The best road cycling routes around Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 30 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy to moderate, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

The road cycling routes around Ypsilanti are characterized by diverse terrain with gentle elevation changes. Many routes follow the scenic Huron River and Ford Lake, offering mostly paved paths. While there are some moderate climbs, the area is generally accessible for a range of fitness levels.

Many routes offer scenic views of the Huron River and Ford Lake. You can also pass through various parks like Riverside Park and Ford Lake Park. For specific points of interest, consider routes that go near Bandemer Park, Gallup Park, or Nichols Arboretum.

The road cycling experience in Ypsilanti is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 25 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained paved trails, the scenic riverside and lakeside views, and the variety of routes that connect different parks and natural areas.

Yes, Ypsilanti offers several family-friendly road cycling options, particularly along the Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail and the Ford Lake Loop Trail, which are largely non-motorized and paved. Routes like the Gallup Park – Parker Mill County Park loop from Ypsilanti are rated as easy and wind through local parks, making them suitable for families.

Many of Ypsilanti's parks, such as Riverside Park, Ford Lake Park, and those along the Border-to-Border Trail, offer dedicated parking facilities. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for specific parking information, but generally, public parks are good options.

For experienced riders looking for longer distances, the Delhi Bridge – Argo Dam Railway Bridge loop from Rynearson Stadium is a popular choice. This route covers approximately 39.1 miles (63.0 km) and offers a moderate challenge with varied scenery along the Huron River.

The Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail is a cornerstone of Ypsilanti's cycling infrastructure. It's a non-motorized pathway system, with over 40 miles completed, connecting various communities and parks throughout Washtenaw County. The Ypsilanti corridor of the B2B Trail spans over 11 miles, providing excellent paved surfaces for road cyclists to explore the city, riverfront, and natural areas. You can learn more about the B2B Trail on Wikipedia.

Many routes in Ypsilanti pass through or near the city center, offering opportunities to stop at local cafes and restaurants. The B2B Trail, for instance, goes through the heart of Ypsilanti, providing easy access to dining options. Consider routes that start or pass through downtown Ypsilanti for convenient access to amenities.

Ypsilanti and the surrounding area boast numerous parks accessible by road bike. You can cycle through or alongside Riverside Park, Ford Lake Park, Rolling Hills County Park, North Hydro Park, South Hydro Park, and Frog Island Park. These parks often feature their own internal trails and offer scenic breaks.

Yes, the Ford Lake Loop Trail is a significant paved path extending about 9.5 miles around Ford Lake. Most of this trail is off-road and passes through several parks, including South Hydro Park, North Hydro Park, and North Bay Park, offering beautiful lakeside cycling. The Gazebo at Riverside Park – Ford Lake Wetlands Boardwalk loop from Ypsilanti is a great option that incorporates parts of this scenic area.

Beginner road cyclists will find several easy routes in Ypsilanti. The region's extensive paved trail network, including sections of the B2B Trail, provides smooth and relatively flat surfaces. An example is the Spring Street Bridge loop from Ypsilanti, which is an easy 13.3-mile (21.4 km) route with minimal elevation gain.