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Trail Day Essentials
Missouri is home to the Katy Trail, the longest developed rail-trail in the country, and a growing web of rail-trails and greenways around St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia and Springfield. You can ride for days along the Missouri River bluffs, cruise the Mississippi riverfront below the Gateway Arch or head into the Ozarks for rocky singletrack at Berryman and Castlewood.
We’ve grouped the trails below into four regions: Central Missouri and the Katy Trail, St. Louis and Eastern Missouri, Kansas City and Western Missouri, and Springfield and the Ozarks. Each card lists the trail’s surface, length and type, with a link to the map, directions and the official trail page. Spring and fall are the best times to ride, since summers are hot and humid. Not in Missouri? Find bike trails near you in other states, head north to the best bike trails in Iowa or cross the Mississippi for our Illinois trail guide.
Trail lengths and status checked in November 2026 against Missouri State Parks, Great Rivers Greenway, Jackson County Parks + Rec, TrailLink and Singletracks.
Missouri Bike Trails Map
All 17 Missouri Bike Trails at a Glance
Sort by any column or search by trail name, county or region. Lengths are in miles; click a trail name to jump to its details.
| Trail | Region | Counties | Length (mi) | Surface | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katy Trail State Park | Central Missouri & the Katy Trail | St. Charles to Henry County (10 counties) | 240 | Crushed Stone, Gravel | Rail-Trail |
| Rock Island Trail State Park | Central Missouri & the Katy Trail | Cass, Johnson and Henry Counties | 47.5 | Crushed Stone | Rail-Trail |
| MKT Trail | Central Missouri & the Katy Trail | Boone County | 9.3 | Concrete, Crushed Stone | Rail-Trail |
| Grant's Trail | St. Louis & Eastern Missouri | St. Louis County | 9.9 | Asphalt | Rail-Trail |
| St. Louis Riverfront Trail | St. Louis & Eastern Missouri | City of St. Louis | 12.2 | Asphalt | Greenway |
| Centennial Greenway | St. Louis & Eastern Missouri | St. Charles and St. Louis Counties | 14.7 | Concrete | Greenway |
| Creve Coeur Park Trails | St. Louis & Eastern Missouri | St. Louis and St. Charles Counties | 11.4 | Asphalt | Greenway |
| Castlewood State Park | St. Louis & Eastern Missouri | St. Louis County | 20 | Dirt (singletrack) | Mountain Bike |
| Lost Valley Trail | St. Louis & Eastern Missouri | St. Charles County | 10 | Gravel, Dirt | Mountain Bike |
| Indian Creek Trail | Kansas City & Western Missouri | Jackson County (MO) and Johnson County (KS) | 25.8 | Asphalt, Concrete | Greenway |
| Little Blue Trace Trail | Kansas City & Western Missouri | Jackson County | 18.7 | Asphalt, Crushed Stone | Greenway |
| Rock Island Trail (Jackson County) | Kansas City & Western Missouri | Jackson County | 13.5 | Asphalt, Concrete | Rail-Trail |
| Line Creek Trail | Kansas City & Western Missouri | Platte County | 8.4 | Concrete | Rail-Trail |
| Swope Park Trails | Kansas City & Western Missouri | Jackson County | 10 | Dirt (singletrack) | Mountain Bike |
| Frisco Highline Trail | Springfield & the Ozarks | Greene and Polk Counties | 37.5 | Asphalt, Gravel | Rail-Trail |
| Galloway Creek Greenway | Springfield & the Ozarks | Greene County | 5 | Asphalt | Greenway |
| Berryman Trail | Springfield & the Ozarks | Mark Twain National Forest (Washington County) | 24 | Dirt (singletrack) | Mountain Bike |
Central Missouri & the Katy Trail
Missouri’s long-distance riding: the 240-mile Katy Trail along the Missouri River, the Rock Island Trail that branches off it toward Kansas City, and a shaded rail-trail from Columbia down to the Katy.
Katy Trail State Park
Katy Trail State Park runs 240 miles across Missouri between Machens in St. Charles County and Clinton, on the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) railroad line. It is the longest developed rail-trail in the country, with 26 trailheads and four restored depots along the way.
