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

About Lakeshore Trail in Lakeshore Area
2215 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland MI 49424
Park Website
Open: Open all year
Stroller-Friendly? Yes, all or most areas
Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leash
Lakeshore Trail is 20 miles of rolling hills, curves and beautiful sights.

It follows Lakeshore Drive and connects Grand Haven State Park to Holland State Park. It also crosses through beach parks and natural areas - Rosy Mound, Kirk Park and Tunnel Park.

Because the trail runs along Lakeshore Drive, pedestrians and bikers should watch out for cars coming in and out on driveways in residential areas.

Lots of activities along the way to break up your walk or ride - beaches, parks, dunes, playgrounds and more. Parking is available at several of the parks.

Good access points are Holland State Park, Rosy Mound, Kirk Park and Tunnel Park.


The Walking Paths at Lakeshore Trail
Trail is 20 miles of asphalt and offers lots of rolling hills, which makes it more moderate in difficulty. It is more of a roadside trail than a nature trail.

Lakeshore Trail Features & Amentities
Accessible, Dog Friendly, Free Admission, Good for Rollerblading, Lake or River, Paved Walking Path, Paved Bike Path

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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