Ann Arbor Bike Trails

Biking

Ann Arbor Bike Trails. It can be fun to go biking through the parks and natural areas of the City of Ann Arbor is a community that encourages bicycling and has: On-street bike lanes total of 90.2 lane miles, along with 35.3 miles of shared-use paths, 8.7 miles of marked shared lanes (sharrows), 1.8 miles of protected bike lanes, and 11.4 miles of buffered bike lanes.

The League of American Bicyclists declared the City type a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly City in 2009, 2013, and 2017 and awarded it 1,000 bike parking places downtown, including seasonal on-street bike racks and bike lockers. Has received recognition as a Gold-Status community in the Promoting Active Municipalities Assessment since 2008 as part of a state program to encourage active living in Michigan communities. For Ann Arbor to receive a Gold award, the City must be able to “record excellent successes in making it easy for individuals to be active.” ​​

Bicycle Safely

Be mindful of pedestrians. Ride slowly, signal your presence to pedestrians, walk your bike on congested sidewalks, show consideration for pedestrians, stop or dismount before entry crosswalks, and keep an eye out for drivers who might not be looking out for you if you ride on the sidewalk.
Ride beside traffic. Consider cycling closer to the lane’s middle if it’s too narrow, dangerous, or you’re uncomfortable with the passable.
Give yourself room from parked automobiles to reduce the risk of being complicated in an accident if a door opens in front of you.
Never go without a helmet.
Get noticed. After dusk, the City mandates that all cyclists wear rear reflectors and headlights.
Comprehend and abide by the laws of the road. Ride in the direction of traffic, don’t veer through traffic or between parked automobiles and pay attention to all traffic signs.

The Best Bicycle Trails In Ann Arbor Bike Trails

Even though the statewide shutdown order was extended until the middle of the month, you are not required to stay indoors. There has by no means been a better time to hop on your bike and explore the great outdoors with social commitments, neighborhood events, and other distractions on hold. In one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the United States, Ann Arbor, Michigan, there is no better time than the present to explore some of the fascinating bike lanes with your two-wheeled friend.

TRAIL FROM BORDER TO BORDER: The Border-to-Border Bike Trail, which spans Washtenaw County and offers a mix of hills and flat terrain, enables you to travel beside the Huron River and experience true wilderness seclusion. The path, which is over 20 miles long and has a variety of surfaces, including asphalt, crushed stone, and boardwalk, is surrounded by wooded regions. Endpoints include the Barton Nature Area, Dexter’s Main Street, the Hudson Mills MetroPark, and Eastern Michigan University.
Huron River Driver can be used by bicycles to fill in the missing path while the trail is still being built. When the weather is especially nice, you’ll want to be cautious of foot traffic because many people use this trail for family outings, running, and dog walking.

2.) HUDSON MILLS METROPARK – Just 12 miles to the northwest of Ann Arbor, the Hudson Mills MetroPark is home to a three-mile asphalt biking loop that is situated close to the Huron River. The MetroPark offers other activities besides biking, including some of the most beautiful rapids in the region, a golf course, extreme frisbee, and canoeing. Since you can rent bikes at the park all summer long, take advantage of the benefits of casual riding. Looking to travel on your own bike? Use a Detroit Bikes Sparrow to keep things straightforward. A hassle-free bicycle that is ideal for your journeys along the river.

3.) WATERLOO STATE RESORT AREA Waterloo State Recreation Area is an adventure haven you don’t want to miss if you’re looking for an outdoor thriller. Waterloo State Recreation is the largest state park on the lower peninsula, comprising more than 20,000 acres with 10 miles of trail riding and located just thirty minutes outside of Ann Arbor. Without leaving your neighborhood, you can become engaged in the beauty and majesty of the Upper Peninsula thanks to the unpaved character of all the available bike routes.
The Axel is the best Detroit Bike to take on a course like this if you’re debating between riding on trails and paths. Consider the Axel to be our take on the sport utility vehicle. The bike comes equipped with more gears than you could ever use, a front suspension, a large aluminum frame, disc brakes, and enormous tires. Take this bike with you wherever you go this summer and enjoy some off-road or on-road riding. Nothing makes Ann Arbor look better than our one-of-a-kind, limited-edition Zingerman’s Pickle Bike! With the same specifications as our 3-speed internally geared A-Type but a crisp green paint job and pickle decal as a tribute to the popular deli, this special model is fit for foodies. You’re sure to attract attention as you casually drive around town, whether you’re touring a nearby path, a university campus, or the main street.

