The best cycling routes around East Lansing
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Touring cycling routes around East Lansing are characterized by a relatively flat terrain, making them accessible for various skill levels. The region is defined by the Grand and Red Cedar rivers, which provide scenic pathways through wetlands and woodlands. Extensive trail systems, including the Lansing River Trail, offer paved routes largely separated from car traffic. These routes connect urban centers with natural areas, providing diverse cycling experiences.
Best touring cycling routes around East Lansing
- The most popular touring cycling route is Lansing River Trail Loop, a 16.8 miles (27.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 35 minutes to complete. This route traces the banks of the Grand and Red Cedar rivers, offering a mix of natural and urban scenery.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Hawk Island County Park – Hawk Island Lake loop from East Lansing, an easy 18.8 miles (30.2 km) path. This route explores the popular Hawk Island County Park, featuring lake views and park amenities.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Hawk Island Lake – View of the Red Cedar River loop from Everett High School, a 14.0 miles (22.5 km) trail leading through areas with views of the Red Cedar River, often completed in about 1 hour 19 minutes.
- Touring cycling around East Lansing is defined by riverine paths, urban greenways, and accessible park trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to moderate distances.
- The routes in East Lansing are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.44 stars from over 22 reviews. More than 180 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore East Lansing's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around East Lansing
Tips from the Community
Running between Waverly Road and Old Town, the Lansing River Trail offers 20 miles of paved trail access to many parks, natural areas, and the downtown area.
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Hawk Island County Park is 100 acres of beautiful park land built over the remains of the former Sablain Gravel Pit. VIsitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, picnicking, and in winter sledding and tubing.
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Running between Waverly Road and Old Town, the Lansing River Trail offers 20 miles of paved trail access to many parks, natural areas, and the downtown area.
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Hawk Island County Park in Lansing offers paved and natural trails perfect for walkers and hikers of all levels. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the paths cover varied terrain including riverside views and wooded areas. Bring water and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, whether you’re out for a short stroll or a longer hike.
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From this spot in East Lansing you get a really nice view of the Red Cedar River. This is a great spot to admire the water, catch your breath, and eat a snack before continuing on your ride around East Lansing.
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Hawk Island County Park Pond is the center of Hawk Island County Park. There is a small beach, trails around it, and a boat put in. This is a nice spot to take in the views over the water before continuing on your ride around the pond or beyond on the Lansing River Trail.
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Bridge of CN-railroad line from Flint to Lansing crossing the Red Cedar river. A train with four engin units heading for Lansing and Train heading for Flint waits in the siding.
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Red Cedar Natural Area is a 76 acre native floodplain forest divided by Kalamazoo Street in East Lansing, Michigan. This is a nice place to slow down as you ride past to admire the scenery and look out for wildlife in this otherwise rather suburban area near Michigan State University.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in East Lansing?
East Lansing offers over 30 touring cycling routes, with the majority being easy to moderate in difficulty. This includes 26 easy routes and 6 moderate routes, providing options for various skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in East Lansing?
The touring cycling routes around East Lansing are generally characterized by relatively flat terrain. They often follow the scenic banks of the Grand and Red Cedar rivers, passing through wetlands and woodlands, as well as connecting urban areas. The extensive trail systems, like the Lansing River Trail, are largely paved and separated from car traffic.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in East Lansing?
Yes, East Lansing is very family-friendly for cyclists. The Lansing River Trail Loop is an excellent choice, offering a paved pathway largely separated from car traffic. It connects to attractions like Potter Park Zoo, which is directly accessible from the trail, making it a great option for a day out with children.
Which routes offer scenic views of the rivers or natural areas?
Many routes in East Lansing provide beautiful river views. The Hawk Island Lake – View of the Red Cedar River loop from Everett High School specifically highlights views of the Red Cedar River. The Lansing River Trail Loop also traces the banks of both the Grand River and Red Cedar rivers, offering diverse natural scenery.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in East Lansing?
Yes, several routes in East Lansing are circular, making them convenient for touring cyclists. Examples include the popular Lansing River Trail Loop, which covers 27.1 km, and the Hawk Island County Park – Hawk Island Lake loop from East Lansing, which is 30.2 km long.
What attractions or landmarks can I explore along the touring cycling routes?
The touring cycling routes in East Lansing offer access to a variety of attractions. The Lansing River Trail, for instance, connects to Lansing River Trail, Potter Park Zoo, Adado Riverfront Park, and provides access to Old Town Lansing and Downtown Lansing with their boutiques, restaurants, and historical sites like the Brenke Fish Ladder and R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. You can also visit the Hawk Island Lake within Hawk Island County Park.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in East Lansing?
The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in East Lansing. The region experiences distinct seasons, with warmer weather and vibrant foliage making for enjoyable rides. While some trails may be accessible in winter, conditions can vary, and specific winter maintenance should be checked.
Are there any dog-friendly touring cycling paths in East Lansing?
Many of East Lansing's extensive trail systems, including sections of the Lansing River Trail and pathways within parks, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and check specific park or trail regulations regarding pets before you go.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in East Lansing?
The touring cycling routes in East Lansing are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.44 stars from over 22 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained, paved trails that are largely separated from car traffic, the scenic river views, and the convenient access to various parks and urban attractions.
Are there any moderate difficulty touring cycling routes for a bit more challenge?
Yes, for those looking for a slightly longer ride with moderate difficulty, the View of the Red Cedar River – Hawk Island Lake loop from Lansing Catholic High School is a great option. This route covers 34.9 km and offers a bit more elevation gain compared to the easier loops, providing a good balance of challenge and scenic exploration.
Can I access the Michigan State University campus by bike?
Yes, the Michigan State University (MSU) campus is highly bicycle-friendly and easily accessible. It features nearly 20 miles of bike lanes and over 12 miles of pathways and trails within the campus itself. The university has also worked to expand regional trail connections, including a route to Lake Lansing, making it a central hub for cycling.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in East Lansing?
Parking is generally available at various access points along the major trail systems. For instance, parks connected by the Lansing River Trail, such as Adado Riverfront Park or Hawk Island County Park, often provide dedicated parking facilities for trail users. It's advisable to check specific park websites for detailed parking information.
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