The best traffic-free bike rides around Forest Hills

There are 9 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Forest Hills, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find 3 easy routes and 6 moderate routes to explore.

Forest Hills, particularly Forest Park, offers excellent conditions for no-traffic road cycling. The park features properly maintained bicycle tracks and roads that are sometimes closed to cars, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience. The historic Forest Hills Gardens area also has tree-lined, curvilinear streets designed to discourage through-traffic, creating a pleasant environment for leisurely rides.

Yes, there are 3 easy routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the Thornapple River loop from Ada Township, which is just over 20 kilometers long and features minimal elevation gain, making for a relaxed ride.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic road cycling routes in Forest Hills, with an average score of 4.83 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful environment, the well-maintained paths within areas like Forest Park, and the opportunity to enjoy scenic rides away from vehicle traffic.

Many of the routes around Forest Hills are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, you can try the moderate Kapp Corner Preserve loop from School Bus Parking or the slightly shorter Kapp Corner Preserve loop from Ada Township.

The routes offer varied terrain, from relatively flat paths suitable for easy rides to more challenging paths with some elevation changes, particularly within Forest Park. This allows cyclists to choose routes that match their desired intensity and experience level.

While cycling, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Many routes pass by or are close to scenic spots. For instance, you might encounter Thornapple River or the historic Ada Covered Bridge. The Kapp Corner Preserve – Grand River Observation Deck loop from Kent County offers views of the Grand River.

Absolutely. The region around Forest Hills is home to several beautiful lakes. You can find routes that bring you close to Pickerel Lake and Reeds Lake, offering picturesque views and opportunities for a break.

The longest no-traffic route currently listed is the Kapp Corner Preserve loop from Seidman Park, which spans nearly 45 kilometers and is rated as moderate difficulty.

Yes, some routes offer specific points of interest. For example, the Kapp Corner Preserve – Grand River Observation Deck loop from Kent County includes a stop at the Grand River Observation Deck, providing scenic vistas during your ride.