The best cycling routes in Genesee County

Pedal through peaceful, tree-lined paths alongside Black Creek on the Black Creek Nature Trail & Jack Abernathy Regional Park, an easy 6.2-mile (10.0 km) touring cycling route. With a minimal 67 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain, this 34-minute ride is perfect for families and casual cyclists looking for a relaxing spin through natural woodlands. You'll even pass the distinctive Davison Arch, a local landmark.

Parking is readily available at the Davison Township Municipal Center, Jack Abernathy Regional Park, and the Davison Area Dog Park, offering multiple access points. The park provides public restrooms, picnic areas, and even a dog park, making it a convenient stop for a longer day out. Remember this is a multi-use trail, so expect to share the path with walkers and runners.

This trail serves as a vital link, connecting Davison Township to the city of Davison and integrating into the broader trail system within Jack N. Abernathy Regional Park. Its flat, paved terrain makes it an excellent choice for beginner touring cycling, and the natural setting offers chances to spot local birds and wildlife, adding to its appeal.

The Flint River Trail offers an easy touring cycling experience through a mix of Michigan's natural beauty and urban landscapes. As you cycle, you'll enjoy views of the Flint River and C.S. Mott Lake, with the impressive Stepping Stone Falls providing a memorable landmark. The route is primarily a paved multi-use path, making it accessible for many, though some sections can be bumpy or poorly marked, adding a touch of adventure to your ride.

When planning your visit, be aware that the trail has several access points across Genesee County. While it's generally open year-round, the best time to visit for cycling is often spring or fall for comfortable weather. Keep an eye out for areas where the trail might disconnect, requiring you to use local streets, and consider bringing a map to navigate less clearly marked sections. Parking is available at various points along the trail system.

This trail serves as a vital greenway, connecting parks and recreational facilities like Bluebell Beach. It's also the backbone of a larger system, with future plans to link to other trails and communities, highlighting its importance for non-motorized access and local heritage. The trail features wayside historical signage, offering insights into Flint's past as you pedal.

The Genesee Valley Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, guiding you through a diverse landscape of woodlands, wetlands, and rolling farmlands. You'll often find yourself under a natural "tunnel of green" created by overhanging trees, with the Genesee River occasionally peeking into view. The 16.9-mile (27.2 km) route is rated easy, with a minimal 250 feet (76 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect choice for a leisurely ride that takes around 1 hour and 33 minutes.

For planning your trip, be aware that the trail surface is a mix of cinders, gravel, and compacted stone dust, so a hybrid bike is your best bet for comfort and versatility. While the Komoot route starts in Flint, the larger Genesee Valley Trail system has many access points. Always check local conditions before you go, as some sections can be muddy or bumpy, especially after heavy rains, and on-road detours might be necessary.

This trail is a fantastic example of a "rails-to-trails" project, repurposing old transportation routes like the 19th-century Genesee Valley Canal and the Pennsylvania Railroad. You'll encounter historical canal locks and aqueducts, offering a unique glimpse into the region's past. It's a great option for family cycling or anyone looking for a gentle ride with historical intrigue and varied scenery.

Cycle the easy Southern Links Trailway, a 9.9-mile (16.0 km) rail-trail through diverse Michigan landscapes, perfect for all skill levels.

The Bicentennial Park Pathway offers a relaxed touring cycling experience, stretching for 10.3 miles (16.6 km) with a mere 125 feet (38 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy ride that takes about 56 minutes. You will cycle on mostly asphalt surfaces, with charming boardwalk sections over wetlands and glimpses of a picturesque pond, providing a pleasant mix of suburban and natural scenery.

This pathway is ideal for casual rides and suitable for all skill levels, including families. You can access the trail from Creasey Bicentennial Park in Grand Blanc, Michigan, which typically offers convenient parking. While the route is generally flat, be aware that some sections might have bumps from tree roots, which could affect the comfort of road bikes.

As a multi-use pathway, the Bicentennial Park Pathway serves as a local gem, connecting various community points like athletic fields and residential areas with natural wetland environments. It is a great option for a quick, accessible outdoor activity, offering consistent greenery and a chance to spot local wildlife, especially around the wetlands.

