Explore the best rated trails in Northview, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail and Fred Meijer Flat River Valley Rail Trail . With more than 41 trails covering 717 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Love that this trail is close to home for me. It’s a little bumpy in places but my husband and I really enjoy it.
I don't know why it's called the River Valley trail since most of it goes right next to the highway, with only occasional views of a river and no valley to be seen. We rode 20 miles starting in Galesburg. The first couple of miles were scenic, through a wooded area but the next 10 miles were along the highway - BORING AND UGLY. When we got to Kalamazoo, we found several detours because of unsafe bridges. That forced us to cross busy highways. While the trail surface was mostly good, the location of the trail was terrible.
The scenery for the waterfront portion is breathtaking but be cautious when going down the pier as water can potentially knock you over into the water.
As you get to N 3rd Street, the waterfront disappears completely and turns into a bland urban setting, so unless you're have OCD about completing the full trail (like me), you might want to stay by the water entirely.
The trail gets pretty unimpressive in its final segment, with the asphalt being very rough.
I assume the pavement by the waterfront is smooth but since it's buried under a foot of sand, it's hard to tell, lol.
TL:DR, stick to the waterfront portion for max enjoyment.
This trail is a bit hilly so you might want to keep your bike in a low gear for the duration. To off set this the entire trail is perfectly smooth.
Animal farms are present throughout the trail so the smell of dung is a possibility.
Car traffic is also a regular presence you have to put up with.
Blind, tight curves also are a common feature, so keep your wits about you.
But all in all, I thought this was a good trail, and recommend it to anyone interested.
Too bumpy between GR and Belmont for a road bike. Not enjoyable. North of Belmont is great!
We road this trail in October for the leaf viewing. Wonderful! MI trails never disappoint It was a cool day, with people on the trail. The trails are within a park system so I could see it being very busy during the summer season We found the section at Johnson Park (where we parked) to be exciting with its hills and dense woods. As seniors, we bit the bullet and went e-bikes this year, wouldn’t have enjoyed those hills as much if hadn’t.
First I could not find where the trail started at south end. The trail was not marked very well. Some of it had a gorgeous view. Most of it factory or homes.
Rode 7.5 miles north from montague fishing park then back. Only a few curves. Great smooth pavement. Not very busy.
The trail is paved and mostly flat. Lots of trees and birds. The trail is not busy but there are friendly bikers and walkers along the way.
Rode this trail Sept 2024 from St Johns Depot parking lot 18 miles west toward Ionia, stopping soon after the bridge over the Maple River. It was well maintained, firm crushed stone with asphalt passing through towns. Not a problem for my gravel bike with 42 tire. As noted in other reviews, there are a few softer spots that could be a problem for thinner tires. The trail was mostly tree lined, except the section between Fowler and Pewamo is more open farmland with a view of M-21. The road crossings were smooth with almost no traffic. Stopped at the Pewamo Depot restrooms. The restrooms at St Johns Depot were locked.
There are a lot of great parks along this Trail. I have seen a lot of deep woods species like the Acadian Flycatcher and Wood Thrush and many warbler species as well during the spring and summer. One night in Spring when I was coming down the 76th street segment of the trail I also saw American Woodcocks doing their peenting calls and displays. I observed a Barred Owl and Wild Turkeys during a foray down the Kentwood Trail a couple of days ago. This trail takes you away from civilization and out into the wild, through farmland and through wooded areas. A great area to hike, bike and birdwatch in.
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