Portage, MI Birding Trails and Maps

437 Reviews

Looking for the best Birding trails around Portage?

Find the top rated birding trails in Portage, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

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Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type
57 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

Buck Creek Trail (MI)

2.5 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

East West Trail

2.7 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Eliason Nature Reserve Trail

3.3 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Falling Waters Trail

11.25 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail

17.5 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Concrete

Kal-Haven Trail State Park

33.95 mi
State: MI
Crushed Stone

Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

20.9 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Kent Trails

22.1 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Millrace Trail

2.75 mi
State: IN
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Mishawaka Riverwalk

2.6 mi
State: IN
Asphalt, Brick, Concrete

Northside Trail

3 mi
State: IN
Concrete

Northwest Portage Bikeway

3 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Portage Creek Bicentennial Trail

4 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

18.6 mi
State: IN
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Ridge Run Trail

1.5 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Riverside Trail (IN)

3.4 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Shanklin-Mullet Trail

1 mi
State: IN
Crushed Stone

Upper Macatawa Greenway Trail

2.8 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Dirt

Van Buren Trail Spur

2.5 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Angola Trail

7.4 mi
State: IN
Asphalt, Concrete
Accordion

Battle Creek Linear Park

25.9 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Calhoun County Trailway

5.3 mi
State: MI
Crushed Stone

Coal Line Trail

1.5 mi
State: IN
Concrete

East Bank Trail

1.7 mi
State: IN
Asphalt, Concrete

Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail

9.8 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete

Holland Metro Trails

150 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Crushed Stone

LaSalle Trail

3.5 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

MapleHeart Trail

4.8 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Millennium Trail (MI)

1.3 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail

31.1 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Cinder, Crushed Stone

Plaster Creek Trail

2.7 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Shaver Road Bikeway

1.8 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Vicksburg Trailway

1.8 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Winona Interurban Trail

3.14 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Albion River Trail

1.6 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Baw Beese Trail

8.2 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Elkhart River Greenway Trail

1.9 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Fred Meijer M-6 Trail

9 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Granger Paths

5 mi
State: IN
Concrete

Interurban Trail (Kent County)

2 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Jerry Russell Trail

1.4 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Main Trail

0.5 mi
State: MI
Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Woodchips

Plymouth Avenue Trail

1.6 mi
State: IN
Asphalt, Concrete

Van Buren Trail State Park

14.3 mi
State: MI
Ballast

Central City Trail (IN)

1.7 mi
State: IN
Concrete

Litchfield Nature Trail

2 mi
State: MI
Dirt, Grass

Wilden Avenue Trail

3.2 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Elkhart RiverWalk Trail

0.7 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Interurban Trail (Allegan County)

