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
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 year round during daylight hours Stroller-Friendly? Yes, all or most areas Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leashFrom disc golf, fishing, a kayak launch, and a playground to pavilions with grills, athletic fields and a paved, multi-use walking and biking trail, Riverside Park checks all the boxes.
The paved path follows the Grand River for a mile and includes an awesome iron bridge over the flowing water.
And for those parents who just want to relax and take a breath, there is free WiFi!
Riverside Park is an amazing place to spend the day.
There are miles of trails with plenty of opportunities to see all kinds of wildlife - maybe even an eagle or a friendly squirrel.
This huge park is divided into sections, each with its own main feature. Disc golf, playgrounds, picnic areas, and fishing are among the main attractions here.
There are bathrooms throughout the park, but they are widespread.
Since it's right on the Grand River, people often come here to kayak.
Leashed dogs are welcome here, but Riverside is not a dedicated dog park.
The Playground at Riverside Park
There are multiple play areas in Riverside Park.
The modern equipment has ample opportunities for climbing, sliding and swinging.
The playground equipment has mulch ground covering.
The modern equipment has ample opportunities for climbing, sliding and swinging.
The playground equipment has mulch ground covering.
The Walking Paths at Riverside Park
The paved walking trail in Riverside Park offers a quiet oasis from the busy city life.
Expect to see a wide variety of birds and other wildlife throughout your hike through the large park.
Riverside Park is prone to flooding so plan accordingly after a heavy rain.
Expect to see a wide variety of birds and other wildlife throughout your hike through the large park.
Riverside Park is prone to flooding so plan accordingly after a heavy rain.
Facilities at Riverside Park
Restrooms, pavilion with picnic tables and grills.
What's Unique About Riverside Park?
You can often find food trucks in Riverside Park in the summer - especially on Food Truck Fridays.
Riverside Park Features & Amentities
Baseball or Softball Diamonds, Disc Golf, Dog Friendly, Fishing Pond, Free Admission, Good for Rollerblading, Grills, Lake or River, Paved Walking Path, Paved Bike Path, Pavilion, Picnic Tables, Playground, Restrooms, River Access for Boat Launch, Soccer Fields, Swings, Urban, WiFi
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!