The best traffic-free bike rides around Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor and its surrounding areas offer a great selection of traffic-free gravel biking experiences. This guide features 13 curated routes, ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring there's something for every skill level looking to explore the region's natural beauty away from cars.

Yes, Ann Arbor has options for beginners looking for traffic-free gravel rides. While specific 'easy' routes are fewer, many trails within the extensive park system and nature preserves offer gentler terrain. For a moderate introduction, consider routes that incorporate sections of the Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail, which is paved but connects to many natural areas. You can also find shorter, less strenuous loops within parks like Gallup Park, which offer a mix of paved and natural surfaces suitable for gravel bikes.

For those seeking a challenge, Ann Arbor offers several longer and more demanding no-traffic gravel routes. The Ann Arbor to Jerusalem loop is a difficult 85 km ride with significant elevation gain through varied landscapes. Another challenging option is the Delhi Bridge – Argo Dam Railway Bridge loop from Ann Arbor, covering about 79 km with substantial climbing. These routes often combine hard gravel roads with more natural surfaces, providing a robust workout.

Absolutely! Ann Arbor's extensive park system and the Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail offer excellent family-friendly options. While the B2B is paved, it connects to numerous natural areas and parks like Gallup Park, which have unpaved sections suitable for gravel bikes and offer a safe, car-free environment. These areas often feature amenities like playgrounds and picnic spots, making them ideal for a family outing.

Many of the best no-traffic gravel routes in Ann Arbor are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the challenging Ann Arbor to Jerusalem loop or the Argo Dam Railway Bridge – Bandemer Park loop from Ann Arbor, which is a moderate 30 km ride. These circular routes make planning your ride and return much simpler.

Ann Arbor's no-traffic gravel trails are rich with natural attractions, often following the scenic Huron River. You can expect to encounter diverse landscapes including dense forests, wetlands, and prairies. Notable highlights include the Tubbs Nature Area, known for its woodlands, and various points along the Huron River like Delhi Bridge and Huron River Bridge, offering picturesque views. Many routes also pass through or near parks like Bandemer Park and Gallup Park, which feature river access and green spaces.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Ann Arbor, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the car-free routes, the immersive natural scenery, and the variety of terrain that keeps rides interesting. The extensive network of trails through natural preserves and along the Huron River is frequently highlighted as a major draw.

Ann Arbor offers enjoyable gravel biking across multiple seasons. Spring and fall are particularly popular due to mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn showcases stunning fall colors, especially along the Huron River. Summer is also great, though it can be warm, making shaded trails desirable. Winter riding is possible, but trail conditions can vary with snow and ice, so checking local reports is advisable.

Yes, many of Ann Arbor's parks and nature areas that host no-traffic gravel trails offer free parking. For example, parks like Gallup Park and Bandemer Park provide convenient access points. Ann Arbor also has a robust public transportation system, and while direct access to every trailhead might vary, key areas within the city are well-served, allowing for connections to the broader trail network, especially the Border-to-Border Trail.

While popular spots like Gallup Park can see more visitors, exploring areas slightly outside the immediate city center or delving deeper into larger preserves often reveals quieter routes. The Waterloo and Pinckney Recreation Areas, just outside Ann Arbor, offer thousands of acres of wilderness with less crowded gravel paths. Within the city, areas like Bird Hills Nature Area or Cedar Bend Nature Area, known for their challenging unpaved trails, can offer a more secluded experience, especially on weekdays.

Yes, Ann Arbor provides several options for shorter, traffic-free gravel rides. Many local parks and nature areas feature loops that are perfect for a quick outing. For instance, the Argo Dam Railway Bridge – Bandemer Park loop from Ann Arbor, at 30 km, offers a moderate length ride. You can also create shorter loops within areas like Gallup Park or by combining sections of the Border-to-Border Trail with adjacent natural paths.

The trail conditions on Ann Arbor's no-traffic gravel routes are quite varied, reflecting the diverse landscape. You'll encounter everything from well-maintained, hard-packed gravel roads to more natural, unpaved surfaces within conservation areas. Some trails, particularly in areas like Bird Hills Nature Area or Cedar Bend Nature Area, can feature steep hills, ravines, and more challenging natural terrain. It's always a good idea to check recent conditions, especially after heavy rain, as some unpaved sections can become muddy.