Thornapple River Drive – Cascade to Ada in Grand Rapids, MI

Park Managed by Ada & Cascade Townships
Thornapple River Drive - Cascade to Ada Bike Trail
2900 Thornapple River Dr SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546
Trail Length: 3.6 miles one-way
Paved Walking Path
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Stroller Friendly? Yes, all or most areas
Dog-Friendly
Bike Ride Best For: Older kids, strong adult bikers using a tag-along or bike trailer for littler kids.

Pedal along this bike trail from Cascade to Ada along boardwalks and paved pathways.

Park at Leslie Tassell Park in Cascade. (Free parking)
Bonus: There is a small splash fountain here, as well as 2 nearby ice cream shops. Also, Ever Play Cafe is right across the street and Village Bike Shop is on the corner if you need any bike supplies.

Follow the bike path north along the Thornapple River Dr. There are several large hills on this route - the first hill being the largest, followed by a series of smaller ups and downs. Most of the path is shaded.

At about the 2-mile mark, you'll pedal over the Thornapple River on the Camelback Bridge. It's a pretty spot.

Continue into Ada, where you can walk through the historic covered bridge, visit the new park & playground along the river, grab ice cream at the General Store or Scoopers, and generally enjoy a visit in this walkable little village. There's a bike shop in town, too.

Ada Park is not far away if you'd like to make a loop out of your ride, otherwise, head back the way you came.

This paved bike path is part of the Ada Township and Cascade Township Trail systems.

Leslie Tassell Park on the Thornapple River in Cascade, MI

More About Thornapple River Drive - Cascade to Ada

Park Features

  • Free Admission
  • Good for Rollerblading
  • Lake or River
  • Paved Walking Path
  • Paved Bike Path