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.

Walking Trails by Area

Cascade, Ada & Lowell Walking Paths

← Return to West MI Trails Directory

Park Managed by Cascade Charter Township

About Cascade Township Park in Cascade

2865 Thornhills Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546
Park Website

Open: Open all year, from dawn to dusk.

Stroller-Friendly? Yes, all or most areas

Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leash

Cascade Township Park has it ALL! From the amazing playground to the dog park to the many opportunities for sports, this park is worth the drive from near or far.

Kids will want to spend all day here (especially if there are low plane flyovers from the airport nearby!), so pack a lunch, some sunscreen, and sand toys and get ready for a treat!

There is a one-mile paved walking loop around the outer edge of the park and an 18-hole disc golf course, in addition to basketball courts, a dog park, and pickleball courts.

The Playground at Cascade Township Park

The playground is fairly new and has a cushiony rubber surface.

It has unique and uncommon toys like a saucer swing, a net climbing structure, a small sandbox, and of course large structures with plenty of crawling, climbing, and sliding opportunities.

The playground is fantastic for older kids down to toddlers. There is not a separate toddler area, but many structures are low to the ground and designed for parents to accompany playing toddlers.

The Walking Paths at Cascade Township Park

The hiking/walking path loop is a one-mile paved trail that has a few hills.

If you are bringing toddlers or new bike riders, the flattest part of the loop is near the sand volleyball court.

Facilities at Cascade Township Park

An open picnic shelter is available, along with picnic tables throughout the park.

The restroom here is heated (thus open all year!), has baby changing facilities, and is near the playground.

What's Unique About Cascade Township Park?

Perfect for airplane-loving kids, this park is close to the airport and you just might catch glimpses of very low-flying planes!

Cascade Township Park Features & Amentities

Accessible, Adaptive Equipment, Baseball or Softball Diamonds, Basketball Court, Baby Swings, Disc Golf, Dog Friendly, Dog Park, Free Admission, Good for Rollerblading, Grills, Paved Walking Path, Paved Bike Path, Pavilion, Pickleball Courts, Picnic Tables, Playground, Restrooms, Sand Volleyball, Sandbox, Soccer Fields, Swings, Tennis Courts, Toddler Playground