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 Ottawa County
Park Website
Open: Open all year Stroller-Friendly? Yes, all or most areas Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leashThere are several trailheads if you want to shorten the trail, and many small towns along the way with fun stops for the kids.
This trail can be bumpy so leave the bike trailers at home.
The Walking Paths at Musketawa Trail
The 25-mile long trail is wide and paved, with wide gravel shoulders.
Several trailheads are available and a few observation decks meet you along the way.
Several trailheads are available and a few observation decks meet you along the way.
Hiking Trail Details
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
The Musketawa Trail runs between Marne and East Muskegon.
Hikers and bikers will pass through orchards, farms and woods throughout their hike. Plus you can see 13 railroad trestles over Crockery Creek!
The historical center of the trail is Ravenna. The Friends of Musketawa Trail installed a 100-year old rebuilt railroad water tower, railroad signs and signals and metal arts bike rack and a railroad caboose.
Hike or bike through open farmland to East Muskegon and connect to the Laketon Trail and then on to the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail.
Stop at Pere Marquette Park off the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail to check out the beach, lighthouse, boating and the WWII submarine Silversides.
Catch a ferry and travel across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin!
A newer, paved seven mile extension, the Fred Meijer Pioneer Trail, goes from Marne eastward to Walker and will eventually connect to the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail.
The trail is asphalt, but can be bumpy.
Trail Difficulty: ModerateHikers and bikers will pass through orchards, farms and woods throughout their hike. Plus you can see 13 railroad trestles over Crockery Creek!
The historical center of the trail is Ravenna. The Friends of Musketawa Trail installed a 100-year old rebuilt railroad water tower, railroad signs and signals and metal arts bike rack and a railroad caboose.
Hike or bike through open farmland to East Muskegon and connect to the Laketon Trail and then on to the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail.
Stop at Pere Marquette Park off the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail to check out the beach, lighthouse, boating and the WWII submarine Silversides.
Catch a ferry and travel across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin!
A newer, paved seven mile extension, the Fred Meijer Pioneer Trail, goes from Marne eastward to Walker and will eventually connect to the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail.
The trail is asphalt, but can be bumpy.
Facilities at Musketawa Trail
Portable restrooms are available at the parking areas.
What's Unique About Musketawa Trail?
The trail got its start as the Muskegon, Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad in 1886.
Musketawa Trail Features & Amentities
Accessible, Dog Friendly, Free Admission, Good for Rollerblading, Hiking Trails, Paved Walking Path, Paved Bike Path, Picnic Tables
Great Hiking Trail Day Trip Destinations
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!