The best traffic-free bike rides around Kalamazoo

There are 17 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Kalamazoo, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find 11 easy routes and 6 moderate routes to explore.

Yes, Kalamazoo offers several family-friendly, no-traffic routes. The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Loop is a great option, providing a paved, safe environment away from cars. Many of the 11 easy routes are suitable for families.

The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail (KRVT) is a central feature, offering an extensive paved network. You can enjoy routes like the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Loop. The Kal-Haven Trail, connecting Kalamazoo to South Haven, is another premier paved option, known for its scenic beauty through forests and fields.

Many popular trailheads offer convenient parking. For instance, the Kal-Haven Trailhead Red Caboose is a known parking spot for accessing the Kal-Haven Trail. Other trails like the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail often have parking available at various access points along their length.

Yes, you can find several circular routes. The Kalamazoo to Lake Gull circular offers a moderate 67 km ride through the countryside, while the Kalamazoo to Twin Lakes loop provides an easier 32 km option, both designed to bring you back to your starting point.

Kalamazoo's no-traffic routes offer diverse scenery, from urban stretches to natural settings. You'll cycle past picturesque lakes like Gull Lake and Morrow Lake, through forests, open fields, and wetlands. Routes often follow the Kalamazoo River, providing tranquil views of the water and surrounding natural areas.

Many routes pass by or are close to natural attractions. The Kalamazoo Nature Center, with its extensive trails and diverse ecosystems, is accessible from some routes. You might also encounter the Al Sabo Preserve or the Lillian Anderson Arboretum, offering opportunities to explore forests and wetlands.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic road cycling in Kalamazoo, with an average score of 4.66 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of paved trails, the peaceful natural surroundings, and the variety of routes that cater to different distances and skill levels, making it easy to enjoy a car-free ride.

While most routes are easy to moderate, longer options are available. The Kalamazoo to Lake Gull circular is a moderate 67 km ride. For even longer distances, the region is part of the 275-mile Great Lake to Lake Trail, offering significant opportunities for extended car-free cycling adventures.

Yes, several routes provide direct access or are in close proximity to natural preserves. For example, the Kalamazoo Nature Center – Glenn Allen Island Preserve loop from Parchment takes you through the area of the Kalamazoo Nature Center. The Al Sabo Preserve loop from Western Michigan University also allows you to explore a forested preserve.

Kalamazoo is a four-season destination for outdoor activities. While spring and summer offer lush greenery, the fall provides stunning colors, making it a particularly scenic time for cycling. Even winter can be enjoyed, with snow-filled scenery, though trail conditions should be checked.