Mississippi River Trail and Midtown Loop

The komoot tour for the Mississippi River Trail and Midtown Loop is designed to take approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes to complete. This duration is for the entire 34 km (21 miles) route, which is rated as easy.

Yes, the overall komoot tour is rated as 'easy'. The Midtown Loop sections, particularly around Overton Park and the Shelby Farms Greenline, are predominantly flat and smooth, making them ideal for casual riders and families. While parts of the broader Mississippi River Trail can vary in difficulty, this specific combined route is manageable for beginners.

The terrain is generally flat and smooth, especially on the Midtown Loop sections which feature paved paths. The Mississippi River Trail portion in this area also tends to be relatively flat. You'll encounter a mix of dedicated bike paths, urban park trails, and potentially some shared road sections, all suitable for a racebike as indicated by the tour's sport type.

For the Midtown Loop, you can often find parking around Overton Park or near access points for the Shelby Farms Greenline. For the Mississippi River Trail sections, areas near the riverfront parks, such as Mississippi River Greenbelt Park, are good starting points. Always check local signage for specific parking regulations.

This route offers a diverse experience. You'll pass by urban green spaces like Old Forest State Natural Area within Overton Park, and the Mississippi River Greenbelt Park. You might also spot Memphis Martyrs Park. The Midtown Loop provides tree-lined rides and connections to cultural institutions, while the river trail offers views of the Mississippi River.

Generally, paved trails in urban parks like those comprising the Midtown Loop (Overton Park, Shelby Farms Greenline) are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. For the Mississippi River Trail sections, leash laws typically apply as well. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and you clean up after them.

Spring and fall are often the most pleasant seasons for cycling in Memphis, offering mild temperatures and comfortable conditions. Summer can be hot and humid, though the shaded sections of Overton Park and the Shelby Farms Greenline provide some relief. Winter is generally mild, but can have cooler days.

No, typically there are no permits or entrance fees required to cycle on the public trails that make up the Mississippi River Trail and Midtown Loop in Memphis. These are publicly accessible paths.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several official trails. Notably, it uses parts of the Mississippi River Trail (Tennessee) and the V&E Greenline. It also briefly touches on the Riverwalk and The Hampline, which is a crucial segment connecting Overton Park's network to the Shelby Farms Greenline.

The route offers diverse scenery. Along the Mississippi River Trail, you'll get perspectives of the river itself. A notable feature in Memphis is the Big River Crossing, which allows cyclists to cross into Arkansas and offers impressive skyline views of Memphis. The Midtown Loop provides urban green spaces, including the Old Forest State Natural Area within Overton Park.

While cycling through the urban parks and green spaces, especially along the Shelby Farms Greenline and within Overton Park's Old Forest State Natural Area, you might spot common urban wildlife such as squirrels, various bird species, and occasionally deer or wild turkeys in the more naturalized areas.