1.3 mi
State: MI
Dirt, Grass, Gravel

Lovers Lane Bikeway

2 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Monroe Street Trail

1 mi
State: IN
Concrete

Ninth Street Trail

1.3 mi
State: IN
Concrete

Romence Road Bikeway

1.5 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

US 33 Path

1 mi
State: IN
Concrete

Wayne Avenue Trail

1 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

West Bank Walkway

0.6 mi
State: IN
Concrete
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
Following the north side of the creek, the Buck Creek Trail provides a pleasant route through Grandville's neighborhoods and, with a newer extension, connects the downtown area with a network of...
MI 2.5 mi Asphalt
The East West Trail follows an electric utility corridor for more than 2 arrow-straight miles through Kentwood, Michigan. The trail runs along a creek for a short distance and features some short...
MI 2.7 mi Asphalt
Located in Eliason Nature Reserve, this multiuse trail provides a paved route through the scenic woods of the reserve. At its northern end, the trail links with the Shaver Road Bikeway, which provides...
MI 3.3 mi Asphalt
Overview Jackson County's Falling Waters Trail serves as an important community connector, linking the outskirts of the vibrant City of Jackson to the picturesque Village of Concord, which brims...
MI 11.25 mi Asphalt
Overview The Indiana Michigan River Valley Trail connects the towns of Niles, MI, and Mishawaka, IN via. 17 miles of paved multi-use trails. The trail passes different sites like Notre Dame...
MI 17.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Overview More than a half-dozen old railroad towns between Kalamazoo and South Haven offer rest and replenishment to travelers using the Kal-Haven Trail. The nearly 34-mile crushed-limestone rail...
MI 33.95 mi Crushed Stone
When complete, the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail will run for 35 miles throughout Kalamazoo County. Currently, the trail consists of two continuous segments connected by bike lanes: one segment extends...
MI 20.9 mi Asphalt
Overview An easy, flat, and well-maintained trail system, the Kent Trails provide transportation and access to nature in the bustling, second-largest metropolitan area in Michigan. The southern...
MI 22.1 mi Asphalt
The Millrace Trail meanders through wooded parkland on the west side of downtown Goshen, a walkable town itself with historical buildings and nice shops. The scenic trail follows the hydraulic canal...
IN 2.75 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Mishawaka Riverwalk is a multiuse loop trail that winds along both banks of the St. Joseph River for 2.6 miles in the City of Mishawaka. Pedestrian bridges provide connections between the...
IN 2.6 mi Asphalt, Brick, Concrete
The Indiana Michigan River Valley Trail connects the towns of Niles, MI and Mishawaka, IN via. 17 miles of paved multi-use trails, some of which have their own unique identity. The trail also passes...
IN 3 mi Concrete
As its name implies, the Northwest Portage Bikeway traverses the northwestern neighborhoods of Portage, a city in the Kalamazoo metro area. The 3-mile paved trail begins just south of Crossroads Mall,...
MI 3 mi Asphalt
The Portage Bikeway trail system is a 17.5-mile network of multi-use trails throughout the city of Portage, south of Kalamazoo. The 4-mile segment through Portage Creek Bicentennial Park is cleared of...
MI 4 mi Asphalt
Overview The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail covers over 18 miles between the towns of Goshen, Middlebury, and Shipshewana. The trail itself is well maintained and includes mile markers. The route is...
IN 18.6 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Ridge Run Trail, in the northern Indiana town of Middlebury, offers helpful connections in the community. On its southern end, the paved pathway connects with the beloved Pumpkinvine Nature Trail,...
IN 1.5 mi Asphalt
The Indiana Michigan River Valley Trail connects the towns of Niles, MI and Mishawaka, IN via. 17 miles of paved multi-use trails, some of which have their own unique identity. The trail also passes...
IN 3.4 mi Asphalt
The Shanklin-Mullet Trail, named for the two parks through which it runs, follows the Elkhart River through dense woodlands on the western side of Goshen. Mullet Park is a peaceful 15-acre open space,...
IN 1 mi Crushed Stone
