The best road cycling routes around Hillsdale

Hillsdale offers a wide selection of over 50 road cycling routes, with 28 of them specifically rated as easy, making the region accessible for various skill levels.

For an easy ride, consider the Forest Park – The Grand Basin, Forest Park loop from Clayton. This 23.8-mile route navigates through the expansive Forest Park, offering varied scenery with moderate elevation changes.

Yes, Hillsdale features 6 routes rated as difficult. For a moderate challenge, the West Lockwood Avenue Eastbound – Deer Creek Greenway loop from Skinker is a longer option at 36.2 miles (58.2 km) with notable elevation gains.

Route distances in Hillsdale vary significantly. You can find shorter loops, but many popular routes range from approximately 20 to 35 miles (32 to 56 km). For example, the Ladue Road – Shaw Park loop from Wellston is 27.4 miles (44.1 km).

Many of the easy routes, particularly those within urban parks and greenways, are suitable for families. The generally moderate elevation gains and well-maintained paths make them enjoyable for a range of ages and abilities. Routes through Forest Park are often a good choice.

Road cycling in Hillsdale is enjoyable across multiple seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, but early mornings or evenings are ideal. The region's urban parks and greenways provide year-round access, though winter conditions may require more preparation.

Many routes pass through or near significant landmarks. You can explore areas like Forest Park, which features the Post-Dispatch Lake and the Emerson Grand Basin. Other routes might take you past Tower Grove Park or even offer views of the McKinley Bridge.

Yes, many of Hillsdale's road cycling routes are designed as loops, offering a continuous ride without needing to retrace your path. Examples include the Shaw Park – Centennial Greenway loop from University City-Big Bend and the Shaw Park – Big Shark Big Bend loop from Forsyth.

The road cycling routes in Hillsdale are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 15 reviews. Cyclists often praise the blend of urban parks, greenways, and accessible roads, which provide a diverse and engaging riding experience.

Many routes start from or pass through areas with public parking. Large parks like Forest Park and Tower Grove Park typically offer parking facilities that are convenient starting points for your ride.

Absolutely. The routes often feature scenic sections, particularly those that traverse Forest Park, offering views of its lakes and basins. You might also encounter unique structures like the Footbridge over I-64, providing interesting perspectives.