Best Cycling Routes In The Ann Arbor Bike Trails

Many people are unaware that Ann Arbor has more than 87 miles of bike lanes, over 900 bike parking spaces downtown, and a ton of amazing biking routes to explore.
We decided to compile a short list of the top spots to ride in the entire Ann Arbor region as summer draws near. Whether you prefer riding on paved roads only, mountain biking, or a combination of the two, you’ll find the perfect trail right here.

1.) Olson Park Mountain Biking, 3.5 Loop Trail – Olson Park is home to one of the City’s only off-leash dog parks, providing 54 acres of entertainment for the whole family, including the dog! A fantastic fishing pond, paved walking paths, premier athletic grounds that can be used with permission, a basketball court, and a climbing wall are all open to visitors. The 3.5-mile circular track is excellent for both beginning and advanced riders, and mountain bikers will adore it.

2.) Island Lake Recreation Area – Choose the Island Lake Recreation Area if you want to try mountain biking out but aren’t quite ready to make the investment in a real bike just yet. The cycling loops in this region are around 15 miles long and feature rocky terrain that is suitable for a road bike or cyclocross cycle. Dependent on how much time you have, you can travel the 9-mile West Loop, the 8-mile East Loop, or both. Regardless, both provide a thrilling, albeit slightly difficult, journey that we are confident you will appreciate.

3.) The 7.5-mile Dexter-Chelsea Road Road Cycling – Try the Dexter-Chelsea Road, which connects these two picturesque communities, for a peaceful and relaxing ride. If you visit on the weekend, be sure to stop by Chelsea’s Zou Zou’s Café, which is frequently crowded with riders taking caffeinated breaks. You should be aware of traffic patterns and other cars when riding because this is an actual road and not just a bicycling trail.

4.) Kensington Metropark – One of Michigan’s most well-known parks, Kensington Metropark is about 40 minutes from Ann Arbor and is located right above Island Lake Recreation Area. Course, a nature center, a farm center, lovely picnic places, and the 1,200-acre Kent Lake are all spread out throughout the 4,486 acres. The paved Kensington Metropark Trail, which starts at the Island Lake Pathway at Kent Lake Beach Road and concludes at the Huron Valley Trail, is a must-see for cyclists.

5.) Huron River Drive Road Cycling, 12 miles – In the area, the 24-mile route along Huron River Drive from Ann Arbor to Dexter and back is the traditional road cycle option. And you’ll discover that many local cyclists concur if you’ve ever driven to Dexter on a Saturday morning from Ann Arbor. The meandering path provides breathtaking views of the Huron River, and with only one stoplight, cycling is practically uninterrupted. Once you’ve covered 12 miles, you may either turn around and cover another 12 (after spending some time in Dexter, of course) or find a friend or two who will bring you home.

Local Cycling Routes Are Highlighted on the New Ann Arbor Bike Map

MI ANN ARBOR — The City of Ann Arbor is urging local cyclists to review and make use of the City’s 2022 cycle map as the fantastic cycling weather has returned.
The updated map features safe riding routes in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Washtenaw County.

The Most Stunning Cycling Locations in Ann Arbor, Michigan

With 79 miles of bike lanes and in excess of 900 bike parking spots in its center, Ann Arbor Bike Trails is an unsurprising bicycle-friendly city for a progressive college town. Visitors should think about destinations outside of the City if they are seeking more than just a way to travel from A to B. There are many trails, parks, and other green spaces in the surrounding area, making it a fantastic place for scenic riding.

Border-to-Border Trail – This beautiful 20-mile trail connects Washtenaw County’s borders, passing through Ann Arbor in the process. The trail travels from the Hudson Mills Metropark to North Hydro Park via Dexter, Ann Arbor, and, eventually, Ypsilanti. Asphalt, boardwalk, and crushed stone make up the trail.