The Upper Macatawa Trail is sited within the stunning natural area of the same name, in Zeeland, Michigan. The trail runs 2.8 miles and offers a sensory as it passes through hardwood forest, verdant...
MI 2.8 mi Asphalt, Dirt
The Van Buren Trail Spur, which opened in November 2015, offers a paved, off-road route from the southern outskirts of South Haven to Van Buren State Park. The rail-trail begins at 16th Avenue, where...
MI 2.5 mi Asphalt
For more than 7 miles, The Angola trail winds through the heart of its namesake city, which sits in the northeast corner of Indiana, just 10 miles from the bordering states of Michigan and Ohio. The...
IN 7.4 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Accordion
The Battle Creek Linear Park trail encompasses nearly 26 miles of connected trails in Battle Creek. Residents use the loop trails to put some snap, crackle, and pop in their exercise routines, while...
MI 25.9 mi Asphalt
If you’re looking for a rustic escape form the din of everyday life, consider the Calhoun County Trailway. The Trailway weaves through three of the county’s four parks. The 5.3-mile trail kicks off in...
MI 5.3 mi Crushed Stone
The Coal Line Trail runs along the abandoned Notre Dame & Western Railroad coal line, which used to deliver coal to the Notre Dame Power Plant. Developing in stages, the route primarily uses the old...
IN 1.5 mi Concrete
The Indiana Michigan River Valley Trail connects the towns of Niles, MI and Mishawaka, IN via. 17 miles of paved multi-use trails, some of which have their own unique identity. The trail also passes...
IN 1.7 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail begins in the rural community of Jamestown southwest of Grand Rapids and travels nearly 10 miles west, primarily along existing roads, to Zeeland Township. Passing by one...
MI 9.8 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete
To be in Holland, Michigan, is to experience authentic Dutch culture in the American Midwest, from dikes and canals, to tulip fields and even a windmill. The city sits on the Lake Michigan shoreline...
MI 150 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Crushed Stone
The Indiana Michigan River Valley Trail connects the towns of Niles, MI and Mishawaka, IN via. 17 miles of paved multi-use trails, some of which have their own unique identity. The trail also passes...
IN 3.5 mi Asphalt
The MapleHeart Trail travels nearly 5 miles from the city of Elkhart south to the outskirts of Goshen. The trail parallels County Road 45 and a Norfolk Southern Railroad corridor through residential...
IN 4.8 mi Asphalt
Though the Millennium Trail runs just over a mile, it connects several attractions in the southern Michigan city of Portage. Its east end connects to the scenic Portage Creek Bicentennial Trail,...
MI 1.3 mi Asphalt
Overview The Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail is a 31-mile, multi-use recreation trail, extending from Grand Rapids to Vermontville.  The trail passes through farmlands, woodlands, and small towns,...
MI 31.1 mi Asphalt, Cinder, Crushed Stone
The Plaster Creek Trail provides a non-motorized way to access Grand Rapids neighborhoods via a pleasant, tree-lined route. The path meanders along a tributary of the Grand River from Ken-O-Sha Park...
MI 2.7 mi Asphalt
Shaver Road Bikeway begins on the south side of E. Centre Avenue in the southern Michigan city of Portage. On the north side of the roadway, a connection to the 4-mile Portage Creek Bicentennial Trail...
MI 1.8 mi Asphalt
The Vicksburg Trailway runs for nearly 2 miles on a former railroad corridor in a small village south of Kalamazoo. The paved trail is surrounded by dense woodlands for all but the southernmost...
MI 1.8 mi Asphalt
The scenic Winona Interurban Trail lies in the southeastern corner of Goshen near the Indiana–Michigan border. The paved pathway is part of the larger Maple City Greenway network that links...
IN 3.14 mi Asphalt
The pleasant little Albion River Trail runs along the south bank of the Kalamazoo River through the town of Albion. The trail runs between McClure Riverfront Park on the west end and Victory Park on...
MI 1.6 mi Asphalt
The Baw Beese Trail, named in honor of a former chief of the local Potawatomi population, connects the Michigan communities of Hillsdale and Jonesville. The paved trail is a model of efficient land...
MI 8.2 mi Asphalt
Following the Elkhart River through a 120-acre greenway, this multiuse trail provides a green oasis in the middle of the city. The greenway is home to deer, river otter, muskrat, beaver, coyote, fox,...
