The best traffic-free bike rides around Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor offers a great selection of traffic-free road cycling routes. This guide features 12 routes, with 5 considered easy and 7 moderate, ensuring options for various skill levels.

The terrain around Ann Arbor is diverse, featuring a mix of gentle hills and valleys, especially near the Huron River. You'll cycle through dense oak-hickory forests, wooded ravines, and open meadows, providing varied scenery and challenges. The city's commitment to green spaces means many routes offer a sense of immersion in nature.

Yes, Ann Arbor has several easy, traffic-free routes perfect for beginners and families. For example, the Delhi Bridge – Huron River Bridge loop from Newport Creek Nature Area is an easy option. Another great choice is the Gallup Park – Parker Mill County Park loop from University of Michigan, which is also rated easy and offers a pleasant ride.

The komoot community highly rates the traffic-free road cycling routes in Ann Arbor, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 18 ratings. Cyclists often praise the scenic beauty, the quiet nature of the routes, and the well-maintained paths that allow for enjoyable, uninterrupted rides.

Absolutely. The Huron River is a focal point for many scenic routes. The Delhi Bridge – Argo Dam Railway Bridge loop from Ann Arbor offers picturesque views along the river. Another excellent option is the Delhi Bridge – Huron River Bridge loop from Ann Arbor, which provides extensive riverside cycling.

Many routes offer views of the beautiful Huron River, which winds through the city. You might also encounter natural areas like Tubbs Nature Area (highlight) or Black Pond Woods Nature Area (highlight). Notable bridges such as the Delhi Bridge (highlight) and Huron River Bridge (highlight) are also points of interest along some routes.

Yes, Ann Arbor's extensive network of trails often connects to its numerous parks and natural areas. For instance, the Gallup Park – Parker Mill County Park loop from University of Michigan directly links Gallup Park (highlight) and Parker Mill County Park, offering a ride through diverse landscapes.

The routes vary in length to suit different preferences. You can find shorter, easy rides around 12 km, such as the Gallup Park – Parker Mill County Park loop from University of Michigan. For longer excursions, routes like the Delhi Bridge – Huron River Bridge loop from University of Michigan extend up to 97 km, providing a full day's adventure.

Ann Arbor is highly regarded as a bike-friendly community, holding a Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation. The city boasts over 87 miles of bike lanes and 35.3 miles of shared-use paths, making it an excellent destination for cyclists seeking dedicated infrastructure and a welcoming environment.

While this guide focuses on traffic-free routes, some longer options provide a good challenge. The Delhi Bridge – Huron River Bridge loop from University of Michigan, at nearly 100 km with significant elevation gain, offers a substantial ride for more experienced cyclists seeking a longer, quieter journey.

Ann Arbor's natural beauty is particularly vibrant during spring and fall. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming flora, while fall offers stunning foliage. These seasons generally provide pleasant temperatures for cycling, making them ideal for exploring the traffic-free routes.