Much of the route follows the Missouri River past tall bluffs, farm fields and small towns such as Defiance, Augusta and Rocheport, where the trail passes through its only tunnel. The surface is packed crushed limestone, which rides well on a hybrid or a gravel bike. Many riders do it in sections or as a multi-day trip with B&B stops, and Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner stops near the trail in Washington and Hermann, which makes one-way trips easier.
Trail facts
- Crushed Stone, Gravel
- 240 miles
- Rail-Trail
- St. Charles to Henry County (10 counties)
- Cycling
Rock Island Trail State Park
The developed section of Rock Island Trail State Park runs 47.5 miles from Pleasant Hill to Windsor, where it meets the Katy Trail. It follows the old Rock Island railroad through the small towns of Wingate, Chilhowee and Leeton.
The crushed limestone surface is best on a hybrid or gravel bike and can turn soft after rain. The state also owns 144 miles of the old corridor east of Windsor toward Beaufort, and towns along it are opening new pieces, such as the sections around Owensville. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset.
Trail facts
- Crushed Stone
- 47.5 miles
- Rail-Trail
- Cass, Johnson and Henry Counties
- Cycling
MKT Trail
The MKT Nature and Fitness Trail runs 9.3 miles from Flat Branch Park in downtown Columbia to the Katy Trail at McBaine, on an old spur of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad.
The Columbia half is shaded and crosses several old wooden bridges over Flat Branch and Hinkson Creeks, then the trail opens up through woods and farmland toward McBaine. The packed crushed stone is fine on a budget hybrid bike. Trailheads have parking, restrooms and water, and you can link to the Hinkson Creek and County House trails in town.
Trail facts
- Concrete, Crushed Stone
- 9.3 miles
- Rail-Trail
- Boone County
- Cycling
St. Louis & Eastern Missouri
Paved greenways across the St. Louis area, from a rail-trail past Ulysses S. Grant’s farm to the Mississippi riverfront and the lake loop at Creve Coeur, plus two favorite dirt rides west of the city.
Grant's Trail
Grant’s Trail is a flat, paved 9.9-mile rail-trail in south St. Louis County, from the River des Peres Greenway near I-55 to Holmes Avenue in Kirkwood. It follows the old Kirkwood-Carondelet branch of the Missouri Pacific Railroad.
The trail passes Grant’s Farm and the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site at White Haven, both worth a stop. There are restrooms and water along the way and well-signaled street crossings, which makes it a good pick for families and for an easy 10-mile ride after work.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- 9.9 miles
- Rail-Trail
- St. Louis County
- Cycling
St. Louis Riverfront Trail
The St. Louis Riverfront Trail, part of the Mississippi Greenway, runs 12.2 miles along the Mississippi River from downtown near the Gateway Arch north to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.
The paved route passes the Arch grounds, flood walls covered in murals, the working riverfront and the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing. At the north end, the mile-long Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, once part of Route 66, carries bikes high over the river with a 30-degree bend in the middle. Note: the trail is closed between Humboldt Avenue and Chain of Rocks Drive for repairs at Maline Creek, with reopening expected in early January 2027, so check Great Rivers Greenway before you go.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- 12.2 miles
- Greenway
- City of St. Louis
- Cycling
Centennial Greenway
The Centennial Greenway links 14.7 miles of trail, built in several segments, between St. Peters in St. Charles County and Forest Park in St. Louis.
The western section in St. Charles County connects to the Katy Trail near the Missouri River, and across the river you can continue on the Creve Coeur Park trails. The eastern pieces run through Clayton’s Shaw Park, past Washington University and into Forest Park, home to the zoo and the art museum. It is a handy way to stitch together a longer city ride.
Trail facts
- Concrete
- 14.7 miles
- Greenway
- St. Charles and St. Louis Counties
- Cycling
Creve Coeur Park Trails
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, St. Louis County’s first and largest park, has about 11 miles of paved trails through wetlands and woods.
The 3.7-mile Lakeview Loop circles Creve Coeur Lake, and a 2.8-mile loop runs around the sports fields on the west side. The Creve Coeur Connector follows Page Avenue over the Missouri River bridge to St. Charles County, where you can pick up the Centennial Greenway and the Katy Trail. Watch for herons and egrets around Mallard Lake.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- 11.4 miles
- Greenway
- St. Louis and St. Charles Counties
- Cycling
Castlewood State Park
Castlewood State Park, between Ballwin and Valley Park, is one of the most popular mountain bike spots near St. Louis, with about 20 miles of mostly singletrack along the Meramec River.