The Flint River Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through a varied landscape of fields, forests, and urban areas along the serene Flint River. You'll find yourself pedaling past the impressive Stepping Stone Falls and enjoying views of C.S. Mott Lake, with opportunities to spot local wildlife like geese and deer. The trail is primarily paved, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride for most cyclists.

This easy 16.4-mile (26.4 km) route features a minimal 296 feet (90 metres) of elevation gain, making it accessible for nearly everyone and typically taking about 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for families or those new to cycling, as its gentle gradients and well-maintained sections ensure a relaxed pace. While mostly smooth, be mindful that some parts of the pavement can be uneven, so a comfortable bike is recommended.

What truly sets this trail apart is its role as a vital part of a larger, extensive multi-use trail network in Genesee County, connecting various communities and recreational spots. Beyond the natural beauty, you'll also encounter historical signage that provides fascinating insights into Flint's heritage. The trail's community engagement, fostered by groups like the Friends of the Flint River Trail, makes it a welcoming and well-supported local gem.

Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride along the Trolley Line Trail, a paved path stretching 5.0 miles (8.0 km). You'll experience a gentle 84 feet (26 metres) of elevation gain, making for a quick 27-minute journey. The route offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere, running straight and flat on a well-maintained asphalt surface. As you cycle, you'll parallel an active CSX railroad track to the west, adding a unique backdrop to your ride. Keep an eye out for the Clio Park Trail tunnel, a distinctive feature along the way.

This easy trail is suitable for touring cyclists of all skill levels, thanks to its excellent paving. While you will encounter a few minor road crossings, traffic is generally light, ensuring a smooth ride. The route is ideal for a quick outing when you want an accessible and straightforward path. You can easily connect to Clio's George Atkin Jr. Recreational Trail, which provides convenient access to various city amenities. This connection makes it simple to extend your ride or explore the local area further.

The Trolley Line Trail stands out as a well-maintained asphalt path, offering a consistent and enjoyable surface for your ride. Its design as a long, straight, and flat route makes it particularly appealing for those seeking a relaxed cycling experience. The trail's unique characteristic of paralleling an active railroad track provides an interesting visual element throughout your journey. This route is a great option for a short, accessible ride within a tranquil setting.

The Applewood Trail in Flint, Michigan, offers a gentle touring cycling experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. This easy 5.6-mile (9.0 km) route, with a minimal 121 feet (37 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through Kearsley and Dayton Parks, tracing Gilkey Creek for part of its journey. It's a pleasant, flat ride that connects key community points, taking around 31 minutes to complete.

As a vital connector trail, you can easily access the Applewood Trail from Mott Community College or by linking in from the broader Flint River Trail system. There are no specific permits or fees required, and its urban setting makes it accessible for a ride at any time of day, whether you're commuting or just enjoying a quick cycle.

This trail is a key part of Flint's cycling network, providing a safe and scenic passage through the city's green corridors. It's particularly notable for its role in linking educational institutions and local parks, offering a convenient way to explore the area on two wheels without encountering significant traffic.

The Stepping Stone Falls – Flint River Trail loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through Michigan's varied landscapes. You'll pedal alongside the picturesque Flint River and C.S. Mott Lake, with the man-made Stepping Stone Falls providing a scenic focal point where the river cascades into the lake. Expect a mix of fields, forests, and urban stretches, often spotting local wildlife like deer and herons along the way. This easy 18.2-mile (29.2 km) route, with a gentle 337 feet (103 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete.

To start your ride, head to the South Shore Beach area, likely Bluebell Beach, which is a popular county park and a convenient access point with ample recreation space. The trail is predominantly paved, making it suitable for most touring cyclists, though some sections, particularly south of Carpenter Road, have been noted to have broken pavement or debris. Consider visiting during the summer evenings when Stepping Stone Falls are often illuminated, offering a unique cycling backdrop.

This cycling route is part of the larger 27-mile Flint River Trail system, which is also integrated into Michigan's Iron Belle Trail. Beyond the natural beauty, you'll pass by historical markers, including the birthplace of General Motors, and have the option to connect to other local trails for extended adventures. It's a fantastic option for anyone looking for an accessible, scenic, and historically rich ride near Flint, Michigan.