Kent Trails:
Michigan
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Description:
Stitched through the fabric of the state's second largest metropolitan area, the Kent Trails system weaves together a resource that is both scenic and valuable. Resulting from the collaborative effort of six governmental entities, this system provides a unique opportunity for individuals and families to enjoy the outdoors close to home.

As the trail threads through the urban patchwork, it passes industrial sites, winds along and over the Grand River, runs beside and under Interstate 196, and meanders through the rural countryside. All of this, tied together by the abandoned railroad, road corridors, surface streets and easements donated by private landowners to create the linear trail.

For more information please see the Trail Websites.
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Parking & Trail Access:
The northern end of the trail can be reached from John Ball Park, which offers a zoo and parking. Head south from the park (by road) to the trailhead, which is across the street next to the Coca-Cola bottling plant, to begin your adventure. In Byron, limited parking is available where the trail ends on 84th Street.

A trail map is available on the first Trail Website listed under the Resource Center.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Getting better
By teddgram on June 29, 2009
It would be nice if they had a way to connect some of the sections together, but when you are on the trail (not on the streets between the trail sections) it's pretty nice. We've done the section from 44th to Byron Center a lot of times. Make sure you turn left at the end and get some ice cream before you had back to 44th.

The other sections that follow the river can be nice, but it can be pretty buggy if you should happen to stop. It's pretty shaded, and scenic. I like that they made the road on the south side of the river one way, making the other direction for the trail users only.
Thumbs Up
By Jeff on July 12, 2006
"I ride the Southern part of this trail frequently because I find it to be a great family ride. I park in Byron Center and ride to 44th Street and back about 11 miles... good for the kids. This portion of the trail is some farmland, some residential, some wooded.

This week I rode the entire length of the trail for the 1st time. I really enjoyed it... it has a bit of everything. It does get a bit urban going across 28th Street and Chicago Drive but once you get past the City of Grandville you are back on the trail. Plug your nose going past the wastewater plant. The portion along the Grand River is real nice and you cross the river eventually and have your choice of Millenium Park to the left of John Ball Park to the right. I first went to John Ball Park, primarily because the trail signage disappears after you cross the river. I then rode down to Millenium Park. Very nice park, however, the geese were not real excited about sharing ""their"" trail with me.

Then I headed back to Byron Center. The days ride for me a great workout at 32+- miles.

Overall, a good family trail, fairly flat. Only downside is Urban section through Grandville and in some of the wooded areas the trail is getting rough due to tree root growth under the trail, but a small price to pay for a great ride.

Thumbs up for Kent Trails!!"
New trail website
By Paul Harrington-Taber on June 27, 2006
The trail website has moved to http://www.accesskent.com/CultureLeisureAndTransit/Parks/kent_trails.htm
Who said GR isn't pretty
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Grand Rapids to Byron Center
Counties: Kent
Trail Length: 15 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016164

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other Midwestern rail-trails in RTC's Midwestern Guidebook.