Bandit Routes Library
A curated collection of our favorite routes.
This is a public resource for anyone looking for the best places to run in the Ann Arbor area.
The routes are divided into the following categories :
LONG RUNS
MIDDLE DISTANCE ROUTES
HILL WORKOUTS / INTERVALS
BUCKET LIST SEGMENTS / ROUTES
LONG RUNS
Domino’s Farms
Meetup Spot : The Petting Farm
Distance : 14 miles
Terrain : Gravel Country Roads
Notes : Primarily on designated Natural Beauty Roads (Warren, Joy, Northfield Church) and they live up to the hype. There are some sneaky rollers, but you are likely to be distracted by the free range buffalo, canopied dirt roads, and running nuns.
Jerusalem Loop
Meetup Spot : Revel Run
Distance : 10 / 14 miles
Terrain : Dirt Roads
Notes : Arguably the best 10 mile loop in the area. Ample parking for big groups. Best time of year to run is either late spring or peak fall.
Argo + Barton Hills + Dirt + HRD
Meetup Spot : Argo Cascades
Distance : 10 / 13 / 18 miles
Terrain : B2B paved trail, scenic neighborhood, dirt, scenic public road
Notes : This route showcases many of the unique stomping grounds for Ann Arbor runners. The “shark loop” portion of the B2B takes you around the cascades and is one of Treetown’s most traveled pedestrian paths. Barton Hills is a sacred (and forbidden) path for runners, but has water views that will take your breath away as you tackle some serious vert. The dirt road portion of this route gives you a taste of our serene and scenic gravel roads, including the iconic Tubbs segment. The last 3-4 miles of this route is along Huron River Dr, with more spectacular views that make you feel like you are in a Tracksmith ad. Stick to the left hand side of the shoulder, and watch for cars.
This can be easily modified by adding / subtracting mileage in the dirt road portion of this route. The key is to connect to Huron River Dr via Maple Rd (aka Foster Bridge) or Tubbs. Looking for 18 miles? Travel East on Joy Rd, head North on Hellner, West on Northfield Church Rd, and get to Tubbs via an Eastern turn on Stein.
Kensington Loop
Meetup Spot : Kensington Metropark West Boat Launch
Distance : 8.5 / 17 miles
Terrain : paved trail
Notes : Sanctuary for distance runners after a big snow. This is the most reliably plowed path in the Ann Arbor area. Kensington Metropark is in Milford / Brighton, around 25 minutes from downtown Ann Arbor. This loop has a few steep climbs that are ideal for Heartbreak Hill preparation.
Pro Tip : Leave shortly after dawn and go counterclockwise for an amazing sunrise view.
Early Pour / Hudson Mills
Meetup Spot : Early Pour Café / Erratic Ale
Distance : 10 / 15+ miles
Terrain : paved trail + dirt roads
Notes : Reliably plowed in the winter time, and a prime spot for a progression long run, this route is flat and fast. The map below takes you on the dirt road portion of Huron River Dr, but you can easlily get 15 miles staying on the Hudson Mills B2B path and doing an out-and-back.
Pro Tip : Early Pour opens at 7am and doesn’t mind runners using their restrooms pre-run.
Waterloo
Meetup Spot : B2B Trailhead Parking Lot on Waterloo Rd / Stockbridge-Chelsea
Distance : 10 / 15+ miles
Terrain : dirt roads
Notes : Rolling dirt roads with majestic scenery from early May to late October. The 10 mile route should make their way back to the trailhead after completing the Donner / Riker box, which is the prettiest part of the route. Runners looking to go longer are rewarded with the canopied serenity of Beach Rd.
Pro Tip : Parking available on dirt section of Waterloo Rd about a quarter mile East of trailhead. If this launch point is too far away, consider trying this route in reverse from Trinkle Preserve on Dancer Rd.
Ypsi Twp | Rolling Hills Park
Meetup Spot : East Arbor Charter Academy
Distance : 7 / 12+ miles
Terrain : paved path / dirt roads / sidewalks
Notes : Nearly all of the elevation gained is in Rolling Hills Park. The flat paved and hard packed dirt roads are conducive for speedier miles.
Pro Tip : Headphones are not recommended due to exposure to open roads. Bathrooms in Rolling Hills pavillion around mile 3.
Cherry Hill + Vreeland
Meetup Spot : Humane Society of Huron Valley
Distance : 12 / 16 miles
Terrain : rolling dirt roads
Notes : These roads are unforgiving in the early spring and winter months, but are buttery smooth after a fresh grading. Cherry Hill is the most exposed in terms of wind, but the North / South roads are more tree-lined and narrow. To opt for the shorter route, avoid the Northern tip of Gotfredson / Warren / Berry.
Pro Tip : Avoid this route during drought season as Cherry Hill can get dusty. If organizing a group run from Humane Society, encourage runners to bring donations (dog food, cat litter, blankets / towels, etc) that can be dropped off.