Grand Rapids MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Grand Rapids, Michigan.
1. Millennium Park Trails
RIVERSIDE URBAN HIKING
Millennium Park Trails form one of the largest urban trail networks in Michigan, with over 18 miles winding through lakes, forests, and along the Grand River. The park features both paved and natural-surfaced trails, making it accessible for all hikers while still offering a true nature experience. Its multiple loops and varied terrain provide peaceful walks, scenic river views, and plenty of space to enjoy close to Grand Rapids.
2. Provin Trails Park
WOODLAND ESCAPE
Provin Trails Park offers a serene escape into a pine woodland right on the edge of Grand Rapids, featuring unpaved trails that loop through dense forest. The trail system is known for its quiet environment, soft footing, and gentle rolling terrain, making it ideal for hikers seeking tranquility. The park is especially beautiful in autumn, when golden needles carpet the trails and sunlight filters through the trees.
3. Aman Park
WILDFLOWER HAVEN
Aman Park is a hidden gem west of downtown Grand Rapids, featuring six color-coded, self-guided loops that meander through forests, wetlands, and wildflower meadows. The unpaved trails offer a moderate hiking experience with a mix of hills and flat stretches, all maintained in a natural state. Springtime dazzles with blooming wildflowers, while autumn paints the landscape in rich colors, making it a year-round favorite.
4. Cascade Peace Park
TRANQUIL FOREST TRAILS
Cascade Peace Park features over 198 acres of rolling hills, wooded ravines, and peaceful meadows, with several miles of interconnected trails. Hikers can enjoy both paved and natural paths that wind through oak and maple trees, offering glimpses of wildlife and wildflowers. The serenity and scenic beauty of the area make it popular for those seeking a peaceful retreat just outside the city.
5. Seidman Park
DIVERSE NATURE PARK
Seidman Park spans over 400 acres in Ada and offers several looped hiking trails through forests, prairies, and wetlands. Boardwalks and bridges add to the trail network, making it easy to traverse wet areas while observing birds and wildlife. Its diverse landscapes and peaceful settings are perfect for a relaxing day hike or family outing in nature.
6. Pickerel Lake Park
SCENIC LAKESIDE HIKING
Pickerel Lake Park, also known as Fred Meijer Nature Preserve, features a 3.4-mile loop that circles the lake and passes through wetlands, woods, and observation platforms. The trail offers picturesque views of the water, excellent birdwatching, and opportunities to spot turtles and other wildlife. Its peaceful setting and well-maintained paths make it a local favorite for nature lovers.
7. Luton Park
TRAIL NETWORK ADVENTURE
Luton Park boasts over 8 miles of trails that cater to hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, winding through forests, meadows, and along Rum Creek. Multiple trail loops of varying difficulty allow visitors to customize their hike and enjoy the park's quiet atmosphere. Wildflowers and wildlife are abundant, and the changing scenery throughout the seasons keeps the experience fresh for repeat visitors.
8. Prairie Wolf Park
MEADOWS AND WOODLANDS
Prairie Wolf Park in Kentwood offers a compact yet varied hiking experience, with flat paved loops and hilly, natural trails winding through prairies and woodlands. A popular feature is the boardwalk crossing a pond, home to turtles and frogs in spring and summer. The park is welcoming for families, with picnic areas and a gentle landscape that's easy to explore any time of year.
9. Grand Ravines Park
BLUFFS AND RIVER VIEWS
Grand Ravines Park showcases dramatic riverbank bluffs, wooded ravines, and scenic trails along the Grand River. Hikers can enjoy wide-ranging views, cross impressive pedestrian bridges, and explore habitat-rich lowlands filled with wildflowers and wildlife. The park's dog-friendly policies and observation decks make it a top choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
10. Fred Meijer White Pine Trail
LONG-DISTANCE HIKING
Fred Meijer White Pine Trail is a former rail corridor stretching nearly 100 miles through several towns, with a popular trailhead at Comstock Park near Grand Rapids. The trail passes through forests, farmlands, and small towns, offering a wide range of scenery for day hikers or long-distance trekkers. Its flat, multi-use surface welcomes walkers, runners, and cyclists eager to explore Michigan by foot.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP STATEWIDE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the state's top-rated trails, from the vast wilderness of the Upper Peninsula to scenic paths through Lower Michigan's parks and forests. Hikers will find routes suited for every skill level, with stunning views of lakes, rivers, dunes, and forests. Iconic trails like the North Country and Porcupine Mountains offer memorable wildlife sightings and unforgettable natural beauty.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
SAND DUNES AND LAKES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking explores the state's breathtaking beach and coastal trails along freshwater shores. Adventurers can trek atop dramatic sand dunes, stroll through forested bluffs, and discover hidden coves along Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Superior. The combination of sandy beaches, roaring waves, and scenic overlooks creates some of the best coastal hiking in the Midwest.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE RETREATS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems features secluded trails and protected nature areas perfect for those seeking quiet, wildlife observation, and unspoiled landscapes. Remote state land, lesser-known preserves, and off-the-beaten-path parks provide excellent opportunities to spot deer, birds, and rare plants. These tranquil locations are ideal for solitude and immersive nature experiences away from crowds.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the state's dramatic fall color season, offering countless trails that pass through forests blazing with red, orange, and yellow leaves. Top destinations include hardwood-covered hills, protected parks, and scenic overlooks where hikers can savor the vibrant autumn scenery. Each October, these trails attract visitors eager to experience Michigan's famous foliage firsthand.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST NORTH WOODS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula invites hikers to explore over 990,000 acres of pristine lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and dense pine forests. A vast network of trails ranges from accessible boardwalks to rugged backcountry routes, offering something for every hiking style and ability. The forest's solitude, scenic beauty, and abundant wildlife make it a premier destination for immersive wilderness hiking.