Horseshoe Lake Drive – Horseshoe Lake loop from Metro East Park and Recreation District
Horseshoe Lake Drive – Horseshoe Lake loop from Metro East Park and Recreation District
4.6
(6901)
12,648
riders
Horseshoe Lake Drive – Horseshoe Lake loop from Metro East Park and Recreation District
01:37
21.1km
20m
Road cycling
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
6.52 km
Horseshoe Lake Drive
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
8.24 km
Horseshoe Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
9.84 km
MCT Schoolhouse Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
21.1 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
17.6 km
3.07 km
432 m
Surfaces
16.4 km
3.47 km
1.17 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Sunday 12 July
32°C
21°C
13 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a truly relaxing road cycling experience with unique natural scenery, the Horseshoe Lake Drive – Horseshoe Lake loop from Metro East Park and Recreation District is an easy 13.1-mile (21.1 km) route with a mere 64 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete. This is your go-to for a peaceful ride through a distinctive landscape, perfect for anyone seeking an accessible and scenic outing without breaking a sweat, making it one of the popular cycling trails Horseshoe Lake Illinois has to offer.
What to expect on Horseshoe Lake Drive – Horseshoe Lake loop from Metro East Park and Recreation District
As you cycle this route, you'll be treated to continuous views of Horseshoe Lake, Illinois's second-largest natural lake and a designated National Natural Landmark. The terrain is predominantly flat, making for a smooth ride on mostly paved surfaces, which is great for all fitness levels. Keep an eye out for the impressive bald cypress and tupelo gum trees that line the bottomland woods and marshy areas; the area is renowned for its abundant birdlife, particularly during fall migration for waterfowl and shorebirds, and in July and August for herons and egrets. This easy ride is ideal for families, beginners, or anyone wanting a tranquil escape into nature, offering excellent wildlife spotting Horseshoe Lake cycling Illinois opportunities.
Planning your visit
The park is conveniently located and easily accessible from the Metro East area, making parking straightforward. While the core loop is self-contained, it also connects to the Madison County Transit (MCT) Schoolhouse Trail, which is part of a broader network of over 85 miles of bike trails. This connectivity even allows for longer rides, potentially reaching downtown St. Louis via the Chain of Rocks Bridge. For the best experience, consider visiting during spring or fall for pleasant temperatures and prime birdwatching, though the serene atmosphere is enjoyable year-round.
Trail details
- Distance: 13.1 miles (21.1 km)
- Elevation gain: 64 feet (19 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 37 minutes
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