Among the listed routes, the Troy Junction at Route 162 – Bridge on MCT Goshen Trail loop from Granite City is one of the longer options, spanning approximately 53.5 kilometers (33.2 miles). This route offers a substantial ride for those looking to cover more distance.
Are there any touring cycling routes that pass through historic areas?
Yes, Brooklyn is rich in history. Cycling through neighborhoods like DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights offers a glimpse into historic architecture and iconic views. The Ocean Parkway itself is America's first bike path, dating back to 1894, making it a historic route in its own right. Additionally, the peaceful grounds of Green-Wood Cemetery offer a unique historical cycling experience.
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