Townsend Park & Cannon Trail in Rockford, MI

Family-biking-bike-trails-woods

Best Greater Grand Rapids Bike Trails for Families

When it comes to warm-weather things to do, going for a bike ride is a classic!

Whether you’re looking for an urban trail, mountain bike trails, or something in between, the options in greater Grand Rapids are almost endless. 

Use this list of the best West Michigan bike trails to help your family find a great place to pedal.

bikes at the beach

West Michigan Bike Trails You’ll Love

Training wheels or not, if you have a way to transport bikes to a different location, you’ll have miles of Michigan to explore.

You can do an easy one or two mile ride on a paved path, or venture out for something longer or more challenging.

There are many Grand Rapids bike trails that hook up to other parks or scenic areas, and many include ice cream pitstops.

Our family loves biking the White Pines Trail at Comstock Park and riding to Rockford for dinner and then topping it off with ice cream at the end of the trip back in Comstock Park. Find this trip and other great family bike paths listed below.

PS – Bike trails are just one part of the expansive parks systems around Grand Rapids. If you don’t have your bike with you, you can still enjoy hiking trails, parks & playgrounds, and even splash pads.

Park Managed by Kent County Parks
Townsend Park & Cannon Trail Bike Trail
8280 6 Mile Rd, Rockford MI 49317
Trail Length: 4 miles
Paved Walking Path, Natural Hiking Trail
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Mountain Bike Trails
Stroller Friendly? Yes, all or most areas
Dog-Friendly
Bike Ride Best For: Families and beginner mountain bikers

Townsend Park connects to the paved Cannon Township Trail, which is great for walking or biking.

Cannon Trail is four miles long, winding through Townsend Park, woods, open areas, marshes, and wetlands, and eventually ends at Cannon Township Center at 6878 Belding Rd NE, Rockford.

You can also access the 1-mile long starter mountain biking trail from the Cannon Township Center. The Cannon Township Mountain Bike Trail loops through the woods and is a great way to test out mountain biking without a big commitment.

Cannon Township Trail uses boardwalks to cross marshy areas

More About Townsend Park & Cannon Trail

The Playground at Townsend Park & Cannon Trail
Townsend Park has three separate playgrounds.

The shaded playgrounds feature slides and climbing features, including a rock wall.

The surface is mulched.


Something Unique aout Townsend Park & Cannon Trail
The open stone shelter was built in 1926 and is the first structure built in a Kent County Park.

Park Features

  • Baseball
  • Creek Stomping
  • Dog Friendly
  • Fishing Pond
  • Free Admission
  • Hiking Trails
  • Mountain Biking Trail
  • Paved Walking Path
  • Paved Bike Path
  • Pavilion
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Restrooms
  • Shaded






musketwa trail is one of Grand Rapids Bike Trails
*image courtesy of musketawatrail.com

2 thoughts on “Townsend Park & Cannon Trail in Rockford, MI”

  1. What a great list! I love riding bikes with my family and it will be fun to have some new destinations in mind. It is a bit of work right now because we have a tag-along plus a Burley and then our 2 adult bikes and 1 child bike to transport- that means we do a lot of neighborhood rides. Do you have any tips on how to get so much gear from point a to point b easily?

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