The best road cycling routes around Des Peres

There are over 75 road cycling routes around Des Peres, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.

You'll find a diverse selection, including 31 easy routes, 42 moderate routes, and 5 more challenging options. Many routes feature paved surfaces along greenways and river systems.

Yes, several routes are ideal for families. The Kirkwood Train Station – Grant's Trail at Grant's Farm loop is an easy, mostly flat path that connects to Grant's Trail, offering a pleasant ride through parklands. The Meramec Greenway also provides flat, paved paths with scenic views.

Many routes in the area feature picturesque river views. The Kirkland to Meramec River loop offers scenic views along the Meramec River. The Meramec Greenway Trail system, including the Meramec Greenway Trail loop from The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park, also winds through woodlands and along the Meramec River.

For longer rides, consider routes that connect multiple greenways. The Grant's Trail at Grant's Farm loop from Manchester is a moderate 62.4 km (38.8 miles) option, and the Grant's Trail at Grant's Farm – Carondelet Connector Bike Path loop from Kirkwood covers nearly 60 km (37.3 miles).

Many routes offer access to local points of interest. Grant's Trail, for example, provides direct access to attractions like Grant's Farm and the Historic Sappington House complex. You can also explore highlights such as the Laumeier Sculpture Garden or the Queeny Park, which are near some cycling paths.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops for convenience. Examples include the Kirkland to Meramec River loop and the Meramec Greenway Trail loop from The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park. The region's greenway network makes creating circular routes very accessible.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 60 reviews. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paved greenways, the scenic river views, and the variety of routes suitable for different fitness levels.

While popular greenways can see more traffic, exploring routes within conservation areas like the 13-acre Phantom Forest or the 10-acre Bittersweet Woods, or lesser-known local loops, might offer a quieter experience. Early mornings or weekdays are generally less crowded.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Des Peres, with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm and humid, while winter may present colder temperatures, though paved trails are often accessible year-round.

Many greenways and trails in the Des Peres area are designed with accessibility in mind, often featuring dedicated parking lots at trailheads. Routes like the Kirkwood Train Station – Grant's Trail at Grant's Farm loop start near public transport hubs, making them convenient for cyclists.