The best cycling routes in Ingham County

The Lansing River Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending urban landscapes with natural riverfront scenery. You'll pedal along paved bike trails, including unique wooden boardwalks, tracing the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers. Expect to see diverse natural features like wetlands and forested areas, especially vibrant in autumn, alongside city landmarks such as the Brenke Fish Ladder and the Michigan State University campus.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with numerous parking areas along the extensive route. While the terrain is generally easy with minimal elevation gain, some sections, particularly downtown, can be a bit bumpy. It's wise to check Lansing cycling trail conditions, especially after heavy rains, as low-lying areas of the trail can be prone to flooding.

This 15.6-mile (25.0 km) route, with only 234 feet (71 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and typically takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It's a fantastic option for family friendly cycling and is recognized for its quality, having contributed to Lansing receiving the 2024 Pure Michigan Trail Towns award, highlighting its significance among Lansing area cycling trails.

The Lansing River Trail Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, weaving through Michigan's capital city with a dynamic mix of urban vibrancy and natural tranquility. You'll pedal along paved paths, past waterfront parks, serene wetlands, and lush woodlands, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, from ducks to herons, as you pass by landmarks like the Brenke Fish Ladder and the expansive Michigan State University campus.

This easy 16.8-mile (27.1 km) loop, with a gentle 251 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a leisurely ride. Access is straightforward with many free parking options, but it's worth noting that some downtown sections can be a bit bumpy, and low-lying areas may flood after heavy rains. Checking local conditions before you go is a good idea.

What truly sets this route apart is its comprehensive connectivity, linking numerous parks, cultural institutions, and commercial centers. Designated a National Recreation Trail, it offers practical amenities like public restrooms and bike repair stations, and Lansing's recent Pure Michigan Trail Towns award highlights its significance as a premier cycling destination.

This easy 18.4-mile (29.6 km) touring bicycle route, with a gentle 280 feet (85 metres) of elevation gain, offers a delightful escape around Hawk Island Lake and through Hawk Island County Park. You'll enjoy serene lake views, cycle through lush forests, and might even spot some local wildlife, all on a well-maintained, paved path. It's a perfect ride for those seeking a peaceful, low-effort outing that feels removed from the city.

Starting from Lansing Catholic High School, the route connects to the larger Lansing River Trail system, making access straightforward. The paved sections around Hawk Island Lake are cleared of snow, allowing for year-round cycling. Hawk Island County Park provides convenient amenities like picnic areas and fishing docks, ideal for a break during your 1 hour and 43 minutes ride.

The Hawk Island loop is a significant part of the Lansing River Trail, offering opportunities to extend your ride if you wish. Built over a former gravel pit, Hawk Island County Park is a 100-acre space blending natural beauty with recreational facilities, making it a family-friendly and dog-friendly destination within Lansing.

This easy touring cycling route, the Hawk Island Lake – View of the Red Cedar River loop from Everett High School, offers a delightful spin through Lansing, Michigan. You'll pedal along paved paths, enjoying the accessible walkways of Hawk Island County Park with its open spaces and amenities, before transitioning to scenic stretches that follow the Red Cedar River. The journey provides a pleasant mix of urban parkland and natural river views, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed outing.

Starting conveniently near Everett High School, this 13.8-mile (22.2 km) loop has a gentle 145 feet (44 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. It's an excellent option for beginner cyclists, families, or anyone seeking a leisurely ride on well-maintained surfaces. Consider visiting during quieter times if you prefer a more solitary experience, especially around the popular Hawk Island Park.

This route highlights Lansing's commitment to accessible outdoor recreation, connecting local landmarks and natural features within the city. The Red Cedar River, a prominent natural element, offers glimpses of local flora and fauna, enhancing the ride's appeal. It's a great way to explore the city's green infrastructure and enjoy a peaceful escape without venturing far from urban conveniences.