IN 1.9 mi Asphalt
The Fred Meijer M-6 Trail runs for 9 miles, paralleling Michigan Highway 6/Paul B. Henry Expressway south of Grand Rapids (a.k.a. the M-6). As such, it's not the quietest of trails, but it still...
MI 9 mi Asphalt
The community of Granger is tucked into the north end of Indiana, bordering Michigan. The community itself, through the Friends of Granger Paths recognized the need for safe, separate areas for...
IN 5 mi Concrete
The City of Wyoming’s Interurban Trail follows a former interurban railroad corridor through the heart of the community just south of Grand Rapids. Trains between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo ceased...
MI 2 mi Asphalt
The Jerry Russell Trail is a mile-and-a-half of walking and biking trail located in the City of Jonesville. It is named for the former Superintendent of Public Works, who was passionate about nature...
MI 1.4 mi Asphalt
The Main Trail runs for just 0.5 mile along an east–west corridor through the Whitehouse Nature Center. The trail links a series of loop trails through the nature center and begins at the visitor...
MI 0.5 mi Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Woodchips
The Plymouth Avenue Trail is located on the west side of Goshen, in north Indiana. The trail is adjacent to Plymouth Avenue for a mile and a half. The paved trail is anchored by parks on both ends,...
IN 1.6 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Overview Head for Van Buren Trail State Park and take a walk (or ride) on the wild side. Wildlife abounds on this rural 14.3-mile trail between Hartford and South Haven. While you might see deer,...
MI 14.3 mi Ballast
Central City Trail runs right through the heart of the northern Indiana city of Goshen, connecting to the 17-mile Pumpkinvine Nature Trail on its northern end and Goshen College on its southern end....
IN 1.7 mi Concrete
The Litchfield Nature Trail meanders through scenic property owned by the City of Litchfield, in some places adjacent to the St. Joseph (St. Joe) River. At one point, the trail passes through...
MI 2 mi Dirt, Grass
The Wilden Avenue Trail stretches for roughly 3 miles from the northern Goshen city limits to the community's downtown. In the north, the trail is a direct continuation of the MapleHeart Trail (and is...
IN 3.2 mi Asphalt
On the east end of Portage, this paved pathway begins near the intersection of S. Sprinkle Road and Zylman Avenue. On the south side of Zylman Avenue, you can easily reach Ramona Park, which offers a...
MI 1.5 mi Asphalt
Just shy of a mile, Elkhart's Riverwalk offers a pleasant, paved connector through town. It begins downtown, across from City Center Park, and heads north paralleling Waterfall Drive and later Main...
IN 0.7 mi Asphalt
Allegan County’s Interurban Trail runs north-south through the City of Wayland. The trail follows a former interurban railroad corridor through the heart of the community between Grand Rapids and...
MI 1.3 mi Dirt, Grass, Gravel
Lovers Lane Bikeway provides a paved, north-south route through the southern Michigan city of Portage. The paved pathway parallels the east side of Lovers Lane for 2 miles with a wide grassy median...
MI 2 mi Asphalt
The Monroe Street Trail is a part of Goshen's Maple City Greenway system. The trail travels east-west adjacent to Monroe Street, providing connections to Goshen High School on the west end, as well as...
IN 1 mi Concrete
This concrete bike and pedestrian trail adds 1.3 miles to Goshen's developing trail network, linking Goshen College to Goshen High School and downtown. The trail runs begins at E. Purl Avenue and...
IN 1.3 mi Concrete
Romence Road Bikeway is a utilitarian east-west route across Portage, a city just south of Kalamazoo. The west end of the paved pathway begins at Westnedge Avenue, adjacent to a shopping center...
MI 1.5 mi Asphalt
This bicycle and pedestrian path parallels Lincoln Highway/ US Highway 33 overpass, connecting Goshen High School to the north end of downtown. At its southern end, the concrete sidepath connects to...
IN 1 mi Concrete
The Wayne Avenue Trail serves as a pleasant east-west connector through the quiet, tree-filled neighborhoods of Middlebury in northern Indiana. On its west end, it provides residents with access to...
IN 1 mi Asphalt
The Indiana Michigan River Valley Trail connects the towns of Niles, MI and Mishawaka, IN via. 17 miles of paved multi-use trails, some of which have their own unique identity. The trail also passes...
IN 0.6 mi Concrete

