Pittsfield Preserve to Mary Beth Doyle Park loop

The Pittsfield Preserve to Mary Beth Doyle Park loop is approximately 55.4 kilometers (34.4 miles) long. It generally takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete by gravel bike, depending on your pace and stops.

While primarily a gravel ride, the route features a mix of mostly paved surfaces and unpaved trails. You'll encounter wide, gravelly paths through woods and marshes in the Pittsfield Preserve, which may include boardwalks. The Mary Beth Doyle Park Wetlands section has a mix of paved and unpaved nature trails, including natural footpaths and narrow wooden boardwalks. Be prepared for potentially muddy spots, especially after rain, in the unpaved sections.

This route is categorized as a moderate gravel ride, requiring good fitness due to its length and some rolling hills. While not overly technical, the varied surfaces and potential for muddy sections might be challenging for absolute beginners. Riders with some gravel biking experience and a decent fitness level will enjoy it most.

The loop offers diverse ecosystems. In the Pittsfield Preserve, you can find a Great Blue Heron colony with over 40 nests, a buttonbush swamp, and numerous wetlands, along with wildflowers and butterflies. Mary Beth Doyle Park Wetlands boasts a wooded natural area and expansive wetlands, with native flowers like trillium and trout lilies blooming in spring. Wildlife sightings are common around the pond and wetland areas in both preserves.

Spring and fall are generally ideal for riding this loop, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, especially in Mary Beth Doyle Park Wetlands. However, be aware that unpaved sections can become very wet and muddy after rain or during certain seasons, so checking recent trail conditions is advisable.

You can typically find parking at access points for both the Pittsfield Preserve and Mary Beth Doyle Park. For specific parking information, it's best to check the respective park websites or local Ann Arbor trail resources. The Pittsfield Preserve website (pittsfield-mi.gov) may offer details on parking facilities.

Generally, dogs are allowed in both Pittsfield Preserve and Mary Beth Doyle Park, but they must be kept on a leash. Always ensure you clean up after your pet to help maintain the natural beauty of the preserves.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access the Pittsfield Preserve or Mary Beth Doyle Park for recreational use like gravel biking. Both are public parks managed by local authorities.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other paths. You'll ride along parts of the Platt-Textile Greenway, Michigan Avenue Connector, Lohr-Textile Greenway II, and various segments of the Grewal Park Walking Path and Mosquito Lane/Run. The Mary Beth Doyle Park Wetlands also adjoins the Swift Run Nature Area, expanding potential exploration.

While the trail itself passes through natural areas, both Pittsfield Preserve and Mary Beth Doyle Park are located within the Ann Arbor region, meaning amenities like cafes, restaurants, and restrooms are available a short distance away in surrounding commercial areas. It's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks for the duration of your ride.