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
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
← Return to West MI Trails Directory
Park Managed by State of Michigan
Park Website
Open: Open all year, from dawn to dusk. Stroller-Friendly? Yes, all or most areas Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leashKids and parents will love hiking or biking on the trails in the summer and skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
Tackle the entire 33.5 miles or just part of it - with some fun stops along with way!
The entire trail is well-marked and mostly flat, smooth and shaded.
If you're passing through Grand Junction and into South Haven in the summer, watch for U-Pick blueberry farms.
The Kal-Haven Heritage Trail project includes 31 exhibit panels that explore the natural and cultural history of the area. Find the app on Google Play or at IWR.MSU.edu/KWT
The trail has been recognized as a Pure Michigan Designated Trail and designated as a heritage trail. The City of South Haven has also been designated as a Pure Michigan Designated Trail Town.
Hiking Trail Details
Trail Difficulty: Easy
This linear park is a 33.5 mile biking and walking path connecting Kalamazoo to South Haven, including the Kalamazoo River Trail in downtown Kalamazoo.
This gorgeous, shaded rails-to-trails path has so much to see along the way, through woods and farmlands, over and alongside streams and rivers.
Favorite stops include Camelback Bridge near Grand Junction and South Pier Lighthouse.
Bloomingdale is considered the midpoint and people love to stop here to check out the caboose and Depot Museum.
Van Buren Trail State Park connects in South Haven and provides 14 miles of additional trails.
The entire trail is limstone / slag. There are no major hills on the trail. However there is generally a slight grade favoring eastbound riders.
Trail Difficulty: EasyThis gorgeous, shaded rails-to-trails path has so much to see along the way, through woods and farmlands, over and alongside streams and rivers.
Favorite stops include Camelback Bridge near Grand Junction and South Pier Lighthouse.
Bloomingdale is considered the midpoint and people love to stop here to check out the caboose and Depot Museum.
Van Buren Trail State Park connects in South Haven and provides 14 miles of additional trails.
The entire trail is limstone / slag. There are no major hills on the trail. However there is generally a slight grade favoring eastbound riders.
Facilities at Kal-Haven Trail State Park
Gobles, Bloomingdale and Grand Junction have some basic amenities
What's Unique About Kal-Haven Trail State Park?
The trail dates back to 1871, when it was a railroad bed.
Kal-Haven Trail State Park Features & Amentities
Accessible, Dog Friendly, Free Admission, Good for Rollerblading, Hiking Trails, Shaded
Great Hiking Trail Day Trip Destinations
← Return to West MI Trails Directory
Park Managed by State of Michigan
Park Website
Open: Open all year, from dawn to dusk. Stroller-Friendly? Yes, all or most areas Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leashKids and parents will love hiking or biking on the trails in the summer and skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
Tackle the entire 33.5 miles or just part of it - with some fun stops along with way!
The entire trail is well-marked and mostly flat, smooth and shaded.
If you're passing through Grand Junction and into South Haven in the summer, watch for U-Pick blueberry farms.
The Kal-Haven Heritage Trail project includes 31 exhibit panels that explore the natural and cultural history of the area. Find the app on Google Play or at IWR.MSU.edu/KWT
The trail has been recognized as a Pure Michigan Designated Trail and designated as a heritage trail. The City of South Haven has also been designated as a Pure Michigan Designated Trail Town.
Hiking Trail Details
Trail Difficulty: Easy
This linear park is a 33.5 mile biking and walking path connecting Kalamazoo to South Haven, including the Kalamazoo River Trail in downtown Kalamazoo.
This gorgeous, shaded rails-to-trails path has so much to see along the way, through woods and farmlands, over and alongside streams and rivers.
Favorite stops include Camelback Bridge near Grand Junction and South Pier Lighthouse.
Bloomingdale is considered the midpoint and people love to stop here to check out the caboose and Depot Museum.
Van Buren Trail State Park connects in South Haven and provides 14 miles of additional trails.
The entire trail is limstone / slag. There are no major hills on the trail. However there is generally a slight grade favoring eastbound riders.
Trail Difficulty: EasyThis gorgeous, shaded rails-to-trails path has so much to see along the way, through woods and farmlands, over and alongside streams and rivers.
Favorite stops include Camelback Bridge near Grand Junction and South Pier Lighthouse.
Bloomingdale is considered the midpoint and people love to stop here to check out the caboose and Depot Museum.
Van Buren Trail State Park connects in South Haven and provides 14 miles of additional trails.
The entire trail is limstone / slag. There are no major hills on the trail. However there is generally a slight grade favoring eastbound riders.
Facilities at Kal-Haven Trail State Park
Gobles, Bloomingdale and Grand Junction have some basic amenities
What's Unique About Kal-Haven Trail State Park?
The trail dates back to 1871, when it was a railroad bed.
Kal-Haven Trail State Park Features & Amentities
Accessible, Dog Friendly, Free Admission, Good for Rollerblading, Hiking Trails, Shaded
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!