Top West Michigan Parks and Trails

Michigan is home to some of the most scenic trails in the Midwest, and West Michigan boasts hundreds of top-quality parks and trails! We’ve highlighted some unique ones before, but we want to share some of our favorite trails and parks! These parks offer everything from scenic hiking trails, to bike paths, to playgrounds for the kids!

Aman Park: A favorite on the Northwest side of Grand Rapids. The park is well maintained and marked! It is dog friendly (must be leashed) and kid approved! Take a hike and check out the colors, find wild life, listen to the birds, or just get some exercise. The main loop at the park is 2.3 miles, very easy elevation and paths are cleared to make it easy walking!

Ensley Nature Preserve: This is a beautiful area for a quick walk in the woods. There are 5 trails, with the longest being only 1 mile. Even my teenager doesn’t mind hiking a short 1 miler! There are memorial benches to rest at, educational signs for different trees/leaves, scenic outlook deck, bird houses through-out, playground for the kids. A not so great day and turn great with a short walk in nature! Get out and enjoy!

Hemlock Crossings: Located just a few miles north of Holland this is one of the biggest Ottawa County parks and there is so much to do here! There is a Nature Education Center full of live animals, educational materials, and other fun things to discover! With over 6 miles of trail (1 mile paved), you can explore the beautiful woods and Pigeon River wetland area to your heart’s content! The trails are pet friendly and can be used by cross-country skiers and snowshoe lovers in the winter. There is also a canoe/kayak launch-all of this for FREE!

Heritage Park: This park is fantastic for running! Take a few laps around the pond, stop off at the playground to have a snack and let the kids play. It’s dog friendly too! A great park in all seasons, and it’s not over crowded!

Pigeon Creek: You might know this place as a winter sports haven in West Olive, but this park is also lovely during the other seasons of the year! The trails are open to hikers, bikers, and horse riders! In the winter they become cross country skiing trails complete with tubing hill and ski lodge! A hidden gem in the West Olive area!

Pickerel Lake Park: Pickerel Lake is a beautiful Nature preserve that retains Michigan’s pure, simple splendor. Begin the main 2-mile loop along a lengthy boardwalk with breathtaking views of this pristine, and uninhabited lake. Spot deer and other abundant wildlife as you follow the trail around the preserve. Several off-shoot trails can add some extra mileage to your hike, leading you away from the shore and into the wooded hills that surround. The trail system is marked well and is quite easy to navigate. It is very hiker friendly, and can be used for hiking, xc-skiing, and snowshoeing. Sorry, no bikes or pets are allowed on the trails.

We are avid adventurers and real estate agents. If you are looking for a house close to your favorite park or trail, we can help! Contact us for all of your real estate needs!