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
Park Website
Open: Open May 1 – Oct 31 Stroller-Friendly? Playground or main areas only, Not on trailsCrahen Valley Park lives up to its name, as most of the park is located in a deep valley not visible to those just driving by. The park offers a relatively flat, paved bike trail looping around a large lawn area up top, with gravel, dirt, or grassy hiking trails as you head into the valley to the small, sandy creek.
Hiking Trail Details
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Signage or trail markers are absent from this park. Bring a compass or phone to navigate if hiking.
If you follow the paved bike path down to white birdhouse, you can then take that gravel path down into the valley. You'll end near a concrete bridge with at a gorgeous sandy stream.
Or continue on from the bridge and follow the hard-packed dirt trail into the woods. These trails have a grove of pines, muddy crossings, ponds, open meadows, and lots of hardwoods.
Trail Difficulty: ModerateIf you follow the paved bike path down to white birdhouse, you can then take that gravel path down into the valley. You'll end near a concrete bridge with at a gorgeous sandy stream.
Or continue on from the bridge and follow the hard-packed dirt trail into the woods. These trails have a grove of pines, muddy crossings, ponds, open meadows, and lots of hardwoods.
Facilities at Crahen Valley Park
No restrooms. Picnic tables and a few benches.
The Crahen Valley Park Master Plan includes a list of amenities families will love, like an ice skating pavilion, fishing pond, and themed-playground. Other future plans include year-round restrooms, walking trails, fat-tire bike trails, and cross country ski trails.
The Crahen Valley Park Master Plan includes a list of amenities families will love, like an ice skating pavilion, fishing pond, and themed-playground. Other future plans include year-round restrooms, walking trails, fat-tire bike trails, and cross country ski trails.
What's Unique About Crahen Valley Park?
To find the sandy stream at Crahen Valley Park, follow the paved bike path till you see a white birdhouse at the top of a gravel path.
There is a trail across the meadow all the way at the bottom of the hill.
Follow the trail for a short distance and you’ll find a concrete bridge with access to the sandy stream.
This stream was made for splashing on a warm day!
My foot got drenched trying to cross the stream. It was truly an adventure.
Because there are no marked trails or signage – and many different hiking trails that crisscross the area – it can be hard to know which way you’re going or how to get back to where you started. Bring a phone with a map app or a compass to help you navigate.
There is a trail across the meadow all the way at the bottom of the hill.
Follow the trail for a short distance and you’ll find a concrete bridge with access to the sandy stream.
This stream was made for splashing on a warm day!
My foot got drenched trying to cross the stream. It was truly an adventure.
Because there are no marked trails or signage – and many different hiking trails that crisscross the area – it can be hard to know which way you’re going or how to get back to where you started. Bring a phone with a map app or a compass to help you navigate.
Crahen Valley Park Features & Amentities
Creek Stomping, Dog Friendly, Free Admission, Hike with a Payoff, Hiking Trails, Lake or River, Paved Walking Path, Paved Bike Path, Picnic Tables, Shaded, 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
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!