Explore the best rated trails in Plainwell, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Rail Trail and Grand River Edges Trail . With more than 46 trails covering 683 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.
The northern half is mostly shadey nature with a round trip of 12 miles, and the southern half is a bit more rough, as it's a mix of urban and nature with a round trip of 30 miles, from a grand total of 42/43.
You might want to skip the 76th street section, as it is a road-only segment, with very fast traffic and no bike lanes/sidewalk to keep you safe.
I applaud the State of Michigan for making this trail system possible. This truly is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiast in many capacities. Friends from Dayton (OH) and Kalamazoo recently convened in Cadillac to cycle the entire 92-mile route, and must confess that we had an absolute blast! This is an incredible trail network that has the capacity to enhance tourism and economic growth along with supporting wellness and fitness, and reinforce the State’s natural beauty and outdoor appeal. Michigan - You rock! Thank you! Gary Victor Kettering, OH
I live close by so this is my go to trail when I don't want to compete with vehicles. Crushed stone the entire length with the western half was redone in 2024. Both trailheads on east and west ends are congested on the weekends but it's nice to see people out and enjoying the outdoors. In between is much less crowded with several places to jump on from parking area's and crossroads. It's well maintained for fallen trees, branches, gopher holes and wash outs but some areas with inclines could use some attention to bring it back to smooth surface. Average rider can complete it in 3-5 hours and maybe even return back in one day. Could use me maps along the trail indicating where you are on the trial.
Just finishing up the entire trail this week and impressed. The only rough spots are coming north out of Grand Rapids to just north of Rockford it can be congested and bumpy from cracks and root heaves. From Big Rapids to Reed City is can be the same as well without the congestion. The entire trail is paved and is smooth and enjoyable to ride.
This a good workout experience if you are walking instead of biking.
This is an okay trail with some slight elevation and good sights.
We parked in Reed City at the Depot where White Pine intersects with Pere Marquette State Trail. Plenty of parking at the depot which is located behind Yoplait. Restrooms and picnic area as well as benches. Eateries in Reed City. The 12-13 mile section between Reed City and LeRoy was built in 2018, paved, and still in very good condition for 8 years old. It's a steady and gradual uphill climb on this stretch. Most of it is not shaded and the first about 6 miles follows US Hwy 131 and can be noisy. It's a great section but you have to stop and think: steady climb, not much shade, along a 4 lane highway! Once passed the interstate section it becomes more peaceful and quiet and even some sections of wooded areas. At one point it looks like a tunnel of trees but it's not for long. The high point of the trail is just before the short underpass tunnel then it's coasting the next few miles or so into LeRoy. Not much in LeRoy but did find a small grocery store and dollar store so we got some cold drinks at the grocery. Once in LeRoy it's 12 miles to Cadillac. We rode that section a few years ago. On the return trip, LeRoy back to Reed City, once you go uphill South about a mile, the remaining 12ish miles is all downhill and you can practically coast the entire return trip. Interesting old airport along the trail Nartron Field built in the 1950's. A few bumps and cracks along the trail just outside of Reed City. This is a great trail section would ride it again next time in the area. For September, signs of Fall with leaves changing and dropping already due to the very dry summer.
I do not know why people are complaining about this trail. The trail from Stanwood south is brand new smooth as silk!!! It is beautiful the little town of Morey is cute with gas stations and a resturant.
Per the trails website, the 12 mile section through Ottawa County will be closed all of 2025 for reconstruction. The remainder of the trail should be open, refer to Musketawa Trail website / Facebook page for current information.
Today’s ride from Pewamo to Ionia was quite nice. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of trail in the shade, riding next to the Maple and Grand Rivers. The trail (both asphalt sections and crushed/compacted stone) were in good condition and pretty much straight and flat. In Ionia we enjoyed an ice cream cone at Cooks
So - DW Park is super nice with great restrooms… but if looking for more than 2 mile stroll, keep driving to next trailhead point! Leaving from DW Park takes you out on 76th St - NO sidewalk, minimal shoulder, and crazy amt of traffic running 45-55mph. Other than that, the trails themselves were nice (all paved), pretty clearly marked (you do have a little jaunt thru a couple streets and apt complex parking lot - but it’s all marked with sidewalks or bike lanes thru majority of it and then right back to a nice bike path again. ¿
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