1.
Silver Lake – Pickerel Lake loop from Lakelands Trail State Park Trail Head
37.2km
03:23
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best traffic-free bike rides in Pinckney State Recreation Area
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 29, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling in Pinckney State Recreation Area, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many trails winding through this beautiful region, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which might just be filler. We get it – you want the best rides without the endless guesswork.
That's where komoot comes in. Our community of local riders has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, giving us the inside scoop on what truly shines. This guide is your shortcut to the best no traffic touring cycling routes in Pinckney State Recreation Area, curated to save you the hassle and get you straight to the good stuff.
Pinckney State Recreation Area offers a unique touring cycling experience, defined by its glacial landscape of rolling hills, numerous interconnected kettle lakes, and a mix of dense oak forests and open meadows. The terrain ranges from easy, mostly flat paths to more challenging routes with steady climbs, ensuring there's something for every ability. While the park is open year-round, spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions for cycling, with vibrant foliage or fresh greenery.
If you're looking for a moderate challenge that showcases the area's beauty, we'd start with the Silver Lake – Pickerel Lake loop from Lakelands Trail State Park Trail Head, a popular 22.6 miles (36.4 km) route offering fantastic lake views and diverse forest sections. For those seeking a longer, more demanding ride, the Portage River – Silver Lake loop from Pineview Lodge is a difficult 43.5 miles (70.0 km) journey that will truly test your legs. With over a dozen routes rated 4.5 stars by hundreds of komoot cyclists, you're sure to find your next favorite ride here.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Lake – Pickerel Lake loop from Lakelands Trail State Park Trail Head | 37.2 km | 250 m | Moderate |
| Dexter Bakery loop from Activity Center & Park Office | 20.5 km | 70 m | Easy |
| Portage River – Silver Lake loop from Pineview Lodge | 70.0 km | 410 m | Hard |
| Great Lake-to-Lake Trails – Lakelands Trail State Park loop from St. Pierre Wetland Nature Reserve | 34.2 km | 80 m | Moderate |
2.
Dexter Bakery loop from Activity Center & Park Office
20.5km
01:14
70m
70m
This touring cycling route offers a pleasant journey through the varied landscapes surrounding Dexter, Michigan, primarily utilizing the paved Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail system. You'll pedal past serene rural farmland, enjoy scenic riverfront views along the Huron River, and wind through the woodlands and prairies of parks like Hudson Mills Metropark. The smooth, accessible pathways make for a relaxing ride, perfect for soaking in the natural beauty and community charm.
Starting from the Activity Center & Park Office, this easy 12.7-mile (20.5 km) loop with a minimal 238 feet (73 metres) of elevation gain takes approximately 1 hour and 13 minutes to complete. Parking is generally available at the starting point. While many B2B segments are accessible year-round, some parts may not be maintained in winter, so check conditions if planning a cold-weather ride. Spring and autumn are particularly lovely for the vibrant scenery and comfortable temperatures.
The Dexter Bakery loop is a fantastic way to experience the connectivity of the B2B Trail, which links communities and natural areas across Washtenaw County. The route often incorporates sections built on old inter-urban railroad grades, hinting at the region's history. Passing through downtown Dexter provides a great opportunity to explore local cafes and shops, making it a well-rounded outing for families and casual cyclists alike.
View route
3.
Portage River – Silver Lake loop from Pineview Lodge
70.0km
05:58
410m
410m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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4.
Great Lake-to-Lake Trails – Lakelands Trail State Park loop from St. Pierre Wetland Nature Reserve
34.2km
02:03
80m
80m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
See every route on the map
Tips from the Community
oliviakellis
August 25, 2025, Mark Hoffman Trailhead at Pickerel Lake
This trailhead sits beside Pickerel Lake, an 80-acre undeveloped lake in Pinckney Recreation Area. The lake is a serene retreat, ringed by unspoiled forest and wetlands, with no buildings or development along its shore. From here, hikers can step directly into wilderness, using the trailhead as both an access point for the Waterloo–Pinckney Trail and a gateway to quiet exploration around Pickerel Lake.
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oliviakellis
August 25, 2025, Wetland Boardwalk
A raised wooden boardwalk carrying the Waterloo–Pinckney Trail across a marsh just west of Hankerd Road. This stretch offers a glimpse into Pinckney’s wetland habitat, where cattails, shrubs, and standing dead trees attract marsh birds and amphibians. It’s both a practical crossing and a scenic change of pace, immersing hikers in one of the park’s most vibrant ecosystems.
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oliviakellis
August 25, 2025, Blind Lake Walk-In Campground
Set about halfway along the 17-mile Potawatomi Trail loop in Pinckney Recreation Area, Blind Lake is a hike-in only campground with 10 rustic sites. Each site has a fire ring, with vault toilets and a hand pump for water nearby. Campers must check in at the park office on the day of arrival, and stays are limited to one night. Reservations are available online, but same-day arrivals are first-come, first-served.
