1.
Woodpecker Lake Overlook – Heron Rookery Overlook loop from Temple Israel
20.5km
01:34
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The best cycling routes around Bingham Farms
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 30, 2026
If you’ve ever tried planning touring cycling around Bingham Farms, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. With so many routes available, it’s hard to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That’s where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes, and we’ve curated this guide to save you the guesswork and point you straight to the rides that are truly worth your legs.
Touring cycling around Bingham Farms is all about lush, tree-lined streets, wooded areas, and scenic views along waterways like the Rouge River and various lakes. The terrain is generally gentle, with minimal elevation changes, offering a mix of paved paths and crushed gravel surfaces that connect to broader regional trail systems. You’ll find everything from easy loops to more moderate distances, making it accessible for many. While you can enjoy the trails year-round, spring is particularly lovely when the Cranbrook Gardens are in bloom.
If you only do one ride, we’d start with the popular Kingswood Lake – Cranbrook House and Gardens loop from Troy. This moderate 23.6-mile (37.9 km) route offers beautiful views of Kingswood Lake and passes by the historic Cranbrook House and Gardens, making it a scenic classic. For those looking for a slightly longer, nature-focused experience, the Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve – Paint Creek Trail loop from Bloomfield Hills is another top favorite. At 28.7 miles (46.2 km), this moderate path immerses you in natural preserves and sections of the scenic Paint Creek Trail. With an average rating of 4.8 stars from our community, you can trust that these routes deliver. Start exploring with komoot today!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodpecker Lake Overlook – Heron Rookery Overlook loop from Temple Israel | 20.5 km | 80 m | Easy |
| Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve – Paint Creek Trail loop from Bloomfield Hills | 51.8 km | 210 m | Moderate |
| Normandy Oaks Park Pond loop from Troy | 29.9 km | 60 m | Easy |
| Kingswood Lake – Cranbrook House and Gardens loop from Troy | 37.9 km | 140 m | Moderate |
| Bike loop from Southfield | 15.7 km | 30 m | Easy |
| Bike loop from Lawrence Technological University | 21.5 km | 40 m | Easy |
| Hunters Lane Woods loop from Southfield | 21.5 km | 40 m | Easy |
| Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve loop from Southfield | 24.0 km | 40 m | Easy |
| Commerce Township Bridge loop from Harmon Oaks Wood | 29.8 km | 110 m | Easy |
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2.
Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve – Paint Creek Trail loop from Bloomfield Hills
51.8km
03:18
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.
Normandy Oaks Park Pond loop from Troy
29.9km
01:41
60m
60m
The Normandy Oaks Park Pond loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, guiding you through a landscape rich with wildflowers and peaceful meadows. This easy 18.6-mile (29.9 km) route, with a modest 189 feet (58 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 41 minutes to complete. You'll enjoy a mix of paved and natural surface trails, with the tranquil duck pond providing a serene spot to observe local wildlife like ducks and frogs.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the park is a popular community destination within an urban setting, easily reached from Troy and surrounding areas. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the park's amenities, including picnic areas, make it a convenient stop. Consider visiting during warmer months to best appreciate the park's natural beauty and restored savannah prairie.
This route is notable for transforming a former golf course into a vibrant 40-acre multi-purpose park, emphasizing natural beauty and sustainable stormwater management. It serves as a fantastic family-friendly cycling option and a peaceful escape, offering a unique blend of natural features within a suburban environment.
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4.
Kingswood Lake – Cranbrook House and Gardens loop from Troy
37.9km
02:13
140m
140m
Embark on a delightful touring cycling adventure around Kingswood Lake and the Cranbrook House and Gardens, starting from Troy. This route offers a rich tapestry of scenery, from the tranquil waters of Kingswood Lake, completely encircled by a trail, to the meticulously designed gardens and historic architecture of the Cranbrook estate. You'll find yourself pedaling mostly on paved surfaces, enjoying the blend of nature and art, with opportunities to spot wildlife like deer and various birds.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the route is accessible for touring bikes on its predominantly paved terrain. While the 23.6-mile (37.9 km) distance and 460 feet (140 metres) of elevation gain make it a moderate ride requiring good fitness, the estimated 2 hours and 12 minutes duration is manageable. The best time to experience the full splendor of the Cranbrook House and Gardens is from spring through fall, when the extensive plantings are in bloom.
What makes this Kingswood Lake Cranbrook House and Gardens loop Troy cycling route truly special is its unique blend of natural beauty, art, and historical significance, rooted in the American Arts and Crafts movement. The Cranbrook Educational Community, founded by George and Ellen Booth, provides a stunning backdrop with its architectural grandeur and horticultural beauty, making it a notable destination for those seeking more than just a ride.
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5.
