50+ Grand Rapids Hiking & Walking Trails That are Perfect for All Ages

Walking Trails and Hiking Spots in West Michigan - Rosy Mound Grand Haven

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.

Pickerel Lake Park
Pickerel Lake Walking Trail in Rockford

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.

Cascade, Ada & Lowell Walking Paths

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East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids & Kentwood Walking Paths

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Comstock Park, Rockford, Sparta & Greenville Walking Trails

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Byron Center, Caledonia & Hastings Walking Trails

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Places to go Walking in Walker, Wyoming, Jenison & Grandville

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Places to go Walking in Hudsonville, Zeeland & Allendale

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Holland & the Lakeshore Walking Trails

Park Managed by Ottawa County

About Rosy Mound Natural Area in Lakeshore Area
13925 Lakeshore Drive, Grand Haven MI 49417
Park Website
Open: April - September: 7 AM - 10PM; October - March: 7 AM - 8PM.
Dogs Allowed? No
Work up a sweat then cool off in the lake! Rosy Mound Natural Area has a lot of stairs - 360 to be exact - and the walk to the beach is strenuous. Due to high water levels this beach is smaller than most, but still big enough for a quick dip before you head back to the car.


Hiking Trail Details
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
The main trail to the beach is a 0.7 mile (one way) hiking trail from the parking area to the Lake Michigan shoreline.

It can be strenuous - the hiking trail includes 1,000 feet of stairs up and down the dunes and scenic views.

Once you get to the lake, there’s a smaller boardwalk loop that goes by the dunes. 

Some trails are wheelchair accessible and all stairs are designed to be ADA accessible.

Facilities at Rosy Mound Natural Area
Restrooms, picnic tables with grills, and pavilion by the lake.

Rosy Mound Natural Area Features & Amentities
Accessible, Beach, Free Admission, Grills, Hiking Trails, Lake or River, Pavilion, Picnic Tables, Restrooms

Great Hiking Trail Day Trip Destinations

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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

Hemlock Crossings trail in West Olive even has a beaver dam!

Tips for Using Hiking & Walking Trails

Keep these tips in mind while hiking the walking trails of Grand Rapids.

lake michigan saugatuck dunes state park
Saugatuck Dunes State Park trail
  1. It’s common courtesy to stay on the right side of the path when others are approaching.
  2. Wait your turn on the stairs.
  3. Pack in and pack out your trash.
  4. Bring sunscreen and bug spray (we keep a set in the trunk of our car so we’re always prepared!)
  5. Bring water for everyone.
  6. Binoculars and/or a compass can make any hike an adventure.
  7. Check for ticks when you’re done

More Outdoor Fun

West MI Trail Directory »
Best Michigan Beaches for Kids »
Splash Pads & Pools Directory »
Top Michigan Campgrounds

About The Author

7 thoughts on “50+ Grand Rapids Hiking & Walking Trails That are Perfect for All Ages”

  1. Be careful when going to aman park. You will need bug spray. Lots of mosquitoes!! Other than that highly recommended 🙂

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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!

  5. This is so great. We’ve been looking for trails that are near and a little further.
    this is so helpful. thank you!

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