If you want a good aerobic workout while you enjoy the outdoors, bicycling offers a good, healthy form of exercise whose cost, after an initial outlay for a bike and helmet, will remain minimal. You can bike safely and comfortably on the trails that exist in and near Michigan's suburbs.
Macomb Orchard Trail
You can begin biking the Macomb Orchard Trail in Detroit's northeast suburbs by accessing its western end near 24 Mile and Dequindre roads. The trail starts in Shelby Township, east of Rochester. The trail connects Shelby Township and Richmond, passing through Armada and Romeo on the way. It links to the Clinton River Bike Trail where bikers can continue west to Pontiac. You will find a smooth crushed limestone path with some of the trail paved. Stop and rest at one of the benches along the trail. You'll see horseback riders, walkers and cross-country skiers at different times of the year. The trail runs for 24 miles.
Saginaw Valley Rail Trail
The Saginaw Valley Rail Trail runs from suburban Saginaw to St. Charles in central Michigan. The seven-mile paved trail allows you to enjoy the Shiawassee State Game Area's wildlife and nature. You may share the trail with horseback riders, walkers, inline skaters and cross-country skiers. Start at the trailhead on Water Street at the Lumberjack Park in St. Charles.
Musketawa Trail
The Musketawa Trail runs from suburban Grand Rapids up the shore of Lake Michigan to Muskegon. You can bike the 25-mile paved trail through the towns, wetlands and farmlands of western Michigan where you may share the path with walkers, horseback riders, inline skaters, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. The trail passes through several small towns where you can buy groceries and other supplies. The trail begins in Marne, a suburban Grand Rapids town, at 8th Avenue.
Middle Rouge Parkway
Bikers can enjoy the scenery of southwestern suburban Detroit along the gentle biking trails of the Middle Rouge Parkway. The Alliance of Rouge Communities (ARC), a collaboration of 36 suburban Detroit communities, operates the park to provide biking trails and other activities to local residents to encourage cooperation and mutual support in maintaining the Rouge River's water quality and environment. Access the Middle Rouge Parkway bike trails in Westland at Ann Arbor Trail and Inkster Road.
Battle Creek Linear Park
You can bike around suburban Battle Creek through the paved Battle Creek Linear Park, an 18-mile paved loop that follows the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo rivers. The trail connects with the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. You may find it useful to travel in a group as some of the Battle Creek suburban areas that the trail crosses may appear dangerous. You can join the trail by parking at either Riverview Park or Bailey Park.
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