Directory of Hiking & Walking Trails – Grand Rapids & West Michigan
Hiking West Michigan kids is a snap – so many places to choose from, and so much beautiful scenery at each location that it makes it one of our top choices for recreational activities.
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.
The Parks, Playgrounds & Trails Directory is proudly presented by John Ball Zoo. We are grateful for their support!
Directory of Hiking & Walking Trails – Grand Rapids & West Michigan
Find your next adventure by searching the features below.
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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
Etiquette & Tips for Hiking & Walking Trails
Here are some things to keep in mind while hiking the walking trails in Grand Rapids.
- 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 making any hike an adventure for a child
- Check for ticks when you’re done (Read this helpful info about ticks 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.
I have friends in other parts of the U.S. who miss their Michigan home, saying that all the trails where the live are all the same, and not as varied or well-kept as in Michigan.
So don’t take this place for granted, friends! And don’t wait to experience Michigan in all four wonderful seasons on a trail near you.
West MI Trail Directory »
Best Michigan Beaches for Kids »
Splash Pads & Pools Directory »
Top Michigan Campgrounds
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
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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!