The best road cycling routes in Kalamazoo County

Kalamazoo County offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 20 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to more moderate challenges.

For beginners and families, the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail and Morrow Lake Loop is an excellent choice. It's an easy 20-mile (32.2 km) route that follows paved trails, offering scenic views and connecting several community parks. Another easy option is the Kalamazoo to Twin Lakes loop, which is also around 20 miles and provides a pleasant ride through the local countryside.

Yes, for those seeking longer or more challenging rides, consider the Kalamazoo to Lake Gull circular, a moderate 41.9-mile (67.4 km) route through rural areas and past Gull Lake. Another option is the Al Sabo Preserve to Cornish State Game Area loop, which covers about 41.7 miles (67.1 km) and offers varied terrain.

Kalamazoo County's road cycling routes offer diverse scenery, including extensive paved trails alongside the Kalamazoo River, views of several lakes, and rides through picturesque rural landscapes with forests and open fields. The changing seasons in Michigan also provide ever-changing beautiful backdrops.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse network of paved trails, the scenic rural roads, and the beautiful views of lakes and forests that make for a varied and enjoyable cycling experience.

Many routes in Kalamazoo County are designed as loops, offering convenient circular rides. Examples include the popular Kalamazoo to Twin Lakes loop and the Kalamazoo to Lake Gull circular. The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Loop is another great option for a circular ride.

Michigan's distinct four seasons mean that road cycling in Kalamazoo County is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and fall offer particularly pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural colors, while summer provides warm weather for rides. The region's landscapes offer ever-changing views with each season.

Yes, many routes pass by or near significant natural areas and parks. You can find highlights like the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail itself, the Al Sabo Preserve, and the Kalamazoo Nature Center. These offer opportunities to explore diverse habitats and enjoy the local ecosystems.

Many of the county's parks and trailheads offer dedicated parking. For instance, the Kal-Haven Trailhead Red Caboose is a known parking spot. The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail connects various parks, which typically have parking facilities. It's advisable to check specific park websites for detailed parking information.

Yes, Kalamazoo County is committed to bike-friendly infrastructure. It features the extensive paved Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, the Portage Bikeway system with over 17 miles of shared-use trails and 35 miles of on-road bike lanes, and numerous scenic rural roads popular with local cycling clubs. The county is actively expanding its network to connect communities.

The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail (KRVT) is a key part of a larger regional network. It is planned to connect to the Battle Creek Linear Park, the Kal-Haven Trail, and the Portage Bicentennial Park Trail, eventually forming over 140 miles of connected trails across Southwest Michigan.

Many of Kalamazoo County's parks are accessible via the extensive trail network. For more information on the county's diverse park system, including details on specific parks like Markin Glen, Cold Brook, and Prairie View, you can visit the official Kalamazoo County Parks website.