The best cycling routes around Stillwater

Stillwater offers a diverse range of terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find generally flat, paved trails built on former railroad beds, such as the Brown's Creek State Trail and sections of the Gateway State Trail. However, the region also features rolling landscapes in the St. Croix River Valley and more challenging areas with significant elevation changes, like those found on some Washington County Scenic Bicycle Loops. The area's topography was shaped by ancient glaciers, contributing to its varied natural features.

Yes, Stillwater is known for its scenic loop trails. A prominent example is the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail, which is about 4.7 to 5 miles long and connects Minnesota and Wisconsin via the historic lift bridge and the new St. Croix Crossing bridge. This loop offers amazing views of the river valley. Additionally, Washington County features several scenic bicycle loops, including a 30-mile route with long, steep grades through areas like William O'Brien State Park and Big Marine Park Reserve.

Stillwater is well-connected to longer trail systems. The Brown's Creek State Trail, a 6.4-mile paved trail, links downtown Stillwater directly to the Gateway State Trail. This connection allows cyclists to ride from downtown Stillwater all the way to downtown St. Paul, a journey of approximately 25 miles on a mostly flat, paved path built on an old rail bed.

Cycling in Stillwater offers views of several notable natural features and landmarks. The St. Croix River Valley provides picturesque vistas, and you'll often ride alongside or with views of the St. Croix River itself. Lakes and ponds, carved by ancient glaciers, dot the landscape. Historic bridges, such as the Stillwater Lift Bridge and the Iron Bridge (an early Parker truss bridge), are prominent landmarks. The St. Croix Crossing bridge also offers exceptional views, recognized as 'Best View 2018' by CityPages viewers.

While many trails are accessible and generally level, Stillwater does offer more challenging options. The region includes areas with significant elevation gain, such as the 'Chilkoot Hill,' known as one of America's hardest climbs. Some of the Washington County Scenic Bicycle Loops feature long, steep grades, providing a more strenuous experience for advanced touring cyclists. Mountain biking routes with varying difficulty levels can also be found around Willow River State Park and Lake Elmo Park.

The best time to go touring cycling in Stillwater is generally during the spring, summer, and fall months when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. The St. Croix River Valley is particularly beautiful with lush greenery in summer and vibrant foliage in autumn. While some dedicated cyclists may ride in winter, many trails are best enjoyed when free of snow and ice.

Yes, Stillwater offers several family-friendly cycling routes. Trails like the Brown's Creek State Trail are paved, multi-use, and generally level, making them suitable for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. The St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail is also a popular choice for families due to its manageable distance and scenic views. These trails provide a safe and enjoyable experience for families to explore the area together.

Stillwater provides various parking options and trailheads for its cycling routes. For instance, the Brown's Creek State Trail has access points that connect directly to downtown Stillwater. Maps for local trails are readily available, which typically indicate designated parking areas and trail access points. Lowell Park, adjacent to the St. Croix River, is also a central location in downtown Stillwater that provides access to the riverfront and nearby trails.

Stillwater is a bicycle-friendly community with several amenities catering to cyclists. You can find electric bike rentals and full-service bike shops, such as Chilkoot Cyclery, for repairs or gear. The city also hosts annual cycling events, including the Minnesota IRONMAN bike ride and the North Star Bicycle Festival's criterium Grand Prix, indicating a strong cycling culture. Downtown Stillwater offers a variety of restaurants, breweries, and shops for post-ride relaxation.

The duration of touring cycling routes in Stillwater varies greatly depending on the trail and your pace. Shorter, popular loops like the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail can be completed in under an hour. Longer routes, such as the Brown's Creek State Trail (6.4 miles) or the 30-mile Washington County Scenic Bicycle Loops, will take several hours. For example, a moderate 25-mile route on komoot, like the Zim Smith Trail – Shenantaha Creek Park loop from City of Mechanicville, typically takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes.

The Stillwater area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 8 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse landscapes, which include scenic river valleys and varied terrain. The well-maintained trails, such as those built on former railroad beds, are frequently highlighted for their accessibility and enjoyable riding experience. Many appreciate the stunning views, especially those along the St. Croix River and from the new St. Croix Crossing bridge.