Marine Heritage Park – MCT Goshen Trail loop from Maryville

If you're looking for a well-maintained, diverse touring cycling route that offers both scenic beauty and urban convenience, the Marine Heritage Park – MCT Goshen Trail loop from Maryville is an excellent choice. This moderate 36.6-mile (58.8 km) ride, with a gentle 415 feet (126 metres) of elevation gain, can be comfortably completed in about 3 hours and 20 minutes. It's perfect for cyclists of varying fitness levels who appreciate smooth asphalt paths and the option to explore towns along the way.

What to expect on Marine Heritage Park – MCT Goshen Trail loop from Maryville

This route takes you on a journey through varied landscapes, characteristic of the Madison County Transit (MCT) trail system. You'll pedal through open farmland, past tree-lined sections, and into the charming towns of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, where you can find shopping and food plazas. Keep an eye out for the unique tunnels and bridges, some of which cross active railroad tracks, offering a glimpse of passing trains. The trail's surface is predominantly smooth asphalt, making for an easy ride, though its length and the occasional unpaved segment mean it's best suited for those ready for a moderate touring cycling effort.

Planning your visit

Marine Heritage Park in Maryville serves as a convenient starting point and trailhead, offering amenities like restrooms, benches, and a fishing lake. Parking is readily available here. The MCT Goshen Trail is popular, especially on weekends, so consider an early start if you prefer fewer crowds. The trail is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves change, but its well-maintained nature makes it enjoyable throughout the warmer months. Towns along the route provide plenty of opportunities for refreshments and meals.

Trail details

• Distance: 36.6 miles (58.8 km)
• Elevation gain: 415 feet (126 metres)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Estimated time: 3 hours and 20 minutes