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 Ada Township
Park Website
Most of the park is out in the open for a full-sun experience.
Ride or walk down the paved pathway through a beautiful nature preserve full of wetlands, prairie, and forest.
This path is a great place to take your young child and their bike, whether they’re pedaling with training wheels, using a balance bike, or scooting along on their own.
The Playground at Roselle Park
The playground features several climbing features (one is a giant spider web) in addition to a rock wall on the side of the silo. The ground cover is mulch.
The Walking Paths at Roselle Park
The flat, paved walking path is perfect for walking and a variety of wheeled activities.
Families love to bring their young riders here to practice their skills along this path.
While you're walking or biking, you'll explore a gorgeous nature preserve.
See how many different kinds of wildflowers and wildlife you can see - plus you'll have views of the Grand River along the way.
Stop at the observation deck to get close-up to the wetlands life.
Being in a wetland/prairie area, prepare for mosquitos or other bugs.
Families love to bring their young riders here to practice their skills along this path.
While you're walking or biking, you'll explore a gorgeous nature preserve.
See how many different kinds of wildflowers and wildlife you can see - plus you'll have views of the Grand River along the way.
Stop at the observation deck to get close-up to the wetlands life.
Being in a wetland/prairie area, prepare for mosquitos or other bugs.
Hiking Trail Details
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Ride, run, or walk down the flat paved pathway through a beautiful nature preserve full of wetlands, prairie, and forest.
This path is a great place to take your young child and their bike, whether they’re pedaling with training wheels, using a balance bike, or scooting along on their own.
*Mosquitos can be bad depending on the season.
This path is a great place to take your young child and their bike, whether they’re pedaling with training wheels, using a balance bike, or scooting along on their own.
*Mosquitos can be bad depending on the season.
Facilities at Roselle Park
Modern restrooms and picnic tables can be found near the main building.
What's Unique About Roselle Park?
Climb to the top of the silo for a beautiful view!
Roselle Park Features & Amentities
Accessible, Dog Friendly, Free Admission, Good for Rollerblading, Lake or River, Paved Walking Path, Paved Bike Path, Picnic Tables, Playground, Restrooms
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!