The Red Cedar Natural Area – Lansing River Trail loop from East Lansing offers a delightful and varied touring bicycle experience. You'll pedal along the scenic banks of the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers, passing through the natural floodplain forest of the Red Cedar Natural Area where you might spot local wildlife. The route also winds through the historic Michigan State University campus, giving you a blend of natural beauty and academic architecture, including the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden. This easy 12.0-mile (19.2 km) ride has minimal elevation gain of just 138 feet (42 metres) and takes about 1 hour and 7 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed outing.

Planning your ride on this loop is simple. The trail is predominantly paved, featuring smooth macadam, concrete, and boardwalks, which makes it suitable for most touring bicycles. Since it's an easy route with no specific warnings about closures or permits, you can enjoy it whenever the weather is favorable. Parking is generally available in East Lansing, making access to this popular trail convenient for a quick spin.

This loop is a key part of the extensive Lansing River Trail system, which spans over 20 miles and connects various parks and urban centers. The section through MSU's campus is particularly well-regarded for its dedicated bike and pedestrian paths, reflecting the university's commitment to safe cycling. The Red Cedar River itself holds cultural significance for MSU, even featuring in the university's fight song, adding a layer of local history to your ride.

The View of the Red Cedar River – Lansing River Trail loop offers a delightful journey through Lansing's diverse landscapes, from bustling urban centers to serene riverfront woodlands. You'll follow the Grand and Red Cedar rivers, passing through the picturesque Michigan State University campus and sections that feel like a 'magical fairyland forest.' Keep an eye out for wildlife like ducks and squirrels as you enjoy the mostly paved, multi-use path.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with free parking available at various points along the trail. You'll also find convenient amenities such as public restrooms at major hubs like Potter Park Zoo and Hawk Island Park, plus bike repair stations. This easy 14.7-mile (23.7 km) touring cycling route, with only 143 feet (43 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a leisurely outing.

This extensive trail system, recognized as a National Recreation Trail, connects numerous points of interest, including museums, cultural districts like Old Town, and the Brenke Fish Ladder. It's an excellent choice for beginner touring cyclists or families, providing a largely traffic-free experience with plenty of opportunities for scenic views and cultural stops. Just remember that some low-lying areas can flood after heavy rains.

The Hawk Island Lake – Lansing River Trail loop offers a diverse and generally accessible touring cycling experience, blending natural beauty with urban highlights. You'll pedal through forested areas and wetlands, enjoying views of Hawk Island Lake and the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers. The route also takes you past the picturesque Michigan State University campus and through charming Old Town, providing a varied and engaging ride.

This easy 16.5-mile (26.5 km) loop, with a minimal 239 feet (73 metres) of elevation gain, is predominantly paved and can be completed in about 1 hour and 35 minutes. Starting from the vicinity of Lansing Catholic High School, you'll find direct access to this well-connected trail system. The Hawk Island section is maintained year-round, making it a reliable option for a pleasant ride in any season.

What makes this trail notable is its blend of environments, connecting numerous parks, cultural attractions, and urban centers. Beyond the cycling, Hawk Island Park itself offers amenities like pedal boat rentals and a swimming beach in warmer months. The trail also passes historical points of interest such as the Brenke Fish Ladder, adding cultural depth to your journey.

This touring bicycle loop offers a delightful journey along the Red Cedar River and Lansing River Trail, showcasing a mix of natural beauty and urban charm. You'll pedal through diverse scenery, from tranquil wetlands and woodlands where you might spot herons, to the historic Michigan State University Campus and the vibrant Old Town area. The route features mostly paved surfaces, including smooth macadam and wooden boardwalks, providing an easy-going experience with frequent riverfront views.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the Lansing River Trail is well-equipped with numerous free parking access points and public amenities like bike repair stations. While the route is generally smooth, be aware that some sections, especially downtown, might have narrow or cracked surfaces needing repair. This easy 20.5-mile (33.0 km) loop, with just 306 feet (93 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in under two hours, making it ideal for a relaxed outing.

The Lansing River Trail is a significant regional asset, designated a National Recreation Trail, and offers access to cultural sites like the Brenke Fish Ladder and the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. It connects various parks, including the new Rotary Park with its urban beach, and is continually expanding its reach to link with other trail systems. This makes it a fantastic option for family-friendly cycling or anyone looking to explore Lansing's riverside attractions.