10 Bike Trails in St Louis Worth Checking Out
If you are looking for bike trails in and near St. Louis, we’ve got a list of our 10 most visited bike trails. St Louis has many great place to bike. Some difficult, some intermediated, and several paved paths that are great for the whole family, especially kids who are still learning to ride. By the way, the list below is not in any particular order. For instance, the number “1” does not signify that it is the best bike trail, it just means it is the first on our list of ten :).
1. Katy Bike Trails
Packed gravel trail
The Katy Trails is undoubtably one of our favorite places to bike and hike. The Katy Trail runs for a total 237 miles from St. Charles to Clinton MO. Built on an old railroad track, the trail is flat and straight, with tightly-packed gravel. It’s great for the whole family because it is safe with few surprises and several bathroom stops along the way.
There are many different places to jump on the trail. Here are some of our favorite trail heads to get on and off the Katy Trail.
- Busch Greenway Trail Head – Research Park Dr, Lake St Louis, MO 63367
- Defiance Katy Trail Access – 100 Defiance Rd, Defiance, MO 63341
- Augusta Trail Head – H499+XM Augusta, Boone Township, MO
- Frontier Park in old town St. Charles – 500 S Riverside Dr, St Charles, MO 63301
2. Grant’s Trail Bike Path
Paved – great for kids & skates
4398 Hoffmeister Ave, St. Louis, MO 63125
Gran’t Trail is a popular 8-mile trail, paved and flat, optimal for walking, skating, and running. Like the Katy Trail, it was built on an old railway track. Mile 1 starts in Lemay, not far from the Lodge at Grant’s Trail, located here. Mile 8 ends in Kirkwood located here.
The ride is unique because you get to pass by several key historical locations like Grants Farm, the Clydesdale Stables and the former home of Ulysses S. Grant, our 18th President, which is on a 10-acre National Historic Site.
3. Indian Camp Creek Biking Trails
Paved & off-road trails
2679 Dietrich Road Foristell, MO 63348
This is one of our favorite parks to take the family and it continues to get better and better as they build and add more features. Located in Wentzville, Missouri, off HWY 61, Indian Camp is a fairly new park. It features a great creek to play in, paved walking paths, camp sites, fishing areas, a wooden playground, an awesome frisbee golf course, and trails for off-road biking, hiking and horseback riding.
Indian Camp Creek features 5 trails (4 off-road and 1 paved). Cannon Trail is a 6 mile, intermediate loop with some pretty narrow bends and challenges.
4. Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park Biking Trails
Paved and unpaved
13725 Marine Ave, St. Louis, MO 63146
Creve Coeur Lake is a popular spot for bikers, joggers, walkers, and inline skaters. The Lakeview Loop Trail wraps around Creve Coeur Lake for an awesome view of the lake and the many kayaks and sail boats you’ll likely see on a fine day.
We love this bike trail because it’s great for the kids and for pulling a bike stroller or trailer. There are plenty of picnic areas, bathrooms, and playgrounds for the kids to enjoy. There is even a sandy beach.
The Lakeview Loop trail also splits off into several wooded and scenic rides (1) The Meadows Loop Trail (2) The Mallard Lake Loop Trail.
5. Broemmelsiek Park Bike Trails
Off-road and gravel trail
1795 Hwy Dd, Defiance, MO 63341
Broemmelsiek is an awesome place to spend the day with your family. This 494 acres park, located near Busch Wildlife, features 9 miles of multi-use trails. Jack’s loop trail is a nice intermediate bike ride that runs 4 miles point to point.
6. Riverfront Bike Trail
Paved trail
Riverfront Bike Trail12.5 mile urban trail starting at the Gateway Arch and ending at North River Park. This is an easy flat ride with views of the Old Chain of the Rocks Bridge, the historic Eads Bridge, the Mississippi River, and, of course, the St. Louis Arch. Great for bikes, inline skates, and walking.
7. Forest Park Biking Trail
Paved with off-road options
5595 Grand Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112
The trail in Forest Park is a beautiful ride weaving in and out of some of St. Louis’ most popular destinations, like the St. Louis Zoo, The Science Center, The Art Museum, The Muny, and others. If you have ever visited any one of these places then you have likely seen part of the trail.
It’s a popular destination on a nice day, so be prepared to share the path with joggers, walkers, runners, dogs, inline skates, and bikers.
After years of taking my family to the Zoo and running up and down Art Hill, it finally occurred to me that we could bring our bikes. I’m so glad we did because it was a very fun ride. The main trail runs 7 miles, plus there are several splits where you can take your bike off road in the interior of the park.
8. Castlewood State Park Bike Trails
Off-road
1401 Kiefer Creek Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021
Castlewood State Park is a beautiful park overlooking the Meramec River. Within the park there are over 17 miles of trail for biking. Trails range from easy to intermediate and difficult. Those that run along the river are typically flat and easy. For a casual ride, check out Stinging Nettle (1.9 mile loop) & River Scene. If you want something more difficult, try the trails up the bluffs. For an even more challenging ride, go for the Lone Wolf Trail (1.7 mile loop with a 205 ft ascent) or Chubb Trail (6.3 miles one way with a 551 ft ascent).
9. Greensfelder Park Off Road Bike Trails
Off-road
4515 Hencken Rd, Pacific, MO 63069
A hot spot for avid mountain bikers, Greensfelder Park is home of 6 bike trails ranging from intermediate to difficult. It is a beautiful natural park near 6 flags in Eureka, MO. If you’re into “real” mountain biking ,then Declue Trail is certainly a must. It is the most challenging trail in the park. Fossil Ridge Loop is another favorite (1.5 miles, out and back).
10. Towne Park Bike Path
Paved & off-road trails
100 Towne Park Dr, Foristell, MO 63348
We consider Towne Park to be one of St. Charles’ best kept secrets. With 109 acres, 2 playgrounds, several fishing ponds and a wide-paved trail perfect for a family bike ride, stroll, or skating.
This is just a list of ten of our favorite bike rides. There are hundred of more biking trails in and around St. Louis. If you love biking then you would love the MTB Project app from REI – there are plenty more awesome trails to explore.
