The best traffic-free bike rides in St. Clair County

St. Clair County offers a selection of dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes. This guide features 6 carefully curated routes, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, perfect for exploring the region's scenic landscapes without vehicle interference.

Yes, St. Clair County has easy, traffic-free options. For a shorter, relaxed ride, consider the Roadbike loop from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which is just over 15 km. Another easy option is the Lake Chipican loop from Sunripe Freshmarket, covering about 14.5 km.

For longer, car-free road cycling experiences, you can explore routes that incorporate dedicated trails like the Macomb Orchard Trail. The Twin Lake – Macomb Orchard Trail loop from Richmond offers a substantial ride of over 76 km. Another excellent moderate option is the Shelden Estate Stone Wall – Stony Creek Lake View loop from Armada, which is nearly 68 km long.

The no-traffic road cycling routes in St. Clair County generally feature paved surfaces, often utilizing dedicated bike paths and rail trails. The region is relatively flat, with routes like the Roadbike loop from Selfridge Air National Guard Base having minimal elevation gain, making for comfortable rides. Even longer routes like the Twin Lake – Macomb Orchard Trail loop from Richmond have gentle ascents, making them accessible for most road cyclists.

Absolutely. St. Clair County boasts over 50 miles of waterfront along Anchor Bay and Lake Huron, and many routes offer picturesque views. You can expect to see lush woodlands, open meadows, and potentially glimpses of the waterfront. The Pine Grove Scenic Lookout – Great Lakes Maritime Center loop from Birchwood Mall, for instance, provides opportunities to enjoy scenic vistas.

Parking availability varies by trailhead. Many county parks, such as Columbus County Park and Goodells County Park, offer designated parking areas that can serve as convenient starting points for accessing nearby trail sections. For routes like the Twin Lake – Macomb Orchard Trail loop from Richmond, you would typically find parking near the trailheads in towns like Richmond.

The best time for no-traffic road biking in St. Clair County is generally from spring through fall. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes, while summer provides warm weather perfect for longer rides. Fall is particularly beautiful with vibrant foliage. While winter cycling is possible, some dedicated paths may not be regularly cleared of snow and ice.

Many of the routes pass through or near charming towns and communities in St. Clair County, offering opportunities to stop for refreshments. For example, routes that utilize sections of the Bridge to Bay Trail or the Macomb Orchard Trail often have amenities available in the towns they connect, such as Richmond or Armada, where you can find cafes and eateries.

The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience in St. Clair County, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, dedicated pathways that allow for uninterrupted riding, the beautiful natural scenery, and the well-maintained surfaces that make for a smooth cycling experience.

Yes, several no-traffic road cycling routes in St. Clair County are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to start and end your ride at the same point. Examples include the Twin Lake – Macomb Orchard Trail loop from Richmond and the Lake Chipican loop from Sunripe Freshmarket, providing circular journeys through the scenic landscape.