Directory of Hiking & Walking Trails – Grand Rapids & West Michigan
Hiking West Michigan kids is a snap – so many places to choose from, and so much beautiful scenery at each location that it makes it one of our top choices for recreational activities.
Most of these walking trails are free (some charge a small fee or a parking fee). We’ve checked a lot of these hiking trails off of our list and can’t wait to add some more before the year is over.
The Parks, Playgrounds & Trails Directory is proudly presented by John Ball Zoo. We are grateful for their support!
Directory of Hiking & Walking Trails – Grand Rapids & West Michigan
Find your next adventure by searching the features below.
← Return to West MI Trails Directory
Park Managed by
Park Website
Open: Open all year Stroller-Friendly? Yes, all or most areas Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leashThis rail trail offers a mix of rural and urban, passing through towns, neighborhoods, woodlands and farmlands, traveling over and along creeks and rivers, including the Thornapple River.
Several areas with parking are available throughout the trail's route.
Good entry points are Main St & Mill Ave intersection in Caledonia, downtown Middleville behind the village offices, and Maple Valley High School east of Nashville.
The Walking Paths at Paul Henry - Thornapple Trail
Running along rail lines, the rail is fairly flat. It is paved with areas of asphalt, cinder and crushed stone.
Paul Henry - Thornapple Trail Features & Amentities
Accessible, Dog Friendly, Free Admission, Lake or River, Paved Walking Path, Paved Bike Path
Etiquette & Tips for Hiking & Walking Trails
Here are some things to keep in mind while hiking the walking trails in Grand Rapids.
- Stay on the right side of the path when others are approaching.
- Wait your turn on the stairs.
- Pack in and pack out your trash.
- Bring sunscreen and bug spray (we keep a set in the trunk of our car so we’re always prepared!)
- Bring water for everyone.
- Binoculars and/or a compass can making any hike an adventure for a child
- Check for ticks when you’re done (Read this helpful info about ticks in West Michigan)
It’s easy to forget how lucky we are to live where we do. West Michigan has incredible scenery! And we have so many well kept trails and state parks in our area with different things to see.
I have friends in other parts of the U.S. who miss their Michigan home, saying that all the trails where the live are all the same, and not as varied or well-kept as in Michigan.
So don’t take this place for granted, friends! And don’t wait to experience Michigan in all four wonderful seasons on a trail near you.
West MI Trail Directory »
Best Michigan Beaches for Kids »
Splash Pads & Pools Directory »
Top Michigan Campgrounds
West Michigan Walking Trails and Hiking Map
We’ve taken a map of West Michigan and plotted favorite family walking trails, parks and more on it to make it easier for you to find your next outdoor destination. Use the map or look below for reviews on all of our best walking trails in Grand Rapids and beyond.
Find Walking Trails Near Me
More Outdoor Fun
Rosy Mound Natural Area Gives Spectacular Lake Michigan Views + Beach Time
A 0.7 mile (one way) hiking trail from the parking area to the Lake Michigan shoreline includes 1,000 feet of stairs up and down the dunes and scenic views. Once…
Buck Creek Preserve is an Urban Nature Park Ripe for Birdwatching, Deer Spotting & Wildflowers
Buck Creek Nature Preserve is for Nature Lovers who Don’t Want to Leave the City Buck Creek Nature Preserve4269 Burlingame Ave SW, Wyoming, Michigan 49509natural hiking trails, Picnic SpotsTrail Length:…
Cascade Peace Park: Hike Hilly, Wooded Trails & Find the Hidden Creek
The Cascade Peace Park is perfect for hiking. The trails go up and down through hardwood forests and are absolutely brilliant in the fall. If you are hiking Grand Rapids,…
Saugatuck Dunes State Park: This Hidden Lake Michigan Beach is Worth the Hike
Find 1,000 acres of land with 2.5 miles of shoreline and 4 hiking trails at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. I would recommend checking the trail map before you go since…
Kentwood’s Veterans Memorial Park: An Easy Stop for Refreshing Fun – Splashpad, Playground, Picnic Pavilion & More
Veterans Memorial Park in Kentwood Veterans Memorial Park355 48TH ST. SE, KENTWOOD MI 49508Park Managed by City of KentwoodPARK WEBSITE Playground at Veterans Memorial Park Veterans Memorial Park & Playground…
Johnson Park in Walker has Alll the Room to Run, Bike and Play
A Bit about Johnson Park johnson park2600 Wilson Ave, Walker, MI 49534natural hiking paths through hardwoodsTrail Length: 1.5 milesTrail Difficulty: ModerateDogs Allowed? Yes, but they must be on a 6-foot…
We love Hemlock! Our family goes there often.
Be careful when going to aman park. You will need bug spray. Lots of mosquitoes!! Other than that highly recommended 🙂
We went to the Calvin College Nature Preserve. I didn’t realize their trails were free and open until sunset. Grabbed fellow mom, Allison Hoogheem Kampmueller and her kids, and off we went! It was beautiful! Thanks for posting the info.
We went to the Calvin College Nature Preserve. I didn’t realize their trails were free and open until sunset. Grabbed fellow mom, Allison Hoogheem Kampmueller and her kids, and off we went! It was beautiful! Thanks for posting the info.
I really don’t know what I’d do without you guys and these ideas. Now we’re headed for a hike tonight!
Mel – you have officially made my job easier at church as I plan out hikes for our high school students to train on before we head to Colorado. Muchas Gracias sister!
This is so great. We’ve been looking for trails that are near and a little further.
this is so helpful. thank you!