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

How often have you gotten the urge to go for a hike, but didn’t know where to go?

There are so many well-kept trails in West Michigan to choose from, with rivers, lakes, mature forests, dunes, bridges and more. When you’re looking for outdoor things to do in West Michigan, which hike should you try today?

We’ve tracked down all the best hikes and walking trails and grouped them by area to help you find your next adventure.

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

Pickerel Lake Park
Pickerel Lake Walking Trail in Rockford

So, lace up those shoes and get ready to explore West Michigan!

Hiking & Walking Parks Directory

Don’t wait to experience Michigan in all four wonderful seasons on a trail near you – we’ve got the walking trail info you need in this guide.

Whether you want a chill walk or a tough workout, West Michigan has it.

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

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

Park Managed by Ottawa County

About Hager Park in Jenison
8212 28th Ave, Georgetown Township MI 49428
Park Website
Open: Year Round
Stroller-Friendly? Playground or main areas only, Not on trails
Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leash
Hager Park is huge!

There are so many different things to do - and a "secret," shaded playground with a zipline and "old school" equipment like a merry-go-round.

Dozens of picnic tables, huge open area, tons of woods for hiking and so much more.

Indoor buildings are available for rent.

The Playground at Hager Park

The large Age of Discovery playground is a wooden structure. Kids playing here and its dozens of hiding spaces.

Due to its large size, it can be difficult for parents to see their kids. The playground surface is sand. There are a couple of accessible swings, but they are also on the sand.

This play area is in full sun with very little shade.

There is a secondary, smaller playground that is almost fully shaded. It was swings, a tall slide, merry-go-round, and teeter-totter all on grass.

There is also a zipline on this playground over grass.

The Walking Paths at Hager Park
Hager Park has some paved walking paths, but the main draw are the trails through the mature trees.

The main Hager Park loop is 0.6 miles long.

Bicycles are not allowed on natural trails.

Hiking Trail Details
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Dozens of trails snake through the gorgeous wooded area surrounding Hager Park.

You are sure to see a huge variety of wild flowers and wildlife throughout your hike. One of the trails has a bridge that crosses over a sandy creek.

While some of the trails are paved, most are not so they aren't very stroller or wheelchair friendly.

Bikes are allowed on paved trails only.

Facilities at Hager Park
Restrooms, picnic tables, pavilions, indoor buildings with kitchens available to rent for groups as large as 150 people.

What's Unique About Hager Park?
The mature hardwood forest has spectacular spring wildflowers in April and May.

Hager Park Features & Amentities
Accessible, Adaptive Equipment, Baby Swings, Dog Friendly, Free Admission, Grills, Hiking Trails, Pavilion, Picnic Tables, Playground, Restrooms, Sandbox, Shaded, Swings

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!

Tips for Using Hiking & Walking Trails

Keep these tips in mind while hiking the walking trails of Grand Rapids.

lake michigan saugatuck dunes state park
Saugatuck Dunes State Park trail
  1. It’s common courtesy to stay on the right side of the path when others are approaching.
  2. Wait your turn on the stairs.
  3. Pack in and pack out your trash.
  4. Bring sunscreen and bug spray (we keep a set in the trunk of our car so we’re always prepared!)
  5. Bring water for everyone.
  6. Binoculars and/or a compass can make any hike an adventure.
  7. Check for ticks when you’re done

More Outdoor Fun

West MI Trail Directory »
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Splash Pads & Pools Directory »
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About The Author

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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