By Emily HastingsUpdated November 2026
Riders looking for bike trails in St Louis MO usually want one of three things: a flat rail trail for an easy weekend ride, a road route that links neighborhoods and river views, or a mountain bike loop with real climbs and roots. This guide compares six printed and book-format resources that map those options across the St. Louis area and into nearby parts of Missouri and Illinois. Each pick was judged on how well it covers routes with distances, how clearly it describes surfaces and difficulty, whether it includes practical planning details like parking and where to stay, and how consistently owners and readers describe it as useful on the ground.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallRail-Trails Iowa & MissouriView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for local area hiking and trail accessParks, Trails, & Hikes in the St. Louis Area and Selected Parts of MissouriView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for riders crossing the riverBest Rail Trails IllinoisView on Amazon - 4
Best for road and mountain bike planningCycling St. Louis: The Complete Guide to St. Louis Area Road Rides, BiView on Amazon - 5
Best for a rail trail road tripBest Rail Trails WisconsinView on Amazon - 6
Best for wooded trail walkers who also rideHiking St. Louis: A Guide to 30 Wooded Hiking and Walking Trails in the St. Louis AreaView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Rail-Trails Iowa & Missouri | Rail trail touring across the state | Covers multiuse trails in Missouri with trail-by-trail notes |
| Parks, Trails, & Hikes in the St. Louis Area | Local route and park planning | Focus on the St. Louis region and selected Missouri parks |
| Best Rail Trails Illinois | Riders starting or ending across the river | Rail trail coverage on the Illinois side of the metro |
| Cycling St. Louis | Road rides, bike paths and mountain biking | Broadest mix of ride types for the metro |
| Best Rail Trails Wisconsin | Multi-day rail trail trips | Long-distance rail trail routing for a longer getaway |
| Hiking St. Louis | Wooded trails and mixed hike-and-ride days | Describes 30 wooded trails with access notes |
Rail-Trails Iowa & Missouri
Rail-Trails Iowa & Missouri: The definitive guide to the state's top multiuse trails
Best for: Rail trail touring across the state
This book suits riders who want flat, paved or crushed-limestone rail corridors and are willing to travel an hour or two beyond the city for a full day in the saddle. It covers the state’s multiuse trails in one place, which helps when you are planning a loop or a point-to-point ride that starts near St. Louis.
Key specs
- Format: guidebook covering Iowa and Missouri
- Focus: rail-trail and multiuse trail routes
- Scope: statewide trail listings rather than a single metro area
Pros
- Strong for planning longer rail trail rides
- Trail-by-trail descriptions help you judge surface and grade
- Useful when combining St. Louis access with routes further west
Cons
- Less depth on the immediate city streets and neighborhood loops
- Covers two states, so some entries sit far from St. Louis
Bottom line: Pick this if rail trails are your main interest and you plan to ride beyond the metro area.
Parks, Trails, & Hikes in the St. Louis Area and Selected Parts of Missouri
Parks, Trails, & Hikes in the St. Louis Area and Selected Parts of Missouri
Best for: Local route and park planning
This is the most regionally focused title in the group. Riders who live in the metro and want to connect parks, greenways and shared trails without driving far will find it practical. Many of its entries are shared-use paths where hikers and cyclists both ride or walk.
Key specs
- Format: regional guide to parks and trails
- Focus: St. Louis area with selected Missouri parks
- Use: hiking primarily, with many routes open to bikes
Pros
- Close to home for day rides and park loops
- Covers a wide range of park settings
- Good for building a route from several smaller trails
Cons
- Written with hikers in mind, so bike suitability needs checking on some trails
- Less detail on road cycling routes
Bottom line: A strong local companion for riders who want quick access from the city and don’t mind confirming bike rules on each trail.
Best Rail Trails Illinois
Best Rail Trails Illinois (Best Rail Trails Series)
Best for: Riders crossing the river
St. Louis sits on the Mississippi, and much of the metro’s riding extends into Illinois. This guide is aimed at riders who want to start on the Missouri side and cross to rail corridors on the Illinois bank. It works well alongside a Missouri-focused book.
