Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN DETROIT
Planning a bike-powered vacation in Detroit? You’re in for a fun, two-wheeled adventure. The Motor City may be known for cars, but it’s also home to an expanding network of scenic bike routes, greenways, and historic neighborhoods that are perfect for cycling tourists. Whether you’re rolling solo, with friends, or the whole family, Detroit offers a unique mix of urban energy and nature escapes that make for unforgettable rides. This guide breaks down the top bike touring routes in the city so you can hit the pedals and explore like a local.
Scenic cycling along the riverfront
The Detroit Riverwalk experience
If you only have time for one ride in Detroit, make it the Detroit Riverwalk. This 5.5-mile stretch hugs the Detroit River and offers one of the most relaxing and beautiful rides in the Midwest. You’ll cruise past parks, public art, fountains, marinas, and panoramic views of Canada right across the water. It’s flat, paved, and made for easygoing vibes—perfect for all levels of riders, from casual tourists to seasoned cyclists looking to warm up for a longer day.
The Riverwalk connects with the Dequindre Cut, a greenway that adds urban flavor with murals, graffiti art, and a tunnel-like ride through old rail lines. Together, these paths form the spine of Detroit’s bike-friendly transformation. Don’t be surprised to see joggers, rollerbladers, and families out enjoying the same vibe—it's a shared celebration of outdoor life in the city.
Highlights along the Riverwalk
Hart Plaza and its iconic fountain
Milliken State Park’s lighthouse and picnic spots
Valade Park’s beach vibes and food trucks
The Cullen Family Carousel for fun detours
Bike connection to Belle Isle via bridge
Pro tip: Rent a MoGo bike if you don’t bring your own—it’s Detroit’s bike-share system, and there are stations all along the Riverwalk. This is a great route for an afternoon spin before hitting the local food scene or catching a Tigers game downtown.
Bike through neighborhoods and parks
Dequindre Cut, Midtown, and beyond
Detroit has been investing in greenways and urban trails that make exploring the city on two wheels a breeze. The Dequindre Cut is a standout—it’s a 2-mile, below-street-level greenway that cuts through downtown and connects to the Eastern Market, one of the oldest year-round markets in the country. This route mixes art, culture, and local flavor in a way that few cities can match.
From the Cut, head north into Midtown and the Cultural Center. You’ll roll past Wayne State University, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Detroit Public Library—all grand stops worth a quick break. The side streets here are surprisingly bike-friendly, with a mix of protected lanes and slower traffic. Plan your loop around Cass Corridor, New Center, and Boston-Edison for some architectural eye candy.
Urban loop highlights
Eastern Market’s murals and Saturday market
Wayne State’s lively student neighborhood
Detroit Historical Museum and Motown Museum
New Center’s Albert Kahn architecture
Boston-Edison’s historic mansions
Want to make it a longer ride? You can loop this with the John R Street bike lanes or follow the Cass Avenue corridor to reach other neighborhoods like Corktown and Woodbridge. It’s a great way to feel the pulse of the city and see how Detroit is redefining itself through creativity and community.
Longer rides and park escapes
Belle Isle Park and suburban routes
If you’ve got more time—and more gas in your legs—Detroit rewards you with bigger routes that offer both nature and distance. First up: Belle Isle. This 982-acre island park is connected to the city by the MacArthur Bridge and features a 5.4-mile loop that hugs the shoreline. With views of both downtown Detroit and the Windsor skyline, it’s pure cycling bliss.
Belle Isle has more than just roads: you’ll find woods, lagoons, a conservatory, and even a small zoo. It’s easy to spend a whole day here riding, relaxing, and sightseeing. For a true tour, combine Belle Isle with the Riverwalk and Midtown loops—it creates a 20+ mile ride that captures Detroit’s full personality.
If you’re craving a longer ride, hop on the Connor Creek Greenway or take the Southwest Detroit Greenlink, which connects to the suburbs and regional trails. These routes blend industrial zones with pockets of nature, ideal for adventurous cyclists who enjoy mixed terrain and hidden gems.
Top picks for day tours
Belle Isle full loop with museum stops (10+ miles)
Dequindre Cut to Midtown to Belle Isle loop (20+ miles)
Connor Creek Greenway to Eastpointe (15–30 miles RT)
Southwest Detroit to Rouge Park loop (25+ miles)
Detroit to Ferndale and back via Woodward corridor
Always bring hydration and a small toolkit—Detroit’s longer routes can take you into low-service areas. But with some planning, you’ll discover parts of the city and its surroundings that most visitors miss. Whether you’re stopping for tacos in Mexicantown or birdwatching on Belle Isle, your ride will be anything but boring.
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