Al Sabo Preserve loop from Arthur and Mildred Woollam Nature Preserve

The Al Sabo Preserve loop from Arthur and Mildred Woollam Nature Preserve is an easy 6.0-mile (9.6 km) route with a minimal 69 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain, estimated to take just 33 minutes for touring cyclists. However, it's crucial to understand that this specific route, as a touring cycling loop connecting both preserves, presents significant challenges due to the nature of the trails. While the Komoot route suggests touring cycling, the terrain in Al Sabo Preserve is largely singletrack and better suited for mountain bikes, making this a route to approach with caution if you're on a traditional touring bike.

What to expect on Al Sabo Preserve loop from Arthur and Mildred Woollam Nature Preserve

This route attempts to link two distinct natural areas, but the experience for a touring cyclist will be mixed. Al Sabo Preserve is known for its rustic nature, tall trees, and serene environments, with diverse habitats including forests, wetlands, and open meadows. You might spot various bird species and white-tailed deer. However, many of its trails feature twists, short climbs, downhills, and natural obstacles like sand and roots, which are not ideal for touring bikes. The Arthur and Mildred Woollam Nature Preserve, Kalamazoo County's newest park, offers scenic views around Bass Lake and Scouters Pond. It has some gravel paths, like the Heron Point Path, which are more bike-friendly, but it's primarily a hiking preserve. Expect to navigate challenging, off-road sections in Al Sabo and potentially use external roads to connect between the preserves, as a seamless touring cycling path isn't readily available.

Planning your visit

Given the mixed terrain, planning is key for this touring cycling route. While the Arthur and Mildred Woollam Nature Preserve explicitly welcomes bikes on its gravel trails and park roads, Al Sabo Preserve restricts bicycles to approximately seven of its 25 miles of trails, and these are often technical. There are no specific permits mentioned for either preserve. The best time to visit would be during dry conditions to avoid muddy or sandy sections that could be particularly difficult for touring bikes. Always check local conditions before you go, especially if you plan to explore beyond the most accessible gravel paths.

Trail details

• Distance: 6.0 miles (9.6 km)
• Elevation gain: 69 feet (21 metres)
• Difficulty: easy
• Estimated time: 33 minutes