Recent Trail Reviews

Main Trail

A Nature Loop

December, 2024 by clonetrooper5373

Similar to nearby Dalhem Center, this is not a trail per se, but a number of
them in an enclosed area, with the main trail only being a mile long (round trip). As bikes are not allowed at the colleges request, this is just a set trail loops that can be walked in a small location



Vicksburg Trailway

Enjoyable

November, 2024 by clonetrooper5373

It's a quick journey through farmland and some wetlands. There isn't much too see here but I found that I enjoyed my time here and would return here again in the future.

Millennium Trail (MI)

Not Much Here

November, 2024 by clonetrooper5373

It's a quick 3 mile trip start to finish.

It's nice and flat but it doesn't really last long and with nothing to see here I wouldn't have a strong recommendation for this trail.

Accordion

Eliason Nature Reserve Trail

Hilly & Twisty

November, 2024 by clonetrooper5373

This nature preserve is a very hilly and twisty trail.

The pavement is nice and smooth throughout your time here though the constant bending arounds corners will require you to keep your hands on the brakes.

Northwest Portage Bikeway

Hilly

November, 2024 by clonetrooper5373

This is a pretty hilly trail that stretches for nearly 5 miles but is an enjoyable trip none the less.

Power line towers dot the landscape as soon as you hit Hampton and remain throughout the journey.

The trail boasts a garden nursery near Cypress Street, so be on the lookout for whatever plants are being taken care of.

Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

Rode trail from Shipshewana to Goshen, what a beautiful scenic trail. Make sure you stop at Mooies for icecream.

November, 2024 by tchioc88_tl

Rode trail from Shipshewana to Goshen, what a beautiful scenic trail. Make sure you stop at Mooies for icecream.

East Centre Avenue/Sprinkle Road Bikeway

Avoid

November, 2024 by clonetrooper5373

This trail is so cracked and bumpy there are almost no smooth parts to it.

Nosie from traffic is also a constant presence.

There is nothing to see here expect a few bursts of nature amidst urban sprawl.

It's also so short you should consider walking instead of biking.

Falling Waters Trail

An Excellent Trail

November, 2024 by clonetrooper5373

This is an excellent trail, bar none. It is an predominantly nature trail, with no real urban distractions like cars zipping by. It is 99% smooth and free of bumps (with the only exception being miles 8 through 10 by Weatherwax trailhead being a little rough).

Road crossings are somewhat frequent, so be on the lookout for those.

Benches and trash cans abound for those who need them, and mile markings also can be seen throughout the trail.

Sculptures been added to the last two miles, adding to the scenery.

There is an extender to this trail just past the Concord trailhead, adding about another mile or so to the experience if you're up for the full ride.

I can not recommend this trail strongly enough.

Those looking for a good nature trail need go no further than FWT.

Jerry Russell Trail

Decent but short

October, 2024 by clonetrooper5373

This brief trail is a mix of a brief segment of nature that quickly gives over to an urban setting, linking with the Baw Beese trail. The trail is mostly smooth, with a few plant roots breaking through the asphalt. It's best used as a walking trail, as it ends too quickly on a bike, unless you head down the Baw Beese trail as well.

Shaver Road Bikeway

Decent

October, 2024 by clonetrooper5373

The trail is kinda bumpy throughout and switches from nature to urban almost immediately, with nothing really to see. Still, I felt I enjoyed my time on this trail, but if you're not local, I wouldn't bother.

Falling Waters Trail

One of the better trails we have used

October, 2024 by tim36r

Started at the Jackson end of the trail using the Weatherwax road trailhead.
Short trip down a connecter trail to the actual trail start.

The trail was in great shape with many new paved patches and crack fills, looks like the recently address the "roots" mentioned in the 2022 reviews.

12 foot wide provided lots of room.

The view was terrific as the trail bisects Lime Lake.

We drove a couple of hours to ride this trail and I would definitely do it again in the future.

Elkhart River Greenway Trail

No bathrooms but plenty of parking! We'll kept trail. Nice short ride.

October, 2024 by jmjones1009

No bathrooms but plenty of parking! We'll kept trail. Nice short ride.

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