The best traffic-free bike rides around Edwardsville

Edwardsville offers a wide selection of traffic-free touring cycling routes. There are over 15 routes available, ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate, ensuring options for various skill levels.

Yes, Edwardsville is very family-friendly for cyclists. Many of the routes on the extensive Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails system are paved, well-maintained, and mostly flat, making them ideal for families. An excellent easy option is the Edwardsville – Watershed Trail, Edwardsville loop from Edwardsville, which is just over 10 km long.

The Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails system, which forms the backbone of Edwardsville's traffic-free cycling network, generally welcomes dogs. However, they must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Always ensure you clean up after your pet to maintain the trails for everyone.

Parking is readily available at various access points along the Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails system. Many trailheads, particularly those connecting to the MCT Goshen Trail, MCT Nature Trail, and MCT Nickel Plate Trail, offer dedicated parking lots. Specific parking information can often be found on local trail maps or by checking the starting points of individual routes on komoot.

Edwardsville's traffic-free routes often traverse diverse natural landscapes. You can explore wetlands, woodlands, and tallgrass prairies. The Watershed Nature Center is directly accessible from some trails, offering opportunities for birding and nature observation. Bohm Woods State Nature Preserve, a rare old-growth forest, is also nearby and supports abundant wildlife.

Yes, Edwardsville's trails offer access to historical points of interest. For instance, the Troy Junction at Route 162 loop from 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House starts near the historic 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House, one of the oldest brick homes in Edwardsville. The MCT Nickel Plate Trail can also lead you through historical areas.

Edwardsville offers several excellent loop options for touring cyclists looking for traffic-free experiences. A popular choice is the MCT Heritage Trail – Marine Heritage Park loop from 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House, which provides a moderate 41 km ride through varied landscapes.

Absolutely! Edwardsville is an excellent place for beginner touring cyclists. Many of the routes are classified as easy, featuring minimal elevation gain and well-maintained paved surfaces. For example, the Bike loop from Visitor Parking is an easy 21.5 km ride, perfect for those new to touring cycling.

Spring and fall are generally considered the best times for touring cycling in Edwardsville. The weather is mild, and the natural landscapes offer beautiful scenery, from spring wildflowers to vibrant autumn foliage. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially in the mornings or late afternoons, though it can be warm and humid.

Yes, Edwardsville's extensive Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails system provides ample opportunities for longer distance traffic-free touring. The network spans over 138 miles, allowing cyclists to combine various segments for extended rides. A longer option includes the Edwardsville – Chat Gravel Road loop from Edwardsville, which covers over 65 km.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the exceptionally well-maintained, paved, and marked trails of the Madison County Transit (MCT) system, highlighting the pleasant experience of cycling through varied landscapes without traffic concerns.