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Print Friendly MapThe Martin Luther King Equality Trail, formerly called the Jackson Intercity Trail, follows the old rail bed of what was once the Michigan Central Railroad for 4.5 miles north through the southwest neighborhoods of Jackson to its downtown.
The trail provides a pleasant, non-motorized way for area residents to commute to shops and work, as well as for recreation. Across the river from the trail's northern end, continue your adventure on the Grand River Arts Walk. For those wanting to venture farther afield, the southern end of trail connects to the Falling Waters Trail at Weatherwax Drive, which carries on southwest 10.5 miles to the town of Concord.
Midway along the trail—between where it intersects with Park Road and with SW Avenue—a smooth, wide, concrete path splits off from the main route to head northwest. This pathway cuts through woods and fields, crosses Kibby Road and continues north until it reaches Cascade Falls Park. Cascade Falls Park has numerous activities, amenities, and attractions, including a hillside waterfall built in 1932.
Alternatively, take another smooth, wide, concrete path from New Leaf Park (located by the intersection of Park Road and 4th Street where the trail crosses 4th Street). The pathway heads south from the park, paralleling 4th Street until it reaches Ella Sharp Park (2800 4th St). Enjoy this additional 2.5-mile route as the trail heads into the park, winding through the meadows and trees.
Jackson's public transit system (JATA) provides access to the trail. Visit the JATA website to plan your trip.
For those driving, parking is available at the trail's southern endpoint on Weatherwax Drive. Paid parking can be found in lots near the trail. Visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.
This is an enjoyable trail that takes you through downtown jackson that will take you through different landscapes including a bit of nature, behind a local elementary school, a park and a bit of urban setting.
As of 2023, the city has started to upgrade the section closest to Falling Waters Trail.
It's a good round trip experience and I would recommend it to anyone considering it.
This trail is a short distance from my home. Traveled it for almost 20 years. Badly needs resurfacing. I hope they don’t just let it go. Still able to ride just painful on the spine when you hit those “speed bumps” every few yards. Love the nice little connector from the path to Kibby rd. Not sure what they named that little section.
Accessed this trail from the Falling Waters Trail at Weatherwax Road in Jackson. The trail goes towards and into the city of Jackson.
Only went a few miles and the surface was very bumpy for asphalt pavement. Cracks and bumps possibly from the harsh winters.
This trail connects to the Falling Waters Trail. I decided I wanted to see what this trail was like since I completed the Falling Waters Trail. There are lot of curves in it and street crossings. Parts of it had a lot garbage on the side where people were dumping things and broken glass periodically. Many more bumps in the pavement due to it being older than the Falling Waters Trail. It does not take long to completed it. And if you detour to Prospect Road at Fourth Street there are some restaurants you can stop at for beverages or food. Good resting spots. There are a couple of nice parks along the trail for resting too.
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