Lower Huron/Willow/Oakwoods Metroparks – A 15-mile paved bike track connects a group of three Metroparks that are only a short drive from Ann Arbor. Nearly 5,000 acres total, Lower Huron, Willow, and Oakwoods are situated around the lovely Huron River. If you still have energy after 15 miles, you can continue cycling via Flat Rock and into the Lake Erie Metropark, making a total distance of 23.75 miles.

Michigan’s Ann Arbor Has Some of the Best Biking Routes

The time is now to ride your bike outside because the weather is becoming nicer. This season, consider taking a bike vacation to Ann Arbor, Michigan. There is a ton to see and do there, making it the ideal location to make you every journey an enjoyable one.

Why is Ann Arbor Bike Trails a great place to bike?

One of the Midwest’s bike-friendliest cities is Ann Arbor. It is a convenient and secure destination to ride, with over 87 miles of bike routes and 900 bike parking places downtown. With temperatures that are lower than in other Midwest cities, spring, summer, and fall offer ideal riding conditions. There are many locations to block for a bite to eat or to take in the landscape, thanks to the fun shops and restaurants.

Olson Park – This lovely 54-acre park with a variety of mountain bike routes was created from a former gravel mine. Both novice riders and more experienced riders can find trails. Take time to savor the site’s wetlands, ponds, and woodlands when you need a break from hammering the dirt paths.
The largest state park in the LP is located in Waterloo State Recreation Area, which can be reached after traveling 30 miles to the west of Ann Arbor. For all of you out there who enjoy mountain biking, this is the ideal location. Ten miles of paths were created just for you. The Big Kame and Green Lake circuits are two of the most well-liked routes. Before tackling this terrain, make sure you have all of your safety equipment, including a sixthreezero helmet.
Bluffs Nature Area: This minor park is rarely crowded and serene. There are several noticeable elevation variations throughout the trail as it rises and descends a glacial crest. There are a number of brief, steep portions. If this is your first time riding the path, make sure to have a map because the switchbacks might overlap and be challenging to navigate.
The 20-mile-long Border To Border Trail traverses Washtenaw County from border to border. Dexter, Ann Arbor, and Ypsilanti are among the communities you’ll pass through on your way to North Hydro Park. The view is breathtaking. In this Nantucket Gull & Buoy Front Wicker Basket, pack a picnic and take in the scenery.
This trail is located in the Hudson Mills Metropark, 12 miles northwest of Ann Arbor. You can moreover bring your own bike or hire one here. The Huron River’s breathtaking rapids can be seen from the 3-mile paved path circle. A disc golf course with 24 holes is also present. You’ll be prepared for one or two games if you store your CDs in a rear rack bag.
The original Michigan Air Line Railroad’s route is followed by the rail trail in Lakelands Trail State Park. Hamburg is 26 kilometers away from Munich. Horses also utilize it, so be on the lookout for their contributions. Try out an e-bike like the Reach Your Destination 500W on this trail. Turn on the pedal-assist mode to make riding easier if the 26 kilometers start to feel too long.

Trails Of Ann Arbor, Clockwise

This trip, which may also be completed in reverse and is accessible from many locations along the way, incorporates Ann Arbor nature parks, trails, and tiny unmarked paths into a comprehensive journey. This is a little-known local treasure. The trails and natural features of Ann Arbor are well-toured on this journey. Although this route includes 96% dirt trails, there are small links between some of them on paved or dirt roads. After passing through Cedar Bend, you have a 5-minute ride on a paved path through the City before rejoining the trail at Bluffs Nature Area. Considering that very few of the trails are really designated, it is incredibly challenging to traverse on your own (see the for on-trail navigation). There are different ways to bike in some of the places, but I found that combining them in this way, moving clockwise, worked best. In some sections, there are pedestrians on the trails, but most of the time, there aren’t many people around. The most inhabited area is Barton Nature Area. All of the trails have multiple directions, there are a few somewhat difficult climbs, and the majority of them are regular riding. The majority of this trip is dirt singletrack; however, there are some roots. We ride this from the fall through the spring because some of these spots become overgrown in the summer from a lack of use. As it follows the river, the backside of the Cedar Bend Nature Area is rather challenging. Therefore I wouldn’t suggest it for beginners or children. There are two less complicated routes you can take down this section. This journey can also be taken in the opposite direction, which offers an entirely unique experience.

