Kent City MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Kent City, Michigan.
1. Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park
SCENIC MULTI-USE PATHWAY
Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park is a major rail-trail passing through Kent City, offering a lengthy and well-maintained path ideal for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. The trail traverses a variety of scenic landscapes, including woodlands, farmland, and waterways, making it an excellent spot for both quick walks and long-distance treks. With easy access and gentle grades, it is popular year-round with visitors seeking a peaceful escape into nature.
2. Rogue River Trail
RIVERFRONT WOODLAND TRAIL
Rogue River Trail in Rockford offers a lovely riverside hiking experience along the winding Rogue River. The trail features shaded woodlands, charming footbridges, and frequent wildlife sightings, making it a favorite for families and photographers alike. Its proximity to downtown Rockford allows for easy access to restaurants and shops after a day outdoors.
3. Provin Trails Park
NATURAL FOREST SANCTUARY
Provin Trails Park, located in Grand Rapids, is a serene forested park known for its winding sandy trails and rolling dunes. It's a perfect place for those seeking a peaceful walk among tall pines, and the trails are dog-friendly for visitors with pets. The park is especially scenic in the early mornings and during autumn when the foliage is vibrant.
4. Pickerel Lake Park
LOOP AROUND GLACIAL LAKE
Pickerel Lake Park in Cannonsburg offers a picturesque hiking loop around a beautiful glacial lake, surrounded by wetlands and mixed forest. The trail includes wooden boardwalks and observation points for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. It's especially popular with hikers seeking a tranquil, water-focused nature experience close to Kent City.
5. Millennium Park Trails
EXPANSIVE URBAN NATURE PARK
Millennium Park Trails in Walker comprise an extensive network of over 18 miles of paved and natural-surface trails spanning 1,400 acres. Visitors can explore lakes, woodlands, and restored prairie, enjoying amenities like restrooms and easy access to adjacent parks. It's a top destination for both serious hikers and families looking for an accessible outdoor adventure.
6. North Country Trail: Marilla to Dilling
ICONIC LONG-DISTANCE ROUTE
The North Country Trail segment from Marilla to Dilling traverses a remote and scenic stretch of Michigan's legendary long-distance hiking corridor. Hikers pass through dense woodlands, along ridgelines, and beside clear streams, offering solitude and a sense of wilderness. This section is well-marked and appeals to both day-hikers and backpackers looking for a true backcountry experience.
7. Fallasburg Park
HISTORIC PARKLAND HIKING
Fallasburg Park, near Lowell, is renowned for its blend of historic covered bridges, rolling hills, and mature woodlands. Trail networks wind through the park and along the Flat River, offering varied terrain for all skill levels. The mix of river views and ample shade make it a favorite for summer hikes and leisurely strolls.
8. Pigeon Creek Park Trails
WINTER SPORTS HAVEN
Pigeon Creek Park in West Olive is known for its well-groomed trails that welcome hikers, equestrians, and cross-country skiers alike. The wooded paths wind through gently rolling hills and open pine plantations, providing year-round outdoor adventure. In the winter months, it transforms into a hub for snowshoeing and skiing.
9. Cascade Peace Park
QUIET HILLTOP FORESTS
Cascade Peace Park in Ada features more than 200 acres of mature hardwood forest laced with gently rolling hiking trails. Visitors enjoy peaceful surroundings, abundant wildlife, and several viewpoint ridges that provide panoramic vistas. The park's tranquil setting is ideal for meditative walks and birdwatching.
10. Buck Creek Trail
URBAN GREENWAY WALK
Buck Creek Trail in Wyoming is an urban greenway that follows the course of Buck Creek through parks and residential neighborhoods. The paved path is easy to access and ideal for family outings, casual walkers, and cyclists. Its connectivity to local parks and schools makes it a popular route for daily recreation in the area.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking refers to the state's most acclaimed trails, renowned for their scenic beauty, variety, and accessibility. Michigan offers everything from rugged wilderness paths in the Upper Peninsula to family-friendly routes near major cities, catering to adventurers of all skill levels. Whether traversing forested hills, sand dunes, or lakeshores, hikers are sure to find stunning vistas and memorable experiences.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH AND COASTAL TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the top trails along the state's Great Lakes shores, offering panoramic water views, sandy beaches, and unique dune landscapes. Trails wind through protected parks, historic lighthouses, and wildflower-filled meadows, making them perfect for beach lovers and coastal explorers. Hikers can enjoy stunning sunsets and refreshing lake breezes throughout the year.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED AND WILDLIFE-RICH
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are lesser-known trails throughout the state ideal for those seeking solitude, wildlife observation, and tranquil natural settings. These hidden spots often feature quiet forests, marshlands, and peaceful lakeshores teeming with birds and native animals. Exploring these trails provides a unique opportunity to connect deeply with Michigan's wild side, away from crowded destinations.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE JOURNEYS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the best trails for experiencing the state's spectacular fall foliage. As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, hikers are treated to breathtaking woodland scenes and crisp autumn air. These hikes are especially popular in state parks and forested highlands, drawing visitors from across the Midwest.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Ottawa National Forest in Ironwood spans nearly a million acres in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, offering countless miles of hiking trails through dense forests, rolling hills, and pristine waterways. The area is famed for its solitude, scenic waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, making it a haven for backpackers and nature enthusiasts. With year-round access, visitors can enjoy wildflower hikes in spring, berry picking in summer, and vibrant foliage in autumn.