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Print Friendly MapAt its southern end, the Spoonville Trail begins near the Grand River in western Michigan's Robinson Township. Bicyclists and pedestrians can safely cross the river on a concrete-barrier-protected lane on the west side of the bridge. The first phase of the trail, completed in 2016, travels under the north end of the bridge and heads over to 120th Avenue. From there, the trail parallels 120th Avenue north to Leonard Road in Nunica. There is a trailhead with parking about halfway along 120th.
Phase 2 completed in 2020 cuts between the golf course and the ravine with several bridge crossings. Winding through a lovely natural area, the new trail section crosses I-96 on a protected lane of the 112th Ave bridge and connects to the North Bank Trail, which runs through the VIllage of Nunica into Spring Lake. From the mile-long crossing of the Grand River to the twisting trail along the ravine, this path is a terrific piece of the future Grand River Greenway trail system. The experience is a pleasant one as the trail transverses rural landscapes and small-town communities.
From the south: Head north on 120th Avenue from Lake Michigan Drive/M-45 all the way to Cedar Drive (about 5 miles). Turn left (west) about a quarter mile, passing under the M-231 bridge. The trailhead will be immediately on the right (north) side of the street.
From the north: Take Exit 10 on I-96 for Nunica (112th Avenue), where the trail where ultimately end. For now, take 112th Avenue south to Leonard Road and turn right, traveling west for a mile; the trailhead is located at 120th Avenue and Leonard Road.
Nice trail with moderate+ hills for 65+ beginners on 7S and 21S bikes. Wooden bridges over ravines and great view of Grand River on 231 Bridge.
We parked in the lot next to the Post Office in Nunica and were anxious to see if the trail would be scenic. Once past over the expressway the trail became scenic and surprising Unlike rail trails Spoonville had curves and moderate hills. Some shade and smooth surface the trail is easy to follow. In our late 70’s we found the trail very doable
We parked at the lot on North Cedar Dr, just west and under the M-231 Bridge (google Idema Explorers Trail - M-231 Trailhead, for directions). There is no access to this parking lot from M-231. The trail is well marked, has some open areas (think sun) but overall a very nice ride. The trail that skirts the golf course is beautiful. You do see and hear traffic ; especially crossing the 231 bridge, but the trail is very safe and wide. All paved. We turned around in Nunica and headed back to the parking lot although you can pick up the North Bank trail by the Nunica fire station (must cross 4 - way, it is on west side of road).
Once we returned to the lot we headed west to Connor Bayou Park, less than a mile on paved trail. Beautiful setting, a must see park. You can also head east from lot 2.75 miles and it will take you to Riverside Park, all paved, flat. Thank you Ottawa County Parks for these treasures.
The connection between the Spoonville Trail and North Bank trail is complete.
There is now continuous path from Conner Bayou county park to Grand Haven's Harbor Island.
There are 2 trail head parking lots on the Spoonville trail (just north and south of the M-231 bridge, plus there is another on the North bank trail.
We started south of the M-231 bridge. The bridge is a mile long with great views of the river and wetlands. Leaving the bridge you loop back and cross under M-231 and follow 120th ave to Leonard, passing the trail head lot on 120th.
Newly completed in 2020 the trail follows Leonard east for a short stretch and turns into Terra Verde golf club. Cross the club drive and follow around the edge of the course with golfers on one side and wetlands ravine on the other. This part of the trail is outstanding with rock retaining walls and several bridges.
Crossing the last bridge in the ravine you come up along I-96, and use a protected lane of the 112th ave bridge to cross.
Following the trail the Spoonville trail ends and the Northbank trail heads left around the fire station.
Cross back under I-96 along the westbound ramp form M-231 to I-96, and follow the North Bank Trail to downtown Spring Lake. Continue under M-104 along the water and the trail leads up on the M-104 bridge over the mouth of Spring Lake and then over the Grand river to Harbor Island on the bascule bridge.
South of M-231 to the mouth of Spring Lake is 12.5 miles. Plans are in progress to complete a couple of new miles on the the south side of the river to complete the loop downtown Grand Haven back to the M-231.
This is a great trail to ride with lots of variation. Hopefully that last couple of miles will be completed soon.
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