Know Before You Go: All trails have many uses and travel directions. It is not advised for novice riders to attempt the back side of Cedar Bend because it is exceedingly steep and difficult. By taking Cedar Bend Street and turning left at the first trail area, it can be avoided.

Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor Family Biking Trails

Between metropolitan areas in Southeast Michigan, there is a great deal of green space where cyclists may connect with nature and put their tires on dirt roads. Searching for relaxing rides

Is It Safe For The Whole Family?
Many parks also provide paved trails that meander through beautiful scenery. One of these paths will undoubtedly suit your needs, whether your child is a beginner or you’re looking for a challenge. In order to create this list, Metro Parent spoke with experts at the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance to identify some well-traveled paths as well as uncommon choices.
Huron-Clinton Metroparks and a few additional well-liked family destinations in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties were also included (and you can find a few more ideas as well as trail maps over at the TrailLink Rails-to-Trails Conservancy).
Then shift into high gear for a summer of scenic exploration, or check out a cycling event in southeast Michigan, after reading this helpful bike safety advice.

Park At Addison Oaks County

Mountain bikers are taken on a winding 14-mile circuit over heavily forested terrain. Bridges over spring-fed streams replace dirt walkways. Addison Oaks is one of southeast Michigan’s “best-kept secrets,” according to the MTB Project, which also points out that the path drains well after heavy rains.

The 982-acre Belle Isle Park is a short distance from the Detroit River. Ride a bike around the island on the paved bike path. Vehicles must purchase a $12 recreation permit, although there is free parking, as well as access to the aquarium, gigantic slide, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and Belle Isle Nature Zoo. Even better, you can don your swimsuit and plunge into the river.

53-46 Huron River Miles

The University of Michigan and more than 100,000 individuals call the City of Ann Arbor home, which is the largest Trail Town. Here, the City’s two busiest canoe liveries in Michigan offer excellent rental options as well as access for trail users with their own gear. The trail is lined with picturesque riverside parks and a few easy places to stop and eat. It takes 0.5 to 1 kilometer to walk to the main business districts of Ann Arbor for dining, entertainment, and shopping.

History – A party of settlers traveled down the banks of the Huron River in search of a spot for a new frontier settlement in 1823 after passing through the fur trade center known as Detroit. John Allen, a Virginian, and fellow pioneer Elisha Rumsey were among the pioneers. The pioneers built their hamlet on the slopes that surrounded the Huron River, about 40 miles west of Detroit. The community was given the name “Ann Arbor” by May 1824. The word “arbor” means “a leafy, dark recess formed by tree branches and plants,” which perfectly depicts the nature of the area in 1824. Rumsey and Allen’s brides were both named Ann. The University of Michigan relocated from Detroit to Ann Arbor in 1837, which paved the way for the area’s development as one of Michigan’s bigger cities.

The most common queries

Is Ann Arbor Bike Trails a nice place to bike?

There are 90.2 lane miles of on-street bike lanes in Ann Arbor, 35.3 miles of shared-use paths, 8.7 lane miles of marked shared lanes (sharrows), 1.8 lane miles of protected bike lanes, and 11.4 lane miles of buffered bike lanes.

Where in Ann Arbor can I bike?

The Great Lake-to-Lake Trail, which runs from South Haven to Port Huron, passes through the Lakelands Trail State Park, which is situated northwest of Ann Arbor. This paved part of the path is the ideal choice for a bike excursion close to Ann Arbor. It runs between Hall Road in Hamburg Township to M-36 just west of Pinckney.

What Michigan bike path is the longest?

The Iron Belle Trail, which includes a biking path, a hiking route, and new links, spans more than 2,000 miles from the far western extremity of the Upper Peninsula to Belle Isle in Detroit.