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
← Return to West MI Trails Directory
Park Managed by Lowell Charter Township
Park Website
Open: Year round 8 AM - dusk Stroller-Friendly? Yes, all or most areas Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leashThe 80-acre Grand River Riverfront Park includes two islands.
The south portion of the park has a canoe launch, two softball fields, a lacrosse field, 8 soccer fields, and a playground with equipment designed for ages 4 to 12. There's also a mile-long paved nature/walking path, a scenic overlook and fishing pier on the Grand River, one large picnic shelter with restroom facilities and one smaller one without. The park is open to the public every day from 8 AM to dusk, except for days that snow or water make driving in the park unsafe. Restrooms are closed from late October until late March.
The North side of the park is easily accessed at the corner of Bowes Road and Fulton Street in Lowell Charter Township. This side of the park has a small playground, gaga ball pit, pickle ball courts, and an ice cream shop (in season)
The Playground at Grand River Riverfront Township Park (North and South)
South Grand River Riverfront Park: The playground here has a woodchip surface and is surrounded by large open fields.
North Grand River Riverfront Park: The playground at the North side of this park includes a gaga ball pit, a small playset, and pickleball courts.
North Grand River Riverfront Park: The playground at the North side of this park includes a gaga ball pit, a small playset, and pickleball courts.
The Walking Paths at Grand River Riverfront Township Park (North and South)
The paved walking paths here are smooth and stroller-friendly. The path is one-mile long on the South Park side and offers views of the Grand River. This would be a great place for kids learning to bike ride to practice.
The walk over the bridge is very nice and pets on a leash are welcome. You can easily walk from the South Park to the North Park to get ice cream in the summer when the concessions are open.
The walk over the bridge is very nice and pets on a leash are welcome. You can easily walk from the South Park to the North Park to get ice cream in the summer when the concessions are open.
Facilities at Grand River Riverfront Township Park (North and South)
Restrooms are open April - mid-October
The Yeiter Learning Cabin is used by the Lowell Historical Museum to teach about the history of fur trading in Lowell. It is also available to rent out for meeting space.
The Yeiter Learning Cabin is used by the Lowell Historical Museum to teach about the history of fur trading in Lowell. It is also available to rent out for meeting space.
What's Unique About Grand River Riverfront Township Park (North and South)?
The Lowell Crew team practices at this park. The boat launch is on the south side.
Grand River Riverfront Township Park (North and South) Features & Amentities
Free Admission, Grills, Lake or River, Paved Walking Path, Pickleball Courts, Picnic Tables, Playground, Restrooms, River Access for Boat Launch, Sand Volleyball, Toddler Playground, Walk to Ice Cream
East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids & Kentwood Walking Paths
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!