Explore the best rated trails in Grand Rapids, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail and Fred Meijer Standale Trail . With more than 43 trails covering 758 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I've been running a couple different out and back stretches between McPherson Ave and Greenville about three times a week from spring to fall for about 4 years now.
I can see how the surface might not be good for skinny wheel bikes in areas, but for runners. the surface is pretty great. Not only is it a softer impact surface than asphalt, even better, no crown in the path is needed to shed water. No crown means a perfect flat surface across the path. I can run on the sides, out of biker's way, and not have one leg travelling farther than the other to make up for the drop in the crown, screwing up my hips and back.
Sounds amazing underfoot, too.
Not to mention the nature and surroundings.
I ran by a fawn sleeping right in the middle of the path a couple days ago. Eagles, Sand Hill Cranes, Fox, all kinds of water birds. It's amazing.
Please never pave this path. Touch it up here and there, but no asphalt.
I walked, and occasionally ran, the trial northbound over four days. This is easily one of the most beautiful rail trails I've ever traveled and is one of Michigan's real jewels. The trail quickly becomes rural after leaving Grand Rapids, and then just gets steadily better and better scenery wise (this assumes that you love Northwoods). People debate where the Northwoods begin, and you can form your own opinion on your journey north. I'd argue that Big Rapids is the line. And speaking of, don't forget to celebrate 50 miles covered there at the Sawmill, right on the trailside.
The only downside to the trail is the fact that it's paved (excepting a few miles between Howard City and Big Rapids). When walking 25+ miles a day, the surface of the trail becomes a major factor. Crushed limestone is much kinder to the pedestrian body than pavement. Pavement also encourages folks to ride their ebikes at 30mph, unfortunately, making the trail more like a road near the towns. But that drawback aside, I'll certainly be back to do this trail again.
Wonderful ride! I only rode between Dalton and Ravenna, so perhaps the quality of the trail changes after Ravenna. But today, the trail was near perfect! Sure, there are stop signs every few miles---often crossing lightly travelled roads; and, yeah, there were some cracks or root heaves here and there. But honestly, neither of those issues were even issues. I'm a long-distance cyclist that just moved to Michigan. I can't wait to explore more of these wonderful trails and roads! Thank you!!
We ride this path a lot, and Grand Haven’s bike path is horrible. They did resurface part but need to fix the ENTIRE thing. Holland’s is ok definitely rideable. The scenery is great and to end up at the beach which is beautiful.
I decided to take my road bike for a trip from Cadillac down to Big Rapids where the trail is closed for paving and back to Cadillac. I agree with Cecelia's review from Sep, 23 in that the asphalt paving is old and bumpy between Reed City and Big Rapids. Also the trail was closed between Hibma Rd south to Cleveland Rd in Tustin. The detour is gravel roads that are loose sand and very difficult to navigate with 32mm or thinner tires!
With the exception of the portion of trail north of Reed City that runs along Hwy 131 the the scenery is awesome running through rivers, hills, valleys, farms and small towns.
I am wondering if there's anyone assigned to blow the trail clean from leaves, twigs and branches? There were quite a bit of that along the way. In comparison to the Macomb/Orchard trail for example which is very well maintained all year round it seemed a bit unkempt.
Overall it is an awesome trail that I hope is better maintained than what I experienced on my recent trip and look forward to returning next year when the whole trail will be paved.
Too many walkers oblivious to anyone around them. Far better trails in the area.
Approx 1.5 miles in length, flat and paved trail across the street from the Weathervane in Montague
Biked from Whitehall-Montague to Hart and back for a nice 46-mile round trip. We are in our mid-60's and stayed in Whitehall after traveling from PA. Set out early on a beautiful end of Summer day. Trail is paved and very good condition. Stopped for lunch at Country Dairy, just North of New Era. Great food, and very clean, They also offer bike rentals. In Shelby is a Dollar Store if you would need anything. Trail is mainly open farmlands, very little shade and rolls through many small towns. Some road crossings but not too much traffic on those. Trail services in Whitehall and Hart. At the Whitehall-Montague end is the World's Largest Weathervane. In Whitehall you will find White Lake and the White River good for kayaking among swans and other wildlife. Waterdog Outfitters offers bike and kayak rentals.
We started at the Nunica end of the trail and biked to Spring Lake and back, 12.5 mile round trip. There is no parking lot at the Nunica end of the trail. However you are able to park next to the Post Office on Main Street, it's a few blocks away. Nice trail through wooded areas, residential areas, and working, Goes under Interstate 96.
It's been a few years and it was nice to visit Grand Haven and spend time biking around town. You can bike on several bike paths in town, Grand Haven is very biker friendly. You can take your bike to the end of the Lighthouse pier. There weren't many people there this particilar day....mid week and weather not real nice. very busy on the weekends.
Nice September ride. Parked in Whitehall/Montague and picked up the White Lake Pathway for a few miles and connected to the Fred Meijer Berry Junction trail into North Muskegon. Trail is paved and very good condition. Trail services in North Muskegon. Always an enjoyable ride on this trail!
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