Bike loop from Southfield
15.7km
00:53
30m
30m
If you're looking for one of the best bike loops in Southfield, MI, this route offers a charming blend of urban exploration and natural beauty. As you cycle, you'll encounter a diverse landscape featuring impressive midcentury modern architecture, the historic Southfield Reformed Presbyterian Church, and the tranquil Mary Thompson Farm. The terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling, with well-paved surfaces, making it an easy 9.7-mile (15.7 km) touring cycling route with just 102 feet (31 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 53 minutes.
Accessing this route is straightforward, as it's part of the Southfield City Centre Trail System. The paths are well-maintained with clear wayfinding signs, and bikeshare stations are conveniently located along the way if you need them. Since the trail is designed for enjoyment in every season, you can plan your ride any time of year, making it a flexible option for a quick outing.
What truly sets this Southfield bike route apart is its thoughtful integration into the urban fabric, providing a refreshing escape from car-centric living. It's not just a path; it's a journey through local history, art, and architecture, enhanced by native plants and rain gardens that contribute to the health of the Rouge River watershed. This makes it a hidden gem among bike loops near Southfield, Michigan, offering more than just exercise.
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6.
Bike loop from Lawrence Technological University
21.5km
01:13
40m
40m
This easy 13.4-mile (21.5 km) bike loop from Lawrence Technological University offers a delightful touring cycling experience with minimal effort. You'll pedal through a landscape rich in parklands, nature preserves, and native meadows, often paralleling the Rouge River Watershed. The mostly paved, extra-wide pathways make for a smooth and comfortable ride, allowing you to enjoy the outdoor sculptures and varied natural features without technical challenges.
Planning your ride is straightforward, as the route is directly accessible from the university campus in Southfield. This makes it an ideal choice for a quick spin if you're a student or faculty member. The trail is generally well-maintained, and while specific parking isn't detailed, the university area provides ample options. It's a great option for a casual outing during any season, though spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions.
What makes this route stand out is its connection to the Southfield City Centre Trail, a community-focused amenity promoting well-being and active transportation. You'll find educational panels describing environmental protections, especially concerning the Rouge River, adding a layer of interest to your journey. This loop is a fantastic, family-friendly bike trail near Lawrence Technological University, perfect for beginner touring cyclists or anyone seeking a relaxed ride.
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7.
Hunters Lane Woods loop from Southfield
21.5km
01:13
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8.
Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve loop from Southfield
24.0km
01:22
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
9.
Commerce Township Bridge loop from Harmon Oaks Wood
29.8km
01:47
110m
110m
The Commerce Township Bridge loop from Harmon Oaks Wood offers a diverse touring cycling experience, blending natural beauty with suburban charm over its 18.5 miles (29.8 km). You'll navigate a mix of paved and crushed limestone surfaces, passing through wooded sections and alongside small ponds, especially on the scenic West Bloomfield Trail. This easy route, with just 348 feet (106 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 46 minutes, providing a relaxed journey through Oakland County's varied landscapes.
For planning your ride, consider starting from Harmon Oaks Wood, though the interconnected nature of the trails means multiple access points are available. A gravel or hybrid bike is recommended to comfortably handle the varied surfaces, which range from paved paths to crushed limestone. This route is generally suitable for year-round enjoyment, with spring and fall offering particularly pleasant conditions for cycling.
This loop is notable for its use of the M-5 pedestrian bridge, a crucial link connecting various trails in the broader Oakland County area, including the Lakes Community Trail and the M-5 Metro Trail. This connectivity allows you to customize your ride, moving between more urban settings and natural preserves like Long Park, which features Berry Lake. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as deer, raccoons, and various birds, especially along the quieter sections of the West Bloomfield Trail.
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Tips from the Community
Andrus
June 26, 2025, Cranbrook House and Gardens
The Cranbrook House is a National Historic Landmark founded in the early by newspaper mogul George Booth in the early 20th century. The English Tudor-style house was completed in 1908 and designed by Albert Kahn. You can book a tour of the house and/or visit the 40 acres of surrounding gardens. housegardens.cranbrook.edu/events/tours
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mtm05005
June 26, 2025, Normandy Oaks Park Pond
Normandy Oaks Park is a beautiful 40 acres park that has a playground, paved trails, picnic pavilions, and restrooms.
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Andrus
June 23, 2025, Cranbrook House and Gardens
The Cranbrook House is a National Historic Landmark founded in the early by newspaper mogul George Booth in the early 20th century. The English Tudor-style house was completed in 1908 and designed by Albert Kahn. You can book a tour of the house and/or visit the 40 acres of surrounding gardens. https://housegardens.cranbrook.edu/events/tours
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Andrus
June 23, 2025, Cranbrook Forest Trail
There's a lot to like about Cranbrook, including the Japanese Gardens, and old mansion, but perhaps the nicest part is this trail through the forest. It's hard not to feel at ease as you stroll under to foliage and listen to the birds.
