The best road cycling routes around Bella Villa

The Mississippi River Trail: St. Louis Loop offers a fascinating road cycling adventure, weaving together the city's industrial past with stunning natural riverfront vistas. You'll pedal past the vibrant "Mural Mile" and through areas showcasing wetlands and native flora, all while enjoying unparalleled views of the Mississippi River and the iconic Gateway Arch. This moderate 43.9 miles (70.6 km) route, with its 655 feet (200 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete, providing a rich, varied experience for cyclists.

Planning your ride on this popular St. Louis Mississippi River Trail cycling route is straightforward, as it's largely paved and accessible. While mostly smooth, be ready for a few challenging hills and some short unpaved sections that add to its moderate rating. The trail connects across the Mississippi River via the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and the McKinley Bridge, linking to other trail systems like the Madison County Transit trails, making it easy to extend your ride.

This loop is steeped in history, incorporating segments of historic Route 66 and passing by the Historic Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing, Missouri's first nationally designated Underground Railroad site. Beyond the historical significance, the route offers unique features like the striking "graffiti wall" and opportunities to observe wildlife in the wetlands. It's a fantastic way to explore St. Louis's diverse character, from its urban core to its natural riverine edges.

This 17.4-mile (27.9 km) road cycling loop, rated easy, offers a delightful ride through varied scenery with minimal effort, gaining only 391 feet (119 metres) over about 1 hour and 8 minutes. You'll cruise along paved surfaces, passing through wooded bottomlands, residential areas, and open grassy spaces. Keep an eye out for the famous Clydesdales at Grant's Farm and the historic Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, adding a touch of history to your ride.

For planning your trip, Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park is a popular and convenient starting point, offering ample parking and direct access to the main trail via paved paths like the Twin Bridge Trail. The route is well-maintained and features amenities like restrooms and drinking water along the way. Street crossings are clearly marked, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all cyclists.

Grant's Trail, also known as the Gravois Greenway, is a classic 'rails to trails' path, making it exceptionally flat and smooth. The connection to Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park allows for a slight variation in terrain, with some internal park trails offering a gentle 'hill workout' for those who want it, while still maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere. It's a fantastic option for a relaxed outing or a beginner-friendly cycling adventure in the St. Louis area.

If you're seeking a diverse urban cycling experience in South St. Louis, the Carondelet Connector Bike Path loop from Bishop Dubourg High School offers a compelling mix. You'll transition from on-street navigation to the serene, tree-lined paths of Carondelet Park, where mature oak and hickory trees provide shade and you can spot historic structures like the Boathouse. The route then opens up to the River des Peres Greenway, a vibrant urban oasis that connects city spaces with natural riverfront areas, where you might even see ducks, geese, and egrets.

This easy 17.2-mile (27.7 km) road cycling loop, with its modest 560 feet (171 metres) of elevation gain, is designed to be completed in about 1 hour and 17 minutes. The starting point at Bishop DuBourg High School requires some initial on-street riding to access the dedicated paved trails, so be comfortable sharing the road. The Carondelet Connector Bike Path loop is generally accessible and suitable for most skill levels, offering a pleasant ride through varied scenery.

What makes this route particularly notable is its ability to stitch together several significant recreational assets in South St. Louis, providing excellent connectivity. It links the expansive Carondelet Park, the city's third-largest, to the extensive River des Peres Greenway, creating a continuous off-road pathway. This network was developed to provide safer and more accessible ways for residents to travel between parks, neighborhoods, and businesses, enhancing the quality of life in the area.