Riders climb to bluff-top views over the river, then drop to flatter trails on the floodplain. Most of the trails are intermediate, with rocky and rooty sections that wear tires. The park is busy on weekends and the trails are shared with hikers; they can get muddy or close after rain, so check the park page before riding.
Trail facts
- Dirt (singletrack)
- About 20 miles
- Mountain Bike
- St. Louis County
- Mountain biking
Lost Valley Trail
The Lost Valley Trail is a roughly 10-mile loop in the Weldon Spring Conservation Area, about 30 miles west of St. Louis and close to the Katy Trail.
Most of the loop follows old gravel roads and doubletrack through a quiet wooded valley with creek crossings, which makes it a friendly first off-road ride and a good gravel bike loop. Conservation areas are open to hunting, so wear bright colors in the fall.
Trail facts
- Gravel, Dirt
- About 10 miles
- Mountain Bike
- St. Charles County
- Mountain biking
Kansas City & Western Missouri
Creekside greenways and rail-trails around Kansas City, including a trail that crosses into Kansas, a ride from Arrowhead Stadium to Lee’s Summit and the state’s top-rated mountain bike trails at Swope Park.
Indian Creek Trail
The Indian Creek Trail runs 25.8 miles along Indian Creek from Olathe, Kansas, through Overland Park and Leawood and across the state line into south Kansas City, where it meets the Blue River Trail.
It is paved the whole way and passes through a long chain of parks, so there are plenty of places to start and stop. Expect some road crossings and busier sections in the suburbs. Ride it end to end and back for a big day, or pick a shorter out-and-back of about 20 miles.
Trail facts
- Asphalt, Concrete
- 25.8 miles
- Greenway
- Jackson County (MO) and Johnson County (KS)
- Cycling
Little Blue Trace Trail
The Little Blue Trace Trail follows the Little Blue River for 18.7 miles through Independence and Kansas City’s eastern suburbs, in a long northern section and a shorter southern piece.
It passes under old railroad trestles and past summer wildflowers, with a small waterfall near mile 7. Parking at the Hartman Heritage Center off I-70 makes an easy start. A few spots climb steeply up to roads and back down, so take those turns slowly.
Trail facts
- Asphalt, Crushed Stone
- 18.7 miles
- Greenway
- Jackson County
- Cycling
Rock Island Trail (Jackson County)
Jackson County’s Rock Island Trail runs 13.5 miles on the old Rock Island rail line from the Truman Sports Complex, home of Arrowhead Stadium, through Raytown to southeast Lee’s Summit.
The paved trail mixes wooded stretches along the Little Blue River with neighborhoods, and Hartman Park near the south end has parking. The county is building the Greenwood Connector toward the Katy Trail, with the first phase expected to finish at the end of 2026. The Truman Sports Complex trailhead closes for Chiefs games and other stadium events.
Trail facts
- Asphalt, Concrete
- 13.5 miles
- Rail-Trail
- Jackson County
- Cycling
Line Creek Trail
The Line Creek Trail runs 8.4 miles through Platte County north of the Missouri River, from Riverside to the Northland of Kansas City.
It is paved and shady, with a small waterfall about a mile and a half from the Riverside end, but it is hillier than most city trails, which makes it a good workout. Mile markers and trailheads with parking and restrooms are spread along the route.
Trail facts
- Concrete
- 8.4 miles
- Rail-Trail
- Platte County
- Cycling
Swope Park Trails
Swope Park in Kansas City has about 10 miles of singletrack and is the top-rated mountain bike trail in Missouri on Singletracks.
The trails are well built but technical, with rocky and rooty sections, tight turns and short, steep climbs through the woods of one of the biggest city parks in the country. Advanced riders will enjoy it most; newer riders should take it slow. Stay off the trails when they are wet.
Trail facts
- Dirt (singletrack)
- About 10 miles
- Mountain Bike
- Jackson County
- Mountain biking
Springfield & the Ozarks
A 37-mile rail-trail north of Springfield, a short paved greenway through the city and Missouri’s classic backcountry singletrack loop in the Mark Twain National Forest.
Frisco Highline Trail
The Frisco Highline Trail runs 37.5 miles on an old Frisco railroad line between Springfield and Bolivar, passing through Willard and Walnut Grove.
