Walking Reeds Lake Trails Will Make You Forget You’re in the Middle of Grand Rapids
750 Lakeside Drive SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
paved and wooden paths through woods and around the lake
Trail Length: 4 miles
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Facilities: Restrooms open seasonally
Stroller Friendly? Yes – jogging stroller recommended for going around the whole lake
Time of Year Accessible: Open year-round
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Lake views in the middle of Grand Rapids? Sure thing, we’ve got them!
Reeds Lake is our worst kept secret: everybody knows about it and everybody loves it.
Reeds Lake is a welcomed haven located in the middle of East Grand Rapids. Reeds Lake Trail offers just over a 4 mile loop around the entire lake.Â
Reeds Lake is one of over 50 walking trails in West Michigan
Reeds Lake Trail Details
The mid-distance loop and the picturesque setting make it a popular spot for both runners and families.
The trail is anchored near John Collins Park which also serves as a great place for a post-run stretch or a picnic with your family.
Parking at Reeds Lake
You have three options for parking at this popular spot.
1 – Park on the street near John Collins Park (by Rose’s Restaurant). During peak times, these spots can be full.
2 – There’s a parking lot off of Reeds Lake Blvd just north of Lakeside Dr. The lot is on the west side of the street, across form a trail access point.
3 – You can park in the parking ramp in downtown East Grand Rapids, in the cul-de-sac across from Bagley Avenue. This is now a paid parking spot. It’s just a short walk form here to the trail, and not too far from Jersey Junction, if you wanted to pair a walk with ice cream.
If you head north on Lakeside Drive (away from East Grand Rapids High School and the library), you’ll quickly encounter some boardwalk adventures!
Wildlife Abounds at Waterfront Park
The boardwalk trails around Reeds Lake technically are called Waterfront Park. We love this spot and spend most of our time here wherever we visit.
There are plenty of opportunities for little explorers to peek through lily pads to try and spot whatever wildlife they may find. It’s not uncommon to see water-loving birds, minnows, and frogs as you pass.
While we brought a scooter along for this trial, they are not allowed on any of the boardwalk areas (same goes for bikes, rollerblades, or skateboards).
Pro-Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit to Reeds Lake
The trails are largely stroller-friendly (especially a jogging stroller) and a welcomed retreat for dogs. The paths are primarily paved and welcoming to your four-legged friends.
Be prepared for heavy traffic on beautiful days…and moderate traffic on mediocre days. It’s always a little busy, but worth weathering a few new friends to explore.Â
If you’re looking to extend your visit– pack a picnic!
We walked for a bit (we certainly did not make it four miles with a kindergartner on a scooter) and turned around with the promise of lunch waiting at John Collins Park.
And as we shared previously, you can also walk to ice cream at Jersey Junction, or get a cool drink from Starbucks just a few blocks away.
KDL members can also walk over to the East Grand Rapids branch and check out their amazing children’s library and play area.
Anchors Away! Explore Reeds Lake by Water
Reeds Lake is an all-sport lake. This means you can use a motorboat, a paddle board, a jet ski, or kayak to get around on it.
The boat launch is located in John Collins Park and the kayak launch is located behind the Community Center.
You can also fish (and ice fish) on Reeds Lake as long as you have a fishing license from the DNR.
Map of Grand Rapids Parks and Trails
Find your next outdoor adventure near you with our map of the best hiking trails, playgrounds and parks in West Michigan.
More to Explore
I love walking trails! This one is great!
I so enjoy the stories of Mrs. Malski and her children!