Best Biking Trails in Grand Rapids, Michigan

For a moderate sized urban area that is rather unfriendly to bikers-there are no bike lanes and drivers are generally unaccommodating to cyclists-Grand Rapids, Michigan is home to a somewhat surprising number of bike trails. There are a number of great biking trails that make it easy for experienced and amateur cyclists to enjoy biking without needing to put up with occasionally irate drivers. Even as someone who commutes exclusively via bicycle and who has a relatively high tolerance for irate drivers, I find that the bike trails often a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of biking on city streets.

For any cyclist planning to use trails in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, I would recommend wearing a helmet for proper bicycle safety. In addition, cyclists should obtain a copy the Bike Grand Rapids map which shows the various biking trails in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas.

The best biking trails in Grand Rapids include:

Kent Trails - Kent Trails begins in downtown Grand Rapids near John Ball Park. The fifteen mile trail travels through several different cities-Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Byron Center, and Grandville as it follows an old rail bed that was converted into a bike trail in the 1990s. The trail is well-maintained and follows the Grand River for much of the route, making for a number of scenic views. The trail goes to Millennium Park which allows bikers to stop and swim-for a nominal $2 fee-if they are interested. There are various trail heads along the route which make it easier to bring your bike via car if you do not live near the trail and are not comfortable biking to it.

White Pine Trail - The White Pine Trail is a lengthy-nearly one-hundred miles-biking trail that connects Grand Rapids to Cadillac. The trail begins to the northwest of Riverside Park in Grand Rapids and follows a retired rail bead making for an easy, flat ride. Its one of the best biking trails in the state as it offers the longest converted rail trail in Michigan. Many cyclists in Grand Rapids take the trail as far as Belmont or Rockford, both of which are manageable one-day trips with numerous options for stopping and resting. Both cities offer popular ice cream shops just off the trail. For those considering riding the entire length of the trail, it is important to note that only about 35 miles of the biking trail is paved-the remainder is packed gravel. There are future plans to make the White Pine Trail the backbone of a larger statewide network of bike trails.

Reeds Lake Trail - Located in neighboring East Grand Rapids, the Reeds Lake Trail is an enjoyable 4.2 mile trail that takes cyclists around Reeds Lake. Bikers will ride through residential areas, woods, and wetlands. There are numerous stopping points along the way and many portions of the trail now run parallel to the road on pedestrian-only thoroughfares. It's an incredibly popular biking trail that is suitable for riders of all skill levels.

Musketawa Trail - Located northwest of Grand Rapids, this is scenic twenty-five mile biking trail runs from Marne to Muskegon. It goes through farmlands and woods and travels through several small towns on what was an abandoned railway. Among the highlights of the scenic trail are the Ravenna Railroad Water Tower and the Crockery Creek Trestle. The trestle features a scenic view of Crockery Creek which is located far below. For experienced cyclists, it is possible to reach this trail via bicycle from Grand Rapids. Consult the Bike Grand Rapids map (referenced above) to plan an appropriate route.

In addition to these trails, there are numerous other trails throughout the city and in the surrounding West Michigan area, but these offer some of the best options. As always, be safe and enjoy yourself-cycling is a great way to get out the city and to get some exercise.