This Walking and Biking Gem near the Beltline is a Beauty
Grand Rapids has a secret park, and that park now has an awesome new pathway.
Crahen Valley Park, among more than 50 hiking trails in West Michigan, is a far cry from the busy East Beltline corridor just a mile and a half away. Most people don’t even know it’s there.
Crahen Valley Park lives up to its name, as most of the park is located in a deep valley not visible to those just driving by.
And now, with the recent construction of a wide multi-use activity path, people can enjoy it in a whole new way.
Grand Rapids Township’s new trail connector through Crahen Valley Park is open for use!
Things to Know About Crahen Valley Park
4355 LEONARD ST NE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525
The new 1.5 mile nonmotorized paved trail winds through the park with sharp switchbacks cutting through the hardwoods. Scenic viewing areas and benches line the 12-foot wide pathway.
Crahen Valley Park is open daily from 6 AM – sunset.
This Grand Rapids Hike Leads to Water
Trails used to be undeveloped here. That changed in 2025 when Grand Rapids Township started developing a multi-use trail connector through the park. Gone are the days of needing a compass to find your way through the valley.
The south side of the park is just off of Leonard. This is where the parking area for the park is located, as well as a large lawn area and valley overlook area.
The new connector trail starts here, too.
To find the sandy stream at Crahen Valley Park follow the paved bike path on the southside of the park.
The start of the trail marks your big descent into the valley.
You’ll need to go all the way down the hill, following several switchbacks.
Follow the trail for a short distance and you’ll find a new bridge over the sandy stream.
This Park Will Challenge Your Sense of Direction
A few dirt paths remain at the park, though several access points from the old setup are now blocked off.
Whether you are on paved ground or dirt, expect rolling hills through a hardwood forest.
Park Layout & Park Rules
In general, Leonard Street forms the south border of the park to Knapp Ct on the northern border.
Along the way, you’ll encounter groves of pines, little boardwalk bridges, ponds, and lots of hardwoods. There are a few open meadows.
Everything is beautiful.
If you have some time to kill exploring, Crahen Valley Park is a fun place to go.
Park Rules
Grand Rapids Township operates Crahen Valley Park. A full list of park rules is posted on their website.
What about e-bikes?
The rules allow motorized mobility devices for accessibility, but that doesn’t mean recreational e-scooters, electric bikes or other motorized vehicles are automatically permitted on the trails.
FAQs
Are dogs allowed at Crahen Valley Park?
Yes, but they must be leashed. It is a very popular spot for dogs!
How long is the trail at Crahen Valley Park?
Crahen Valley Park Connector Trail is 1.5 miles long, one-way.
What is the difficulty level of the hiking trail?
This is a moderate trail, with some bigger hills.
How long should you spend at Crahen Valley Park?
All in all, plan to spend at least an hour exploring the park.
Is Crahen Valley Park accessible?
Crahen Valley Park is accessible on the paved trail.
Map of Grand Rapids Parks and Trails
Find your next outdoor adventure near you with this map of the best hiking trails, playgrounds, and parks in West Michigan.
Be careful while attempting to walk it, it has already turned into a race track for non-stop e-bikes and e-scooters.
This was my dad’s farm. I am glad to see it spotlighted.
You referenced Knapp Street earlier as in forming the northern border, I believe you maybe meant Knapp Court?
Yes, I am sure Melody meant Knapp Court. My wife and I have hiked all the way across and we thought we were coming out on Knapp but it turned out to be Knapp Court.
There are so many opportunities in the park to go on a variety of great hikes. We hike there fairly frequently. What a gem and it sounds like it will only get better!
Did you start you hike from the park parking lot? Did you go west or East to start?