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!
We’ve included 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.
So, lace up those shoes and get ready to explore West Michigan!
Walking Trails in 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
East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids & Kentwood Walking Paths
← Return to West MI Trails Directory
Park Managed by City of Grand Rapids
Park Website
Open: Open all year, from dawn to dusk. Stroller-Friendly? Playground or main areas only, Not on trails Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leashOr bring along the bikes and hit the paved trail.
Don't miss a stop at the Amplifier, located along the trail by Plaster Creek.
The Walking Paths at Ken-O-Sha Park
The wide paved walking path is great for strollers, wheelchairs, bikes, rollerblades and other wheels.
This path is shaded and follows the river.
This path is shaded and follows the river.
Hiking Trail Details
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Ken-O Sha has one wide, paved trail, but the other natural trails wind through the woods.
There are some wooden paths here and there to help cross some more challenging areas as well as a bridge over a gorgeous creek.
You're sure to see some beautiful wildflowers and may even see some deer.
There may be fallen tree limbs across the path at times so it may be hard to push a stroller on the natural trails.
Trail Difficulty: ModerateThere are some wooden paths here and there to help cross some more challenging areas as well as a bridge over a gorgeous creek.
You're sure to see some beautiful wildflowers and may even see some deer.
There may be fallen tree limbs across the path at times so it may be hard to push a stroller on the natural trails.
Facilities at Ken-O-Sha Park
Picnic shelter is available.
What's Unique About Ken-O-Sha Park?
The giant wooden megaphone called the Amplifier at Ken-O-Sha Park is located along the trail by Plaster Creek. It's designed to amplify the sounds of nature when you climb into it.
Ken-O-Sha Park Features & Amentities
Basketball Court, Dog Friendly, Free Admission, Good for Rollerblading, Hiking Trails, Mountain Biking Trail, Paved Walking Path, Paved Bike Path, Pavilion, Picnic Tables, Playground, Urban
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
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
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
I just clicked on the link to visit Howard Christensen Nature center and find out they are closing! To me, this news is devastating! Please let readers of GRKIDS know this info in your next newsletter after spring break!!
Per their website homepage:
https://www.howardchristensen.org/
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!