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.
We’ve included 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.
So, lace up those shoes and get ready to explore West Michigan!
Walking Trails in 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
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 8 AM to 10 PM Stroller-Friendly? Playground or main areas only Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leashKids will love climbing the dunes, hitting the beach and exploring the miles of trails.
In the winter, everyone will love sledding, ice skating and trying out the awesome luge track!
Hiking Trail Details
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Muskegon State Park has six trails, ranging from 0.75 miles to 5 miles long.
Check specific trails for the allowed methods of exploring it. Some are hiking only while others also allow cross-country skiing.
Hike along the Muskegon Lake shoreline for some fantastic views.
Climb the dunes, both open and wooded, to see views of both Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan.
Choose the Hearty Hiker Trail for a hilly 1.75 mile hike through all kinds of terrain - including wild blueberries.
Watch for lugers in the winter along the Loop to Loop trail. You can also ice-skate part of this trail in the winter.
No matter which trail you hike, you will have some spectacular sights (including wild flowers and wildlife) and views.
Trail Difficulty: ModerateCheck specific trails for the allowed methods of exploring it. Some are hiking only while others also allow cross-country skiing.
Hike along the Muskegon Lake shoreline for some fantastic views.
Climb the dunes, both open and wooded, to see views of both Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan.
Choose the Hearty Hiker Trail for a hilly 1.75 mile hike through all kinds of terrain - including wild blueberries.
Watch for lugers in the winter along the Loop to Loop trail. You can also ice-skate part of this trail in the winter.
No matter which trail you hike, you will have some spectacular sights (including wild flowers and wildlife) and views.
Facilities at Muskegon State Park
Pavilions and restrooms are available.
What's Unique About Muskegon State Park?
Lots of winter activities at this park - sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, ice hockey, cross-country skiing and the ever-popular Olympian-designed luge track at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park.
Muskegon State Park Features & Amentities
Adaptive Equipment, Beach, Hike with a Payoff, Hiking Trails, Lake or River, Pavilion, Picnic Tables, Restrooms, River Access for Boat Launch, Walk to Ice Cream
Great Hiking Trail Day Trip Destinations
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
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
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!