The best road cycling routes around Edwardsville

Edwardsville offers an extensive network of paved trails, primarily through the Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails system, providing over 150 miles of pathways. Our guide features 10 moderate road cycling routes for you to explore.

You'll find a diverse landscape, including open spaces, dense wooded areas, tranquil wetlands, and tallgrass prairie. The routes generally feature gradual rolling hills, making for enjoyable rides across varied scenery.

While our guide focuses on moderate routes, the MCT Trails system in Edwardsville is known for its well-maintained, paved, and traffic-free pathways, making many sections suitable for different fitness levels and families. The gradual rolling hills ensure a pleasant experience for less experienced riders.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Edwardsville, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be enjoyable, but it's advisable to ride earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak heat.

Yes, many routes offer picturesque views of natural bodies of water like Dunlap Lake and Horseshoe Lake. You'll also cycle through wooded sections, open prairie, and wetlands. The Wilkes-Barre to Harvey's Lake and Frances Slocum State Park loop, for instance, provides views of natural bodies of water and access to park areas.

Edwardsville's trails can lead you to several points of interest. The MCT Nickel Plate Trail, for example, connects to the historic 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House. You might also encounter the Market Street Bridge or the Concrete City, depending on your chosen route.

Absolutely. The region's trails often provide views of natural bodies of water such as Dunlap Lake and Horseshoe Lake. The Wilkes-Barre to Harvey's Lake and Frances Slocum State Park loop is a great option for enjoying lake views and accessing park areas like Frances Slocum State Park.

The extensive MCT Trails system typically offers numerous access points with dedicated parking facilities throughout Edwardsville and Madison County. Specific parking information can often be found on local trail maps or websites for individual trailheads.

Yes, many of Edwardsville's road cycling routes are designed as loops, offering a continuous and convenient riding experience. A popular example is the Susquehanna Warrior Trail Loop, which leads through diverse scenery.

Road cyclists frequently praise the extensive and well-maintained network of paved, traffic-free trails, particularly the MCT Trails system. The varied scenery, from wooded areas to open prairie, and the generally smooth surfaces are often highlighted as key attractions.

Yes, the MCT Nickel Plate Trail, for instance, can lead you directly into Downtown Edwardsville, where you'll find various dining options and cafes to refuel after your ride. Many trails also connect to community areas with amenities.

Edwardsville offers several longer routes suitable for endurance. The Wilkes-Barre to Harvey's Lake and Frances Slocum State Park loop covers 44.1 miles, while the Susquehanna Warrior Trail Loop is 42.8 miles, providing ample distance for longer rides.

The road cycling routes in Edwardsville, as featured in this guide, are predominantly moderate. They offer a consistent riding experience with gradual rolling hills, making them accessible to a wide range of cyclists while still providing a good workout.