The best road cycling routes around Lake St. Croix Beach

The Lake St. Croix Beach area offers a diverse network of paved routes, ranging from flat, accessible paths to routes with moderate climbs. You'll find options that traverse rolling landscapes, wooded areas, prairies, and wetlands, often providing scenic views of the St. Croix River. The region is well-connected to larger trail systems like the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail.

Yes, there are several easy road cycling routes. The region is known for its accessible, well-maintained paved trails. For instance, the Coons Hill loop from Hudson is an easy 16.5-mile path that traverses rolling landscapes. The Afton to Lakeland Trail, which passes directly through Lake St. Croix Beach, is also a flat, paved option connecting charming river communities.

Road cycling routes around Lake St. Croix Beach offer numerous scenic highlights. You can enjoy stunning vistas of the St. Croix River, especially from trails that cross the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge and the modern St. Croix Crossing bridge. Other notable natural features include high bluffs, granite cliffs, and diverse ecosystems like prairies and wetlands. You might also encounter viewpoints such as the Saint Croix River Viewpoint or the River overlook.

Yes, loop routes are a popular option in the area. A prominent example is the Stillwater Lift Bridge – Stillwater Lift Bridge loop from I-94 & Carmichael Rd (St. Croix Co), which is a 24.1-mile trail offering views of the St. Croix River and connecting to the broader St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail.

The St. Croix River Valley offers beautiful cycling conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with autumn foliage being particularly striking. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer, making early morning or late afternoon rides ideal. The paved trails are generally well-maintained, allowing for enjoyable rides across multiple seasons.

Parking is generally available at various access points along the major trails. For routes connected to the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail, you can often find parking in nearby communities like Stillwater, which provides access to the trail network. Local parks in Lake St. Croix Beach, such as Riverfront Park, may also offer convenient parking for accessing local sections of trails like the Afton to Lakeland Trail.

For those seeking longer rides with moderate elevation gain, the Coons Hill – Hop and Barrel Brewery loop from I-94 & Carmichael Rd (St. Croix Co) is a 36.7-mile trail leading through varied terrain. Additionally, the interconnected network of trails, including the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail, Brown's Creek State Trail, and Gateway State Trail, allows for combining routes to create extensive rides of varying lengths.

Yes, several routes pass through or near communities that offer amenities. For example, the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail connects to downtown Stillwater, which features a vibrant riverfront with shops, restaurants, and cafes, perfect for a mid-ride stop. The Afton to Lakeland Trail also links to charming river communities where you can find places to refuel.

The road cycling routes around Lake St. Croix Beach are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the stunning riverine vistas, the well-maintained paved trail networks, and the ability to connect to diverse landscapes, from wooded areas to charming small towns. The variety of routes catering to different ability levels is also frequently appreciated.

Absolutely. The Lake St. Croix Beach area is rich in outdoor opportunities. After a ride, you can enjoy the large sandy swimming beach at Riverfront Park. The region's proximity to state parks like Afton State Park and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park means you can easily combine road cycling with hiking, picnicking, or enjoying other nature-based activities. The St. Croix River itself, a National Wild and Scenic River, offers opportunities for water-based recreation.

There are over 15 distinct road cycling routes available around Lake St. Croix Beach, offering a variety of distances and difficulties to explore the scenic St. Croix River Valley.

Yes, a significant feature of the region is the ability to cycle between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail, for instance, connects Stillwater, Minnesota, with Houlton, Wisconsin, utilizing both the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge and the modern St. Croix Crossing bridge, providing unique cross-state cycling experiences.

The terrain generally features gentle gradients, making many routes accessible. However, some routes do include moderate climbs, offering a bit more challenge. For example, the Stillwater Lift Bridge – Hop and Barrel Brewery loop from Town of Warren has an elevation gain of nearly 300 meters, providing a good workout while still being manageable for many riders.