by Wendy Lafond

Created on: October 14, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Grand Rapids has put a considerable amount of time, money, and effort into providing residents and visitors alike a safe and enjoyable, interlocking series of bike trails, paths, and safe passageway on area roadways. They offer a comprehensive map of all the through-ways which are bicycle-friendly and color coded them according to their level of safety.

Kent Trails

Recycling old railroad lines and utilizing urban streets and right-of-ways, Grand Rapids, Walker, Grandville, Wyoming, and Byron Township have corroborated to create a mostly-paved, handicap accessible, scenic route that covers 15 miles. Construction on undeveloped sections are on-going, so please act responsibly if you see construction signs. This trail is great for beginners as it is typically flatland.

White Pine Trail

It takes some doing to claim the title of "Michigan's Longest rail-to-trail Trail", but the White Pine Trail has done just that, and done it with class. Covering roughly 92 miles, there are numerous trail-heads scattered from Cadillac to Grand Rapids and the trail follows the Grand River offering picturesque views and quiet, peaceful travels. The White Pine Trail enters the Grand Rapids area from the north and connects to the Fred Meijer Trail in Comstock Park.

Riverside Park Trail

Riverside Park covers a 2-mile section along the banks of the Grand River at the north edge of town. Just off of Ann NW on Monroe NW, Riverside Park offers a scenic urban setting, with paved pathways that meander throughout the park. A great place for leisure riding and light exercise.

Paul Henry Thornapple Trail

Still under construction in some areas, the P H Thornapple Trail will traverse over 40 miles when completed and allow cyclists to go from Grand Rapids to Vermontville via the trail system. The trail passes through some of the most beautiful Thornapple River country there is; with farmlands and forests, small towns and waterways the scenery is breathtaking and the trail is well groomed. Overall a very nice ride, so far.

Grand Rapids Bike Park

If you are looking for a little competition, or maybe you are your own competition, either way you will delighted to learn that Grand Rapids has completed construction on a combination BMX park and mountain bike park that is geared toward the youth in the area and keeping them safe and focused.

From the inner-city to out-lying areas, whether you are looking for pleasure, practical, or competition, there is a place for you to ride your bike in Grand Rapids.

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