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Best Metro Detroit Bike Rides

Bike Trails
(credit: www.m-bike.org)

Living in the hustle and bustle of Metro Detroit can get hectic and we might forget about all the natural beauty that surrounds the area. An inexpensive way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise is by taking a bike ride. Several bike paths in the metro area provide scenic rides through towns and rural areas or along shorelines. No matter where you are located in the metro area, you can find a variety of bike trails nearby. -S. L. Stoddart

Kensington Metropark
(credit: metroparks.com)

Kensington Metropark

2240 W. Buno Rd.
Milford, MI 48380
248-685-1561
metroparks.com

Located in the southeastern city of Milford, the 4,481-acre Kensington Metropark is home to an 8.5-mile-long trail that offers panoramic views of Kent Lake. The trail is secluded among gentle hills and features a variety of challenging inclines. Helmet use is required by local ordinance for cyclists, in-line skaters and anyone using a wheeled device on the trail.

Clinton River Trail
(credit: www.clintonrivertrail.org)

Clinton River Trail

clintonrivertrail.org

The Clinton River Trail stretches through the heart of Oakland County on 16 miles of abandoned rail line. The trail passes through the cities of Sylvan Lake, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills and Rochester. It connects with the existing West Bloomfield trail to the west and the Macomb Orchard Trail to the east. The trail boarders the Clinton River and also passes through downtown districts, residential areas and local parks.

Orchard Trail
(credit: orchardtrail.org)

Macomb Orchard Trail

orchardtrail.org
macombcountymi.gov

The Macomb Orchard Trail is a 24-mile "linear park" that stretches northeast from 24 Mile Road and Dequindre in Shelby Township to the City of Richmond. Starting in the east, the trail passes through urban areas into the rural countryside of the west before ending in the heart of Richmond at a trailhead park. Sections of the trail are unpaved.

metroparks
credit: http://www.metroparks.com

Oakwoods/Willow/Lower Huron Metropark

Oakwoods Metropark
33249 Willow Rd.
New Boston, MI 48164
734-782-3956
metroparks.com

Willow Metropark
32685 S. Huron Rd.
New Boston, MI 48164
734-697-9181
metroparks.com

Lower Huron Metropark
12000 Metropolitan Pkwy.
Belleville, MI 48111
734-697-9181
metroparks.com

Oakwoods Metropark is located just outside of Flat Rock and is home to a 3 mile bike trail that meanders along open fields and through wooded areas. Willow Metropark is located just north of Oakwoods Metropark and is home to a 4.5 mile bike path that wanders past mature woodlands, Washago pond and the Huron River. Further north of Willow Metropark is Lower Huron Metropark, home to 4.1 mile bike trail that roams along the Huron River, through open fields and past lush woodlands. A pathway connects all three trails to create a 30 mile round-trip bike ride.

sturgriver
credit: http://www.michigantrails.org

Southwest Detroit/Dearborn Greenway

michigantrails.org/projects/detroit-trails

The Southwest Detroit/Dearborn Greenway is a work in progress. Currently, the trail includes a paved pathway through Detroit's Patton Park, a paved path around Dearborn's Lapeer Park and an on-road signed bike route which connects the two. There are future plans to further expand the trail with connections to the Rouge Gateway Project, Fort Street Greenway, Corktown-Mexicantown Greenlink, historic Fort Wayne, Clark Park and the Detroit Riverfront.

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