Key specs
- Format: rail trail guidebook for Illinois
- Focus: rail-trail corridors statewide
- Use: touring and day rides on crushed stone and paved surfaces
Pros
- Useful for trips that cross the Mississippi
- Rail corridors tend to be flat and predictable for planning
- Pairs well with Missouri guides
Cons
- Not a St. Louis-specific guide
- Limited coverage of city streets and mountain bike terrain
Bottom line: Best for riders who plan to explore the Illinois side of the metro as part of a longer ride.
Cycling St. Louis: The Complete Guide to St. Louis Area Road Rides, Bike Paths, Mountain Biking Trails and Other Two-Wheel Getaways
Cycling St. Louis: The Complete Guide to St. Louis Area Road Rides, Bike Paths, Mountain Biking Trails and Other Two-Wheel Getaways (Show Me Series)
Best for: Road and mountain bike planning
This is the most directly relevant title for a St. Louis rider who wants a mix of ride types. It covers road routes, bike paths and mountain biking trails in one volume, so you can compare options side by side. It is a good starting point if you are new to the area or want variety across the season.
Key specs
- Format: guide covering road, path and mountain bike routes
- Focus: St. Louis area two-wheel riding
- Series: Show Me Series
Pros
- Broadest coverage of ride types for the metro
- Helps compare road and off-road options in one place
- Includes getaway ideas beyond the city
Cons
- Breadth means each route gets less detail than a single-focus book
- Trail conditions and closures change, so verify before you ride
Bottom line: The most complete single choice for riders who want road, path and dirt options in the St. Louis area.
Best Rail Trails Wisconsin
Best Rail Trails Wisconsin (Best Rail Trails Series)
Best for: Multi-day rail trail trips
Wisconsin has some of the longest rail trail networks in the Midwest. This book suits riders who want to use St. Louis as a starting point for a longer trip north, or who are simply drawn to rail trail touring as a style. It is less useful for day rides close to the city.
Key specs
- Format: rail trail guidebook for Wisconsin
- Focus: long-distance rail corridors
- Use: multi-day touring
Pros
- Strong for planning extended rail trail trips
- Good reference if you like rail trail riding in general
- Helps compare touring options outside Missouri
Cons
- Not focused on St. Louis routes
- Distant from the metro, so limited for local riding
Bottom line: Choose this for a longer touring plan rather than local St. Louis rides.
Hiking St. Louis: A Guide to 30 Wooded Hiking and Walking Trails in the St. Louis Area
Hiking St. Louis: A Guide to 30 Wooded Hiking and Walking Trails in the St. Louis Area
Best for: Wooded trails and mixed hike-and-ride days
Many wooded trails in the region are shared between walkers and cyclists, and this book helps you identify which ones are good for both. It is a useful complement for a rider who likes to alternate bike rides with hikes in the same parks, and for checking trail character before you commit to a route.
Key specs
- Format: guide to 30 wooded hiking and walking trails
- Focus: St. Louis area trails
- Use: hiking, with notes useful for mixed-use planning
Pros
- Specific trail descriptions help you judge terrain
- Good for mixed hike-and-ride days
- Focused on the local area
Cons
- Hiking-first, so bike legality and surfaces need extra checking
- Not a dedicated cycling guide
Bottom line: A good pick if you want to know what the wooded trails feel like on foot and bike alike.
Buying Guide
Route type: rail trail, road or mountain bike
Start by deciding what kind of riding you want most. Rail trails are flat, usually well-surfaced and good for long, steady miles. Road routes offer speed and connectivity but need traffic awareness. Mountain bike trails bring climbs, roots and technical sections. A guide that covers your main ride type in depth will serve you better than one that covers everything thinly.
Good picks for this: Rail-Trails Iowa & Missouri, Cycling St. Louis
Distance and elevation data
Useful route descriptions list length in miles and total climbing in feet. If a guide gives only general difficulty labels, plan to check distances on a map app before riding. For St. Louis, the terrain is mostly rolling, with steeper pitches on some mountain bike and bluff-side routes, so elevation notes matter when you plan a loop.
