Take a Hike to these 4 Gorgeous Hiking Trails
Written by Andreas Fields
Posted on November 4, 2021
Being out in nature, surrounded by the trees, grass, and animals can be a peaceful break from our often busy lives. The Grand Rapids and greater West Michigan area have some perfect areas for hiking and getting lost in the woods (in a good way, of course). If you consider yourself an experienced hiker, or you are just looking for somewhere to roam for a few hours, keep reading to find out about the best hiking trails in the area.
1. Ravines Natural Area Trails
No hiking trail compilation would be complete without the Ravines. The Ravines spans all the way from north to south across the Allendale campus, with multiple trails accessible from different points of the campus, including the Arboretum and South Apartments. Trailing the Grand River, the Ravines are a great way to experience a side of campus you may have never seen before.
Millennium Park is a popular park and set of trails spanning Grand Rapids, Walker, Wyoming, and Grandville. Millennium Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, features a beach, 1,400 acres of land, and over 18 miles of hiking trails. Any and all Grand Rapids hikers should be sure to check Millennium Park off their bucket list if they haven’t already.
3. Aman Park
3.2 miles east of the Allendale campus lies Aman Park, a beautiful wooded area with six different winding trails and even a babbling brook or two. Grab some friends, maybe pack a picnic, and explore!
Grand River Park in Jenison is a nature lover’s dream. Containing wetlands, grasslands, a forest, a 162-acre park, and hiking and biking trails, Grand River Park has something for everyone to enjoy. The diverse environment is conveniently located four miles south of the Allendale campus, which is a short distance for most students. The park also has a playground and areas to boat and fish, so everyone can find something to enjoy.
Beyond these four trails, there are many beautiful hiking spots across all of West Michigan! Check out GVSU’s Recreation and Wellness Center’s Hiking Resources page for a complete list of hiking trails, plus advice on staying safe and healthy on your trek.