The best traffic-free bike rides around Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor offers a selection of 11 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, ensuring a pleasant and safe experience away from vehicular traffic.

You'll find a diverse range of surfaces, from paved paths ideal for smooth touring to gravel roads that offer a more adventurous experience. Many routes, like the Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail, feature ADA-accessible paved sections, while others, such as the Dirt Hammer loop, incorporate gravel and natural surface trails through wooded areas and gentle hills.

Yes, Ann Arbor is very family-friendly. The Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail, particularly its Ann Arbor Corridor, offers flat, paved paths suitable for all ages. Parks like Gallup Park also feature paved trails that are popular with families and connect to the B2B Trail, providing safe and enjoyable rides.

Many of Ann Arbor's parks and trails are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. Always check specific park regulations before you go. Routes that pass through natural areas or parks like Gallup Park and the Border-to-Border Trail are generally welcoming to leashed dogs.

Ann Arbor's routes often follow the picturesque Huron River, offering beautiful water views. You might encounter landmarks such as the historic Delhi Bridge, pass through serene natural areas like Tubbs Nature Area, or cycle past the tranquil Gallup Youth Fishing Pond. Many routes also wind through dense forests and wooded ravines, providing shaded and scenic passages.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Bandemer Park – Delhi Bridge loop and the more challenging Nacho Ride Half Century loop, which offers a longer, more demanding circular experience.

Spring, summer, and fall are generally the best seasons for touring cycling in Ann Arbor. Spring brings blooming flora, summer offers lush greenery, and fall showcases vibrant foliage. The varied terrain and tree cover provide pleasant conditions, though summer can be warm. Winter cycling is possible, but some natural surface trails may be less accessible due to snow or ice.

Many of Ann Arbor's parks and trailheads offer convenient parking. For instance, routes starting from Bandemer Park or Gallup Park typically have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check specific park websites for parking availability and any potential fees before your visit.

Absolutely. The Ann Arbor Corridor of the Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail is an excellent choice for beginners, offering 5.6 miles of flat, paved, and car-free cycling. Routes through parks like Gallup Park also provide gentle, accessible options for those new to touring cycling.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Ann Arbor, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's beautiful natural scenery, the well-maintained trail systems, and the peaceful, traffic-free environment that allows for an immersive outdoor adventure.

Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Nacho Ride Half Century loop offer a longer distance of nearly 78 km with significant elevation gain. The Bandemer Park – North Delhi Bridge loop also provides a substantial ride of almost 60 km, combining distance with varied terrain.

Ann Arbor has a public transportation system (TheRide) that serves various parts of the city, including areas near popular parks and trailheads. While direct access to every single trailhead might vary, many central points along the Border-to-Border Trail and other routes are within reasonable proximity to bus stops, making public transport a viable option for reaching some starting points.