50+ Grand Rapids Hiking & Walking Trails That are Perfect for All Ages

Walking Trails and Hiking Spots in West Michigan - Rosy Mound Grand Haven

Hiking & Walking Trails – Grand Rapids & West Michigan

Hiking West Michigan is a snap – there are so many places to choose from, and so much beautiful scenery at each location that it makes it one of our top choices for outdoor things to do 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.

Pickerel Lake Park
Pickerel Lake Walking Trail in Rockford

Don’t wait to experience Michigan in all four wonderful seasons on a trail near you.

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Hiking & Walking Trails Directory

We’ve got the walking trail info you need in this guide.

Tidbits like how long the trails are, how hard they are, what kind of surface you’ll be walking on, if you can bring your furry friend, and when you can hit the trail, are included.

So, lace up those shoes and get ready to explore West Michigan! Whether you want a chill walk or a tough workout, you’ll find it all here.

PS – 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.

Cascade, Ada & Lowell Walking Paths

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East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids & Kentwood Walking Paths

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Comstock Park, Rockford, Sparta & Greenville Walking Trails

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Byron Center, Caledonia & Hastings Walking Trails

Park Managed by

About Paul Henry - Thornapple Trail in Caledonia
E Main St SE & Mill St SE, Caledonia MI 49316
Park Website
Open: Open all year
Stroller-Friendly? Yes, all or most areas
Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leash
At its completion, the Paul Henry - Thornapple Trail will be 42 miles of paved trail connecting Grand Rapids to Vermontville.

This 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

Places to go Walking in Walker, Wyoming, Jenison & Grandville

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Places to go Walking in Hudsonville, Zeeland & Allendale

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Holland & the Lakeshore Walking Trails

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Great Hiking Trail Day Trip Destinations

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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

Hemlock Crossings trail in West Olive even has a beaver dam!

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7 thoughts on “50+ Grand Rapids Hiking & Walking Trails That are Perfect for All Ages”

  1. Be careful when going to aman park. You will need bug spray. Lots of mosquitoes!! Other than that highly recommended 🙂

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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!

  5. This is so great. We’ve been looking for trails that are near and a little further.
    this is so helpful. thank you!

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