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 Valley Rail Trail and Fred Meijer Flat River 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.
Too bumpy between GR and Belmont for a road bike. Not enjoyable. North of Belmont is great!
We road this trail in October for the leaf viewing. Wonderful! MI trails never disappoint It was a cool day, with people on the trail. The trails are within a park system so I could see it being very busy during the summer season We found the section at Johnson Park (where we parked) to be exciting with its hills and dense woods. As seniors, we bit the bullet and went e-bikes this year, wouldn’t have enjoyed those hills as much if hadn’t.
Rode 7.5 miles north from montague fishing park then back. Only a few curves. Great smooth pavement. Not very busy.
The trail is paved and mostly flat. Lots of trees and birds. The trail is not busy but there are friendly bikers and walkers along the way.
Rode this trail Sept 2024 from St Johns Depot parking lot 18 miles west toward Ionia, stopping soon after the bridge over the Maple River. It was well maintained, firm crushed stone with asphalt passing through towns. Not a problem for my gravel bike with 42 tire. As noted in other reviews, there are a few softer spots that could be a problem for thinner tires. The trail was mostly tree lined, except the section between Fowler and Pewamo is more open farmland with a view of M-21. The road crossings were smooth with almost no traffic. Stopped at the Pewamo Depot restrooms. The restrooms at St Johns Depot were locked.
I started in Hartford on a gravel bike with 40 tires. The trail is barely visible and there are potholes and deep sand everywhere. It needs to be paved to make it more accessible. Only 3 miles of the trail are paved.
There are a lot of great parks along this Trail. I have seen a lot of deep woods species like the Acadian Flycatcher and Wood Thrush and many warbler species as well during the spring and summer. One night in Spring when I was coming down the 76th street segment of the trail I also saw American Woodcocks doing their peenting calls and displays. I observed a Barred Owl and Wild Turkeys during a foray down the Kentwood Trail a couple of days ago. This trail takes you away from civilization and out into the wild, through farmland and through wooded areas. A great area to hike, bike and birdwatch in.
We parked at the Saranac trailhead and boat launch, across the street from Saranac depot and historical museum. There's a pavilion with restrooms. We went left from parking lot toward Ionia (right goes toward Lowell). Trail is smooth asphalt for first 1-2 miles, then turned to smooth, level crushed stone, then back to asphalt for 1-2 miles into Ionia. The trail is mostly tree-lined with a few bridges closer to Ionia, including one large bridge over the Grand River; only one significant road crossing after crossing the road in Saranac until Ionia. It was about 8.65 miles from parking in Saranac to an elevated bridge over a roadway near downtown Ionia. There's a pavilion with restrooms and designated trail parking after crossing the big bridge. Ionia has a picturesque downtown with a brick paved Main Street, historic store fronts and court house.
The trail is well maintained, and the pace was pleasantly fast for crushed stone surface; on gravel bikes with 42c tires.
Rode this trail from Lowell north toward Belding about 8 miles one way. We parked in Creekside Park off Gee Drive; rode sidewalk about ½ mile to the Foreman St trailhead. Since it was Saturday, it looked like we could have parked at Cherry Creek Elementary School less than a block from trailhead or Lowell Middle School also off Foreman St. The trail starts next to a private residence; there's a small sign identifying the trail.
The trail was smooth asphalt for first mile; then turned to recycled asphalt which is like gravel. It was fairly firm in most spots, not a problem for our 42c tires, the pace was a bit slower. The intersection at McPherson Rd was very loose, otherwise the trail was level and good for our gravel bikes. The trail is mostly tree-lined, at least on the west side, passing through woodland, marsh, and farmland.
A nice, quiet ride with infrequent road crossings and very few people.
Lovely trail. Lots of shade throughout. Down side is the numerous stop signs/road crossings but otherwise mostly flat and trail is in great condition!
I love this place! Never too busy. I take the paved trail. I go all the way through and back. Only takes 90 minutes. Very scenic.
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