Katy Trail and Creve Coeur Lake Loop

Given the varied surfaces, a bike with wider tires (32mm or larger) is recommended. While the Creve Coeur Lake trails are paved, the Katy Trail portion is crushed limestone. Hybrid, touring, or gravel bikes are ideal to prevent skidding, sinking, or punctures from limestone shards.

The route is generally considered easy to moderate. The Katy Trail itself is largely flat. However, connecting to the Katy Trail from Creve Coeur Park involves some uphill climbing, particularly a quarter-mile ramp with switchbacks if you're coming from the St. Charles end of the Page Avenue bridge. The Creve Coeur side of the connector has a shorter, less steep ramp.

You'll experience diverse scenery. Around Creve Coeur Lake, enjoy views of the sparkling lake and wetlands. The Veterans Memorial Bridge offers great perspectives. On the Katy Trail, you'll follow the Missouri River, pass through forests and fields, and ride beneath leafy canopies and alongside bluffs. Don't miss the View of Creve Coeur Lake and the section Rolling Through the Floodplain.

Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park offers multiple parking areas. For direct access to the paved lake trails and the Creve Coeur Connector, look for parking within the park itself. The Katy Trail also has numerous trailheads with parking along its length.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park or to cycle on the Katy Trail or the Creve Coeur Connector. These are public recreational areas.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on both the Katy Trail and the trails within Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. They must be kept on a leash and you are responsible for cleaning up after them.

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant cycling conditions with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, but early mornings are still enjoyable. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potential ice or snow, especially on the crushed limestone sections.

The full loop is about 35.6 km (22.1 miles) and typically takes around 2 hours and 3 minutes to complete by racebike, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

Yes, this route is part of several other trails. It extensively uses the Katy Trail West of St. Charles, which is part of the longer Katy Trail State Park. It also incorporates sections of the Creve Coeur Connector, Lakeview Loop Trail, Mallard Lake Loop Trail, and Meadows Loop Trail within Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. Additionally, a significant portion of the route is designated as part of the American Discovery Trail (ADT - Missouri - L - Seg 1).

Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park has restrooms and water fountains. Along the Katy Trail, you'll find numerous trailheads and the trail passes through towns that offer amenities like restaurants, shops, and additional restrooms, making it convenient for longer rides.

If you prefer to tackle the steeper climb early or get it out of the way, consider starting from the St. Charles side and heading towards Creve Coeur. The ramp leading up to the Katy Trail from the St. Charles end of the Page Avenue bridge is about a quarter-mile climb with switchbacks. The Creve Coeur side of the connector has a shorter ramp and a lower degree of incline, which might be preferred for an easier finish.