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.
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.
Walking Trails by Area
Cascade, Ada & Lowell Walking Paths
East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids & Kentwood Walking Paths
← Return to West MI Trails Directory
Park Managed by Frederik Meijer Gardens
Park Website
Open: Open year round Stroller-Friendly? Yes, all or most areas Dogs Allowed? NoPlus, the Children's Garden is filled with toddler activities galore! With a treehouse, log cabin, butterfly maze, and a great lakes garden for sailing plastic ships (plus so much more), this garden will seem new each time you visit.
With breathtaking landscaping, thoughtful sculpture art, and hands-on children’s activities indoors and out, it’s easy to spend an entire day at this West Michigan magnet for family entertainment. FEE.
The Playground at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
The Lena Meijer Children's Garden is a must for kids, bragging many thoughtfully curated play areas.
A big favorite is the massive two-level treehouse area where kids can play pretend for hours on rope bridges, in tree trunks and a giant bird's nest. Just down the path is a log cabin where kids can see what old-fashioned life is like and even play some old school games.
You will also encounter a giant sand play/rock quarry area, marsh lands, a puppet theatre, sensory garden, labyrinth and the perennial favorite: The Great Lakes Garden. This is a massive water table in the shape of the Great Lakes where kids can drive plastic boats around.
Kids can also head indoors to play in the adorable Curiosity Courtyard in the lower level.
A big favorite is the massive two-level treehouse area where kids can play pretend for hours on rope bridges, in tree trunks and a giant bird's nest. Just down the path is a log cabin where kids can see what old-fashioned life is like and even play some old school games.
You will also encounter a giant sand play/rock quarry area, marsh lands, a puppet theatre, sensory garden, labyrinth and the perennial favorite: The Great Lakes Garden. This is a massive water table in the shape of the Great Lakes where kids can drive plastic boats around.
Kids can also head indoors to play in the adorable Curiosity Courtyard in the lower level.
The Splashpad at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
This is not a typical splash pad. The Great Lakes Garden at Meijer Gardens is a water play area where kids can float boats and cool off in the water.
There is a small fountain nearby that toddlers love to splash in.
Bring a change of clothes and a towel, there are bathrooms where you can change nearby.
Shoes are required - we recommend wearing flip flops or water sandals.
There is a small fountain nearby that toddlers love to splash in.
Bring a change of clothes and a towel, there are bathrooms where you can change nearby.
Shoes are required - we recommend wearing flip flops or water sandals.
The Walking Paths at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Meijer Gardens has endless walking paths that take you to many interesting destinations. There's the sculpture park route, which takes you past gorgeous waterfalls and the "giant horse," among other incredible sculptures.
Walk the Gwen Frostic Shade Garden on your way to the Michigan Farm Garden and then roam the breathtaking Japanese Gardens on your way back to the main building.
Not ready to head back inside? Explore the Meijer Garden wetlands on the Frey Boardwalk.
Walk the Gwen Frostic Shade Garden on your way to the Michigan Farm Garden and then roam the breathtaking Japanese Gardens on your way back to the main building.
Not ready to head back inside? Explore the Meijer Garden wetlands on the Frey Boardwalk.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Features & Amentities
Concessions, Interpretive Center, Parking Fee, Paved Walking Path, Restrooms, Sandbox, Splash Pad, WiFi
Comstock Park, Rockford, Sparta & Greenville Walking Trails
Byron Center, Caledonia & Hastings Walking Trails
Places to go Walking in Walker, Wyoming, Jenison & Grandville
Places to go Walking in Hudsonville, Zeeland & Allendale
Holland & the Lakeshore Walking Trails
Great Hiking Trail Day Trip Destinations
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
Tips for Using Hiking & Walking Trails
Keep these tips in mind while hiking the walking trails of Grand Rapids.
- It’s common courtesy to 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 make any hike an adventure.
- Check for ticks when you’re done
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!