Good picks for this: Parks, Trails, & Hikes in the St. Louis Area, Cycling St. Louis
Surface and trail conditions
Rail trails are often crushed limestone or asphalt, which can be fast or soft depending on the season. Shared-use paths may be busy with walkers. Mountain bike trails change after rain. Look for guides that describe surfaces and note seasonal conditions so you can match the route to your tires and skills.
Good picks for this: Best Rail Trails Illinois, Hiking St. Louis
Access, parking and trailheads
A route is only as good as your ability to reach it. Check whether a guide lists trailhead parking, public transit access, and river crossings. For riders based in the city, starting points that connect to existing bike infrastructure can save time and avoid driving with a bike on the rack.
Good picks for this: Parks, Trails, & Hikes in the St. Louis Area, Best Rail Trails Illinois
Trip length and planning
Day rides and multi-day tours need different information. A day-ride book focuses on loops and parks, while a touring guide adds lodging, resupply and camping notes. Decide whether you want a local reference or a route plan for a longer trip before you buy.
Good picks for this: Best Rail Trails Wisconsin, Rail-Trails Iowa & Missouri
Currency and updates
Trail networks change. New segments open, bridges close and access rules shift. Check the publication date and whether the author updates the book. Pair any printed guide with the current map from the managing agency or a trail app before you ride.
Good picks for this: Cycling St. Louis, Hiking St. Louis
Riding skill and fit
Match the guide to your ability. Beginners do well with flat rail trails and paths, while experienced riders may want technical terrain descriptions. If you are unsure, start with a guide that offers a range of difficulty levels and pick routes you can reasonably finish.
Good picks for this: Best Rail Trails Illinois, Cycling St. Louis
FAQ
What are the best bike trails in St Louis MO for beginners?
Flat rail trails and shared paths are the easiest starting point. Look for routes with short distances, minimal climbing and clear surfaces. A guide that lists difficulty and total elevation will help you pick a comfortable first ride.
Are there mountain bike trails near St. Louis?
Yes. The region has wooded and park-based mountain bike routes with a range of technical levels. Trail conditions change after rain, so check current status before you go.
Can I ride on hiking trails in St. Louis parks?
Some hiking trails allow bikes and some do not. Rules vary by park and trail, so confirm allowed uses on the managing agency’s website or signage before you ride.
Do I need a guidebook if I use a map app?
Map apps show routes, but guidebooks often add surface descriptions, difficulty notes and local context that apps miss. Many riders use both: a book for planning and an app for navigation.
Which trails cross from Missouri into Illinois?
The metro connects across the Mississippi by bridge and trail, and several rail corridors extend into Illinois. A guide focused on the Illinois side helps when planning river crossings.
How should I prepare for a St. Louis summer ride?
Summers are hot and humid. Carry extra water, plan rides for early morning or evening, and check heat advisories. Consult a healthcare professional if you have heat-related health concerns.
Conclusion
For most riders, Rail-Trails Iowa & Missouri is the strongest starting reference if rail trails are the priority, while Cycling St. Louis gives the broadest mix of road, path and mountain bike options in the metro. Local riders who want quick access to parks should look at Parks, Trails, & Hikes in the St. Louis Area. Riders planning a river crossing benefit from Best Rail Trails Illinois. For longer touring, Best Rail Trails Wisconsin fits better, and Hiking St. Louis helps when your day combines walking and riding. Pair any book with a current map, since trail conditions and rules change.
Sources
- Federal guidance on rail trail and multiuse trail planning and safety (nps.gov)
- Background on converted rail corridors and trail networks across the US
- Bicycle safety and helmet guidance for riders (cpsc.gov)
Related reading
- Bike Trails St Louis: 5 Best Guides for Every Rider
- Bike Trails St Augustine Florida: 7 Best Routes for Every Rider
- Top 8 Mountain Bike Trails Sedonas: Routes for Every Skill Level
- Top 8 Mountain Bike Trails Sedona Arizonas for Every Skill Level
- Top 8 Bike Trails in Marylands for Every Riding Level
About Emily Hastings
Emily puts together our bike touring & bikepacking guides, digging through specifications, manufacturer details and owner reviews so you don't have to.