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Andrus
February 24, 2024, Great Lake-to-Lake Trails
The Great Lake-to-Lake Trails are a collection of over 275 miles of trail connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Over the course of paths trail users have a plethora of choices ranging from parks, lakes, rivers and cityscapes. Go to www.greatlaketolaketrail.org to find out more as it is a great resource for anyone looking to explore the area.
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maniboyflex
January 26, 2024, Gosling Lake
Gosling Lake sits in a secluded area of Pinckney Recreation Area. The lake is surrounded by wetlands and trees, offering a peaceful place to stop by and observe the wildlife.
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Lisa
December 27, 2023, Lakelands Trail State Park
Technically considered a state park, this trail is part of the Great Lake-to-Lake Trail that runs all the way from South Haven to Port Huron. It's a mix of paved and crushed-stone surface, and is open to almost all non-motorized use, including walking, running, cycling and horseback riding. It's also popular for cross-country skiing in the winter.
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oliviakellis
December 25, 2023, Pickerel Lake
Embark on a serene escape to Pickerel Lake—an 80-acre, undeveloped haven. This pristine retreat offers untouched natural beauty. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquil landscape, surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness that defines Pickerel Lake.
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oliviakellis
December 13, 2023, Pickerel Lake
Embark on a serene escape to Pickerel Lake—an 80-acre, undeveloped haven. This pristine retreat offers untouched natural beauty. Runners can immerse themselves in the tranquil landscape, surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness that defines Pickerel Lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Pinckney State Recreation Area?
Pinckney State Recreation Area offers 13 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes. These routes vary in difficulty, with 8 easy, 4 moderate, and 1 difficult option, ensuring there's a suitable ride for different skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes in Pinckney State Recreation Area traverse a diverse landscape shaped by glacial activity. You can expect rolling hills, numerous kettle lakes, and a mix of dense forests and open grasslands. While some trails are known for technical mountain biking, many touring routes feature mostly paved surfaces or well-maintained multi-use trails, offering a scenic and less strenuous experience.
Are there any easy, family-friendly no-traffic cycling routes?
Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for families. For instance, the Green Lake loop from Lyndon Township is an easy 8.3 km ride with minimal elevation gain, ideal for a relaxed outing. Another great option is the Bike loop from Pinckney State Recreation Area, which is 8.7 km and also rated easy.
What are some scenic highlights or natural features I can see along the routes?
Pinckney State Recreation Area is rich in natural beauty. You'll encounter numerous glacial lakes, such as Silver Lake and Losee Lake, and ride through diverse forests and wetlands. Keep an eye out for the Wetland Boardwalk, which offers unique ecological views. The park's glacial topography provides picturesque paths winding through forested areas and around water bodies.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring routes?
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring routes are designed as loops. A popular moderate option is the Silver Lake – Pickerel Lake loop from Lakelands Trail State Park Trail Head, covering over 36 km. For an easier circular ride, consider the Pickerel Lake – Silver Lake loop from Pinckney State Recreation Area, which is about 15 km.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Pinckney State Recreation Area?
The park is beautiful year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions for touring cycling. Spring brings lush greenery and birdwatching opportunities, while fall showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the routes in Pinckney State Recreation Area?
The routes in Pinckney State Recreation Area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 15 reviews. Reviewers often praise the quiet, scenic paths that wind through diverse natural landscapes, the well-maintained surfaces, and the feeling of being immersed in nature away from traffic.
Are there any longer no-traffic touring routes for experienced cyclists?
For those seeking a longer ride, the Silver Lake – Pickerel Lake loop from Lakelands Trail State Park Trail Head is a moderate 36.4 km route that offers a good challenge. While not exclusively no-traffic, the broader Waterloo-Pinckney Trail system connects to the park and offers extended opportunities, with portions suitable for touring.
Can I access these routes using public transport?
Pinckney State Recreation Area is primarily accessed by car, as public transport options directly to the trailheads are limited. It's advisable to plan your visit with personal transportation or a ride-sharing service to reach the various starting points within the park.
Are there any historical sites or points of interest along the cycling routes?
Beyond the natural beauty, the park holds remnants of an 1851 farm, including a stone fireplace and root cellar, adding a touch of history to your exploration. While not directly on every cycling route, these sites are within the broader park area and can be explored as part of your visit.
What is the longest easy no-traffic touring route available?
The Great Lake-to-Lake Trails loop from Pinckney is an easy route spanning nearly 20 km (19.7 km). This route offers a longer, yet still accessible, touring experience through the scenic landscape of Pinckney State Recreation Area.
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