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Jamie S.
June 20, 2025, West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve Wetlands
The wetlands in West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve are a key part of the preserve’s rich ecosystem. These low-lying, often seasonally flooded areas support a diverse mix of plant and animal life, including amphibians, songbirds, and wading birds. You’ll find cattails, sedges, and wetland wildflowers thriving here, along with mature hardwoods growing on slightly higher ground. Boardwalks and trails let you explore without disturbing the habitat, making it a great place for quiet walks, nature observation, or photography. The wetlands also help filter water and prevent flooding, playing an essential role in the area’s natural balance.
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Jamie S.
June 20, 2025, Heron Rookery Outlook
The Heron Rookery Outlook is a peaceful viewpoint along the West Bloomfield Trail, a 6.8-mile path built on a former rail line. Overlooking a lush wetland, it’s a great spot to pause and watch for herons, egrets, and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you have them—this quiet corner is perfect for birding or just soaking in the scenery. Whether you're walking, running, or biking the trail, the outlook offers a scenic break and a glimpse into the area’s natural habitat.
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Jamie S.
June 20, 2025, Woodpecker Lake Overlook
Woodpecker Lake in Oakland County is a peaceful spot and a great place to ride past on the West Bloomfield Trail. This is a great spot to keep an eye out for birds and other animals as you zip past.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical terrain and difficulty level for touring cycling routes around Bingham Farms?
The touring cycling routes around Bingham Farms primarily feature extensive multi-use trails, often following old railway corridors, which result in relatively flat paths. You'll encounter diverse surfaces, including paved paths and crushed gravel. The majority of routes are classified as easy, with 18 out of 23 routes suitable for casual rides, and 5 routes considered moderate.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in the Bingham Farms area?
Yes, many of the routes are suitable for families due to their generally flat terrain and varied surfaces. For example, the Normandy Oaks Park loop from Troy is an easy 18.6-mile route that leads through Normandy Oaks Park, offering a pleasant experience for all ages. The extensive trail networks like the West Bloomfield Trail are also great for family outings.
What kind of natural features and attractions can I expect to see along the touring cycling routes?
The routes offer lush, tree-lined scenery, wooded areas, and scenic views along waterways like the Rouge River and various lakes. You can explore highlights such as Kingswood Lake and the historic Cranbrook House and Gardens. Other notable natural features include Orchard Lake and Quarton Lake Park, which even features a waterfall.
Are dogs allowed on the touring cycling trails near Bingham Farms?
Many multi-use trails in the region, such as the West Bloomfield Trail, are generally dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. However, specific rules can vary by park or trail section. It's always best to check the regulations for individual parks or preserves you plan to visit, such as Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, to ensure a smooth trip with your canine companion.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Bingham Farms?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 22 reviews. Cyclists often praise the interconnected trail networks, the lush wooded areas, and the scenic lake views. The variety of options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more moderate distances, is also frequently highlighted.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many routes are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. Popular options include the Kingswood Lake – Cranbrook House and Gardens loop from Lathrup Village, which is 22.4 miles, and the Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve – Paint Creek Trail loop from Bloomfield Hills, a 28.7-mile route that explores natural preserves and scenic trail sections.
What are some of the key interconnected trail networks accessible from Bingham Farms?
Bingham Farms provides excellent access to significant multi-use trail systems. The West Bloomfield Trail is a crucial link, connecting to the Clinton River Trail and the Michigan Air Line Trail. These connections allow for significantly extended rides, including segments of the Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Route #1 and the Iron Belle Trail, offering long-distance touring possibilities.
Where can I park when accessing touring cycling routes near Bingham Farms?
Parking is generally available at various access points for the larger trail networks and parks. For instance, trails like the West Bloomfield Trail and those within Oakland County Parks often have designated parking lots. Specific parking availability will depend on your chosen starting point, so it's advisable to check the details for the particular route or park you plan to visit.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the touring cycling routes?
While Bingham Farms itself is a quiet residential area, its proximity to larger towns like Birmingham, Farmington Hills, and Troy means there are numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants within a short distance of many trailheads and routes. You'll find options for refreshments and meals in these nearby communities.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling around Bingham Farms?
The region's lush scenery and diverse trails are enjoyable throughout the warmer months. Spring and fall offer particularly pleasant cycling conditions with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. While trails are accessible year-round, winter cycling may require appropriate gear due to snow and ice.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Out of the 23 routes available, 18 are classified as easy, making them ideal for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. An example is the Bike loop from Southfield, which is a gentle 9.7-mile ride with minimal elevation changes.
Can I find accommodation near the touring cycling trails in Bingham Farms?
Bingham Farms is a small village, but its strategic location means there are various accommodation options in nearby cities and towns such as Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Troy. These areas offer hotels and other lodging choices that provide convenient access to the regional trail networks.
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