The best cycling routes around Clayton

There are over 30 touring cycling routes around Clayton, offering a variety of distances and difficulties for different preferences.

Touring cycling routes around Clayton generally feature gentle elevation changes, often following river corridors or circling through well-maintained parklands. You'll find a mix of paved paths and designated bike routes, traversing urban green spaces and established parks.

Yes, Clayton offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. For example, the Wheels Path – Forest Park loop from Washington University in St. Louis is an easy 5.7-mile trail that takes about 34 minutes to complete, offering a scenic loop through Forest Park.

Absolutely. For those seeking longer rides, routes like the Barnes-Jewish Hospital – Tower Grove Park loop from Central West End cover about 31 miles, connecting urban areas with expansive parks. Another excellent choice is the Boathouse Lake Pavilion loop from Delmar Loop, which is approximately 31.9 miles and leads through parkland and around water features.

The touring cycling routes in Clayton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 19 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained paths and the varied scenery offered by the urban parks and greenways.

Many of the touring cycling routes in Clayton are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Wheels Path – Forest Park loop from Clayton and the River Des Peres Park – River des Peres Greenway loop from Sunnen.

Many routes pass through or near significant green spaces and attractions. You can explore areas like Forest Park, which features lakes such as Post-Dispatch Lake and the Emerson Grand Basin. Other routes might take you past Tower Grove Park or Citygarden Sculpture Park.

Yes, the generally gentle terrain and well-maintained paths make many routes suitable for families. The shorter, easy loops through parks, such as those in Forest Park, are particularly good choices for cycling with children.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Clayton, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be enjoyable, but it's advisable to ride earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Winter cycling is possible, though some paths might be less maintained and temperatures can be cold.

Given that many routes traverse urban parks and connect to city areas, you'll often find opportunities for cafe stops, restrooms, and picnic areas within or near these green spaces. Forest Park, for instance, has several facilities and dining options.

Many of the larger parks and trailheads around Clayton offer designated parking areas. For routes starting from urban centers, public parking garages or street parking might be available. It's always a good idea to check specific starting points for parking information before your ride.

Clayton and the surrounding St. Louis area have a public transportation system, including MetroLink (light rail) and MetroBus. Many routes are accessible from stops within the city, particularly those that start from central locations or major parks. Check local transit maps for the most convenient access points.