East Grand Rapids MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near East Grand Rapids, Michigan.
1. Reeds Lake Trail
SCENIC URBAN LAKE LOOP
Reeds Lake Trail offers a picturesque 4.2-mile loop around the popular Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids. This well-maintained path is frequented by walkers, runners, and cyclists seeking tranquil water views and easy access to nature close to the city. Numerous access points, parks, and peaceful wooded sections make it a local favorite for outdoor recreation.
2. Manhattan Recreation Area
FOREST PATHS & MEADOWS
Manhattan Recreation Area features gentle trails weaving through woods, open meadows, and wetlands within East Grand Rapids. Visitors will enjoy birdwatching, wildflowers, and boardwalks over marshy sections in this locally treasured park. It's perfect for a relaxed walk or a family hike close to home.
3. Hodenpyl Woods
WOODLAND ESCAPE TRAIL
Hodenpyl Woods offers peaceful forested trails ideal for those seeking a quieter outdoor experience in East Grand Rapids. The path winds through mature trees and provides glimpses of Reeds Lake, making it perfect for a tranquil nature stroll. Shaded routes and easy terrain attract families and solo explorers alike.
4. Grand Rapids Riverwalk Trail
URBAN RIVERSIDE WALKWAY
The Grand Rapids Riverwalk Trail delivers a seamless blend of city life and riverside beauty along the Grand River. Paved, accessible sections invite walkers of all skill levels to enjoy park views, public art, and frequent wildlife sightings. Its central location makes it a popular destination for both residents and tourists.
5. Cascade Peace Park
TRANQUIL WOODED HIKING
Cascade Peace Park features over two miles of gently rolling forest trails just southeast of East Grand Rapids. With towering hardwoods and quiet, shaded paths, hikers can immerse themselves in nature's calm atmosphere. Scenic overlooks and diverse habitats promise delightful seasonal changes throughout the year.
6. Provin Trails Park
PINE FOREST LOOP TRAILS
Provin Trails Park is a hidden gem in northeast Grand Rapids, famous for its sandy trails winding through towering pine forests. Visitors can explore several looping routes, climb a dune, and enjoy moments of peaceful solitude away from city noise. The park's soft soil makes it popular with runners, hikers, and families.
7. Seidman Park
WILDLIFE & PRAIRIE HIKES
Seidman Park offers a diverse trail system across woods, meadows, and wetlands in nearby Ada. Hikers will spot wildflowers, birds, and the occasional deer along six miles of scenic paths. Boardwalks and bridges provide easy passage over streams, making the park a favorite for all-season exploration.
8. Calvin Ecosystem Preserve
URBAN NATURE SANCTUARY
The Calvin Ecosystem Preserve boasts a network of nature trails just minutes from the center of Grand Rapids. Managed by Calvin University, the preserve offers forest, prairie, and wetland habitats, perfect for birdwatching and environmental education. Families and students alike appreciate its tranquility and easy access.
9. Cascade Township Park
LOOPING FOREST PATHS
Cascade Township Park offers gentle looping trails along wooded ridges, open fields, and creek banks. Located southeast of East Grand Rapids, this park is a local favorite for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Multiple trail choices let visitors tailor their hike to any skill or energy level.
10. Kent Trails
LONG-DISTANCE GREENWAY
Kent Trails is a popular multi-use greenway stretching more than 15 miles from Grand Rapids through several nearby communities. Hikers, runners, and cyclists enjoy the paved, mostly flat route that links parks and scenic suburban landscapes. With its convenient access points, Kent Trails suits both short strolls and extended adventures.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP STATEWIDE TRAIL PICKS
Best Michigan Hiking showcases the most celebrated trails across the state, offering experiences from forested paths to dramatic lake overlooks. Adventurers can explore everything from the rugged Porcupine Mountains to the iconic North Country Trail. Each location highlights Michigan's natural beauty and is suitable for all skill levels.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL & BEACH PATHWAYS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the finest trails along the state's stunning freshwater coasts, including the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Wander through sandy dunes, climb bluffs, and stroll beachfront boardwalks for refreshing lake breezes and endless panoramic views. These trails are ideal for beach lovers and those seeking an invigorating coastal adventure.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE ESCAPES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems features off-the-beaten-path trails ideal for those craving seclusion and wildlife encounters. Hikers can venture through remote forests, quiet wetlands, and lesser-known nature preserves where animal sightings are plentiful and crowds are few. These hidden trails reward visitors with peace, solitude, and immersive natural experiences.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURES
Michigan Autumn Hiking leads outdoor enthusiasts to the state's most vibrant hotspots for fall color. Stroll under canopies of blazing maples, oaks, and birches as forests transform into fiery displays. The crisp air and scenic overlooks make these trails a must-visit every autumn for leaf-peeping hikers.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest spans nearly one million acres in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, offering hundreds of miles of trails through pristine forest, waterfalls, and glacial lakes. Hikers can explore remote backcountry routes or shorter interpretive trails, all rich in natural beauty and wildlife. With its vast wilderness, the forest is a premier destination for outdoor adventure and solitude.