Best Places to Cycle after LASIK in St Louis
Clear, natural vision is only part of taking care of your body and mind. Healthy lifestyles include plenty of sunshine and exercise, and luckily for St. Louis, we have plenty of outdoor options in the summertime! Cycling is one of the fastest growing sports and is quickly becoming one of America’s most popular pasttimes, and there are plenty of local places to explore on two wheels. St. Louis bike trails are some of the best around!
Whether you’re a diehard roadie or a tricycle toodler, there are many bike trails you’ll want to see to believe after you have LASIK in St. Louis. We’ve put together some fun destinations to check off of your list of places to pedal.
River des Peres Greenway
The 7.3-mile paved trail of the River des Peres Greenway goes from the Shrewsbury Lansdowne Metrolink Station to Carondelet Park. Additional construction is underway, and although springtime flooding has slowed it down, it should be done soon.
The trail is mostly flat and sunny and it has less traffic than Grant’s Trail. You’ll find restrooms and playgrounds along the way, as well as a bicycle education stop next to the trail, making this a good trail for family outings.
greatriversgreenway.org/greenway/river-des-peres-greenway
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Forest Park
By far, the most popular cycling trail in the area is the Forest Park Loop — and for good reason. Forest Park is our own version of Central Park, covering 1,371 acres of green space, civic centers, ponds, tunnels, and more. The 6.6-mile loop around is great, but there are other pathways throughout that offer different views, too. Parking is free, and there are several spots to stop for picnics or even meditation along the way!
Riverfront Trail
From Chouteau Riverfront to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is the dedicated, paved 11.8-mile Riverfront Trail. This trail passes by the Gateway Arch and offers a view of a handful of vibrant greenways sprinkled along the (not always pretty) industrial shore of the Mississippi. Along the way, you’ll find friendly guides who work the trail throughout the riding season. They’re happy to answer questions, provide you with something to drink, or help you change a flat if needed.
traillink.com/trail/st-louis-riverfront-trail/
Photo Credit: Great Rivers Greenway
Grant’s Trail
Grant’s Trail is 8 miles of well-marked, paved route through the heart of South City. It’s a Rails to Trails trail, which means it was once part of the railroad that gave life to the city a century ago. That also means that it’s flat and perfect for biking, running, inline skating, or walking — all of which are popular summertime activities. Plus, there are bathrooms along the route. And Clydesdales. Don’t forget the Clydesdales!
Creve Coeur Lake
One of the prettiest rides in the metro area are the series of adjoining trails around Creve Coeur Lake. There is a total of just over 14 miles of pathway, with about 12 miles open to cyclists. Much of it is through lush greenways and around the lake, where you’re likely to have views of sailboats, paddleboards, and kayakers. Fun fact: Creve Coeur Lake is pristine now, but in the 1920s, it was considered a hangout for bootleggers and gangsters. There’s more interesting history here, which makes it all the more fun to enjoy the ride!
stlouisco.com/ParksandRecreation/Trails/CreveCoeurTrails
Tower Grove Park
Just southeast of Forest Park is another beautiful island of green in the middle of urban St. Louis life. Tower Grove Park is a perfect place to bring kids for St. Louis bike trails and playgrounds, and to enjoy community events like the International Festival, Yoga in the Park, concerts, and a great farmers’ market. Trails criss-cross the park, so the park’s 6-mile perimeter can become a longer ride.
Castlewood State Park
If mountain biking is more your speed, Castlewood State Park is the place to be. With 17 miles of rugged, wooded trails it is arguably the best list of St. Louis bike trails for mountain biking. This lush, woodland park near Ballwin in the Meramec River Valley has plenty of fantastic views, and trails range from relatively flat and smooth to technical climbs that challenge even seasoned riders.
gorctrails.com/trails/castlewood-state-park
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Katy Trail
We would be remiss if we didn’t include the 247-mile Katy Trail in our list of great St. Louis bike trails. This former railroad route, now surfaced with hard-packed finely crushed gravel, begins in Machens near St. Charles and winds through scenic Missouri River Valley and Missouri Wine Country. It’s nearly completely flat, which means it’s ideal for even tiny riders, and there are plenty of trailheads, former depots, and stops along the way no matter how far you plan to ride. Ride it for a day, or make it a bikepacking adventure to remember!
mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park
If you would like to enjoy the ride without worrying about prescription glasses or contact lenses, take the first step! Find out if you are a candidate for LASIK in St. Louis (or any of its six modern variations) by calling us at 314.375.2020 for a Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis, or schedule your appointment online!
At Brinton Vision LASIK center in St. Louis, Missouri, we recognize that visual freedom through Advanced LASIK or any of its six modern variations is only part of a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, mindful nutrition, and inner peace. If you are ready to find out how you can enjoy life without glasses or contacts, visit us online or call 314.375.2020 to schedule a comprehensive St. Louis laser eye surgery consultation.