The ends near Springfield and Bolivar are paved, but the long middle section is rougher gravel with some potholes and cattle guards, so a gravel or hybrid bike with wider tires works best. Expect shady tree cover, many small bridges over creeks and few water stops north of Walnut Grove. Near Bolivar, a short on-road detour takes riders around busy MO 13.
Trail facts
- Asphalt, Gravel
- 37.5 miles
- Rail-Trail
- Greene and Polk Counties
- Cycling
Galloway Creek Greenway
The Galloway Creek Greenway is a paved 5-mile trail through southeast Springfield, from Pershing Middle School south along Lone Pine Avenue.
Highlights are Sequiota Park and the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. Near Lake Springfield you can continue on the James River Greenway, part of the growing Ozark Greenways network, for a longer loop.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- 5 miles
- Greenway
- Greene County
- Cycling
Berryman Trail
The Berryman Trail is a 24-mile singletrack loop in the Mark Twain National Forest, starting at Berryman Campground west of Potosi. Many Missouri riders call it the best backcountry ride in the state.
The loop rolls through oak and pine forest with rocky climbs, creek crossings and long, flowing descents, with around 1,000 feet of climbing. There is no water on the trail, so carry plenty, plus a tube and tools; our mountain bike maintenance guide covers the basics. The trail is shared with hikers and horses.
Trail facts
- Dirt (singletrack)
- 24 miles
- Mountain Bike
- Mark Twain National Forest (Washington County)
- Mountain biking
Bike Trails in Nearby States
Planning a ride across the state line? These guides cover the states around Missouri, each with a map, a comparison table and trail facts.
- Iowa16 trails, including the High Trestle Trail
- Illinois18 trails, from Chicago’s Lakefront to Tunnel Hill
- Kentucky14 trails, from Louisville to Land Between the Lakes
- Indiana17 trails, from urban greenways to southern Indiana
- WisconsinRail-trails, off-road state trails and mountain bike parks
- All statesOur complete list of US bike trails
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Gear For The Long Miles
Looking For New Trails To Conquer?
Explore our state-by-state trail guides – distances, surfaces, maps and directions for paved rail-trails and dirt singletrack alike.
Missouri Bike Trails FAQ
What is the longest bike trail in Missouri?
The Katy Trail is the longest at 240 miles, from Machens in St. Charles County to Clinton, and it is the longest developed rail-trail in the US. At Windsor it meets the 47.5-mile Rock Island Trail State Park, which heads northwest to Pleasant Hill, so together they make close to 290 miles of connected trail.
What are the best bike trails near St. Louis?
Grant’s Trail is the classic easy ride, the Riverfront Trail runs along the Mississippi to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (part of it is closed for repairs until early 2027), and the Creve Coeur Park trails and Centennial Greenway link up to the Katy Trail in St. Charles County. For dirt, Castlewood State Park and the Lost Valley Trail are both within about 30 to 40 minutes of the city.
What are the best bike trails near Kansas City?
The paved Indian Creek Trail, Little Blue Trace Trail, Line Creek Trail and Jackson County’s Rock Island Trail are the best-known options, and Swope Park has the top-rated mountain bike trails in the state. For a longer gravel ride, Rock Island Trail State Park starts at Pleasant Hill, southeast of the city.
Is the Katy Trail paved?
No. The Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail State Park have a packed crushed limestone surface. It rides well on a hybrid or gravel bike when dry, and a road bike with wider tires can manage, but it gets soft after rain. For paved riding, try Grant’s Trail, the St. Louis Riverfront Trail, the Creve Coeur Park trails, the Indian Creek Trail or the Line Creek Trail.
Do you need a trail pass to bike in Missouri?
No. There is no fee to ride the Katy Trail, Rock Island Trail State Park or any of the greenways and trails in this guide. Some trails, including Rock Island Trail State Park and the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, have set hours, so check the trail page before an early or late ride.
Where can I mountain bike in Missouri?
The Berryman Trail in the Mark Twain National Forest is the state’s classic 24-mile backcountry loop. Near Kansas City, Swope Park has technical singletrack, and near St. Louis, Castlewood State Park and the Lost Valley Trail at Weldon Spring are the most popular choices. Dirt trails often close or get muddy after rain, so check conditions before you go.
