The best cycling routes around Parchment

There are 10 touring cycling routes available around Parchment, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. Six of these routes are considered easy, while four are moderate.

Touring cycling around Parchment is unique due to its integration with extensive paved trail networks, particularly the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. You'll experience natural, wooded riverbanks along the Kalamazoo River and diverse ecosystems including forests, wetlands, and prairies. The generally low elevations make the area accessible for a wide range of cyclists.

Yes, Parchment offers several easy and family-friendly touring cycling routes. The Kalamazoo Nature Center – Glenn Allen Island Preserve loop from Cooper Charter Township is a great option, covering 16.2 miles through natural preserves. Another accessible choice is the Kalamazoo Nature Center – Glenn Allen Island Preserve loop from Parchment, which is 18.3 miles long.

The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail (KRVT) is a key feature for touring cyclists in Parchment. It's a paved asphalt trail, currently spanning 24 miles, designed for non-motorized recreation. Parchment serves as a convenient access point, with parking available along Commerce Lane near Mosel Avenue. The section north of Parchment is particularly scenic, paralleling the Kalamazoo River with wooded riverbanks and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Cycling routes around Parchment offer diverse landscapes. You'll encounter natural, wooded riverbanks along the Kalamazoo River, and within areas like the Kalamazoo Nature Center, you can explore old-growth beech-maple forests, wetlands, and reconstructed prairies. Wildlife such as turtles, muskrats, geese, bald eagles, and pileated woodpeckers are often spotted.

Yes, several touring cycling routes around Parchment are loops. For a comprehensive tour, consider the Kalamazoo and Portage loop, which is 35.2 miles. Another popular loop is the Gobles Water Tower loop from Alamo/Cooper Center Park & Ride, a moderate 35.4-mile path.

The Kalamazoo Nature Center is a major draw, offering over 14 miles of hiking trails through varied ecosystems. Cyclists can access the KRVT directly from the Nature Center. The Kalamazoo River itself is a significant natural feature, recognized as a Michigan Heritage Water Trail, offering scenic views and wildlife. The Glenn Allen Island Preserve is also a beautiful natural area accessible via some routes.

Convenient parking for accessing the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail in Parchment is available along Commerce Lane near Mosel Avenue. Additionally, the Kalamazoo Nature Center offers a grass parking lot for trail users.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 7 reviews. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paved multi-use trails, the scenic wooded riverbanks, and the peaceful natural preserves that make for enjoyable and accessible rides.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for touring cycling in Parchment. Spring brings abundant wildflowers in the forests, while summer and fall showcase vibrant prairies. The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail is maintained for year-round use, but conditions in winter can vary depending on snow and ice.

Many multi-use trails, including sections of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. However, it's always best to check specific trail regulations for any particular route or natural area you plan to visit to ensure pets are permitted.

The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail is part of a larger regional network, aiming to connect over 140 miles of trails across Southwest Michigan. This includes connections with the Kal-Haven Trail and the Portage Bicentennial Park Trail, allowing for longer touring routes and diverse cycling experiences beyond Parchment itself. Michigan also features the US Bicycle Route 35 for extensive scenic rides.