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

Park Managed by Kent County Parks & Trails

About Millennium Park in Walker
1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker MI 49534
Park Website
Open: May 1 - Oct 31; 7 AM - sunset
Stroller-Friendly? Yes, all or most areas
Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leash
This sprawling, 1,400 acre park offers endless activities.

Experience 18 miles of trails (both paved and unpaved) for both bikers and hikers, playgrounds, shelter rentals, and expansive water sports fun - including both a beach and a splash pad.

People come here to swim, boat, bike, bird watch, picnic, play volleyball, cross country ski and more.

If your toddler loves the water, but the waves and deep waters of nearby Lake Michigan make you uneasy, this is a great option for little ones to get outside and enjoy the water.

This park is home to a 100-acre lake with some shallow areas and no waves, making for a great toddler activity.

The Playground at Millennium Park

There are three different playground sections at this park, one for the younger kids, one for the older kids, and one ninja warrior course. The playgrounds are outside of the fenced-off beach area and have a nice grassy area nearby.

Kids and families that like to watch American Ninja Warrior on television will love testing their mettle on the new play equipment at Millennium Park.

Multiple obstacles and structures comprise the playground, which is geared toward older kids.

This design is the first in the USA and Millennium Park is excited to debut it here right in Grand Rapids.

The Splashpad at Millennium Park
The completely enclosed splash pad provides dozens of opportunities for kids to get wet.

Kids can opt to run through the ring tunnel or stand underneath dump buckets.

A variety of poles and features wait to spray unsuspecting (or maybe waiting) kids as they pass.

Kids can also team up with a friend to spray each other with water guns.

Admission to the splash pad is $2 - $4 depending on age. Season passes also available.

Hiking Trail Details
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Millennium Park offers a whopping 18 miles of interconnected trails. Hike through wetlands and wooded areas, over lakes, and in open areas. Those not afraid of heights will want to climb the soaring boardwalk on the east side of the park.

Most of these trails are paved, but there are some off-shoot trails that are natural surfaces. Their detailed trail map notes which trails are paved or natural surface.

In addition to being stroller-friendly, you can also take a bike, scooter, or any human-powered device on the trails.

As part of the Fred Meijer Millennium Trail Network, Millennium Park trails connect with Kent Trails and with a City of Grand Rapids trail along Wealthy Street SW, establishing easy access to Millennium Park from southwest communities. A trailhead with seasonal restrooms at the north tip of the park provides a perfect launching point for trail enthusiasts.

Millennium Park Features & Amentities
Basketball Court, Baby Swings, Beach, Boat Rental, Concessions, Dog Friendly, Fishing Pond, Good for Rollerblading, Grills, Hiking Trails, Lake or River, Paved Walking Path, Paved Bike Path, Pavilion, Picnic Tables, Playground, Restrooms, Sand Volleyball, Splash Pad, Swings, Toddler Playground

Places to go Walking in Hudsonville, Zeeland & Allendale

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Holland & the Lakeshore Walking Trails

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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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