5 Best Bike Routes to Cycle Around and Explore The City Of Detroit
The City of Detroit may be called Motor City, but that doesn’t mean you always have to drive around. If you’re looking for a good weekend adventure, there are several biking trails in the City of Detroit with gorgeous views and scenic routes for you to enjoy.
Plus, there are a lot of benefits to biking as a hobby. It increases your strength, enhances your mobility, and gets you outdoors in the sunshine. Even just 30 minutes a day can seriously improve your fitness. And you get to have plenty of fun while exploring a new area, or revisiting an old favorite trail.
Ready to wheel your way through the City of Detroit? Here are the 5 best biking routes in Motor City.
5 Best Bike Trails in the City of Detroit
There are tons of trails to take in Motor City, such as the Hines Park Trail or the Kensington Metropark, but these are some old favorites. We’ve listed them according to length, longest to shortest.
Enjoy the scenery as you bike along—just ensure that you rest and stay hydrated, too!
#1 – Macomb Orchard Trail
HOURS: An hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset
LENGTH: 24.0 miles
STARTS AT: 24 Mile Road and Dequindre
Located in southeast Michigan, this trail starts at 24 Mile Road and goes all the way to the City of Richmond. It’s open to walkers, bikers, skaters, and skateboarders; although, pedestrians have right of way. It’s also pet-friendly, but all pets must be on-leash.
Macomb Orchard Trail also follows the 1871 Michigan Air Line’s route, which means you’ll see everything from suburbs to farms to forests while biking on this route. The whole ride along the paved roads is serene and scenic.
#2 – West Bloomfield Trail
HOURS: 8:00 AM to Dusk
LENGTH: 8.60 miles
STARTS AT: Sylvan Manor Park
West Bloomfield Trail goes from east to west, starting near Sylvan Manor Park and ending by Haggerty Road. It used to be an 1880s railroad corridor (Michigan Air Line Railroad) but has been renovated into a bike trail. As you meander, you’ll encounter scenic overlooks such as wetlands and forests.
There are also benches and bike racks along this crushed stone trail. You’ll particularly enjoy the West Bloomfield Woods Nature preserve, where you can stop and enjoy the beauty of nature.
#3 – Grosse Ile Trail
HOURS: 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM
LENGTH: 6.20 miles
STARTS AT: Southpointe and Boucher Rd, or Groh and East River Rd
Grosse Ile parallels Meridian Road, featuring a smooth, asphalted road for bikers and skaters. The trail runs the length of the Grosse Ile area and features plenty of luxury homes as you ride along. There’s also an on-road loop leading to the Michigan Central train depot, where you’ll find the Grosse Ile Historical Society Museum.
The route also crosses the Grosse Ile Parkway, where the island’s only rail line used to reside. For the best views, you can also take the outside route or the north area.
#4 – Clinton River Spillway Trail
HOURS: An hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset
LENGTH: 2.0 miles
STARTS AT: Barbara St. by the Clinton River
If you want to see the Clinton River and the woodsy views at the same time, then bike along the Clinton River Spillway trail. You’ll get a glimpse of the river between forests and greenery as you ride along the paved pathway. There are also lots of benches and covered areas if you’d like to take a break or enjoy a light lunch along the way.
If you feel like 2.0 miles is too short, you’re in luck! The route connects to the Metro Parkway Trail. From there, you can simply continue on to Metro Beach for the perfect end to your day.
#5 – Dequindre Cut Greenway
HOURS: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
LENGTH: 1.80 miles
STARTS AT: Atwater St.
Besides biking, the Dequindre Cut Greenway is also home to walkers and skaters who have their own paths. Residents have nicknamed it “The Trunk” since it’s 25ft below street level due to the former Grand Trunk Railroad line. The greenway has a 20-foot-wide path that features street and urban artwork.
You can take a break partway through at the Wilkins Street Plaza, or take a half-mile detour to the Eastern Market. The route also features plenty of greenery and benches to enjoy as you ride.
Biking Around the City of Detroit
Despite the name, Motor City isn’t just for cars. Cyclists can enjoy themselves on the many routes and trails. There’s fun for everyone, whether you want to stay close to the metro area or go somewhere more woodsy to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Looking for a rental home near these beautiful biking trails? Contact our team to find your new home by bike path.