The best cycling routes around Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 40 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 22 easy routes, 17 moderate routes, and 2 more challenging options for experienced cyclists.

The spring, summer, and fall months are ideal for touring cycling in Ann Arbor. The region's dense forests and varied landscapes offer vibrant seasonal changes, from lush greenery in summer to stunning fall foliage. While winter activities like cross-country skiing are popular, cycling conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice.

The touring cycling routes around Ann Arbor are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse terrain, scenic river views, and the well-maintained paths that connect various parks and natural areas.

Yes, Ann Arbor has numerous options for beginners. There are 22 easy touring cycling routes, many of which are on paved paths like sections of the Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail, offering a gentle introduction to the region's beautiful scenery without significant elevation changes.

Experienced touring cyclists can find more challenging routes in Ann Arbor, including 2 difficult options. For example, the Nacho Ride Half Century loop covers nearly 48 miles with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, providing a demanding ride through varied terrain.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Ann Arbor are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular options include the Ann Arbor Gravel loop, the Dirt Hammer loop, and the Whitmore Lake loop, all offering diverse scenery and terrain.

Touring cycling routes in Ann Arbor are characterized by the scenic Huron River, which winds through the area, alongside dense oak-hickory forests, wooded ravines, and open meadows. You'll experience a mix of paved paths, gravel roads, and natural surface trails, often with gentle hills and vibrant seasonal changes.

Ann Arbor offers several family-friendly cycling options, particularly on its extensive network of paved paths. The Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail is an excellent choice, being ADA-accessible and connecting various parks and destinations, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages.

Many routes in Ann Arbor pass by or lead to interesting attractions. You can cycle past natural areas like Tubbs Nature Area or explore parks such as Bandemer Park and Gallup Park. The Bandemer Park – Delhi Bridge loop from Ann Arbor, for instance, takes you past the historic Delhi Bridge.

Absolutely. The Huron River is a central feature of Ann Arbor's landscape, and many routes offer picturesque river views. The Whitmore Lake loop provides pleasant lake and park views, while the Dirt Hammer loop offers scenic river vistas along its mixed-surface sections.

Many parks and trails in Ann Arbor are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. It's always best to check specific park regulations before heading out, but generally, you can enjoy the natural beauty with your leashed companion on many of the area's cycling paths.

Ann Arbor's extensive natural areas, including places like Bird Hills Nature Area and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum, offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Cycling routes that traverse these areas, especially those along the Huron River or through dense forests, increase your chances of spotting local birds and other wildlife.