Explore the best rated trails in Norton Shores, 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 33 trails covering 548 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.
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.
Rode this trail from Lowell north toward Belding about 8 miles one way. We parked in Creekside Park off Gee Drive; rode sidewalk about ½ mile to the Foreman St trailhead. Since it was Saturday, it looked like we could have parked at Cherry Creek Elementary School less than a block from trailhead or Lowell Middle School also off Foreman St. The trail starts next to a private residence; there's a small sign identifying the trail.
The trail was smooth asphalt for first mile; then turned to recycled asphalt which is like gravel. It was fairly firm in most spots, not a problem for our 42c tires, the pace was a bit slower. The intersection at McPherson Rd was very loose, otherwise the trail was level and good for our gravel bikes. The trail is mostly tree-lined, at least on the west side, passing through woodland, marsh, and farmland.
A nice, quiet ride with infrequent road crossings and very few people.
I love this place! Never too busy. I take the paved trail. I go all the way through and back. Only takes 90 minutes. Very scenic.
I rode this trail from Montague to Shelby and I have to say you won’t find a straighter trail anywhere. The asphalt is perfect with few blemishes. There are a few places to stop if you want to have lunch.
I parked at P.J. Hoffmaster and rode to Shelby. Berry Junction is a beautiful ride. The asphalt is perfect. You ride through very nice woodlands. Going north T has some twists and turns that makes it all the more fun. This is my favorite trail that I have ridden.
Big rapids to Reed city is only good for walking, for biking it is very rough I don't recommend. Starting in Reed City going North is much smoother.
This trail saved my sanity during Covid and I've returned to ride it multiple times. I start at the newly renovated trailhead in Cadillac outside the Depot. Usually ride to Tustin and back. It's a slight downhill grade to Tustin and then uphill going back. Surface varies. Mostly forest but there are small farms and homes to see along the way. I have seen turtles twice on the path. Shoutout to Madeline Krentz for her description of this trail. My husband did have a spill once on roots that had pushed up the asphalt but fortunately no injury.
Construction ruined a large chunk of trail by muskegon brewery, weeds and trees snapped us on several stretches, the short stretch on the very busy roadby the old Sappi land is busy and loud. Long beautiful stretches by water and rehabbed lakeshore! It could be a beautiful trail with some tlc and land donated by Sappi.
Well marked and smooth surfaces. East side along riverside is more attractive than West side, which goes along city roads. Connects to Heartland Trail to extend the duration.
In its day, you may have been able to ride a road bike on this rail trail. Unfortunately, it is primarily loose, broken asphalt. It would be a great ride if you have a mountain, fat tire, or e-bike with wider tires.
Yes, it's bumpy and a little disjointed, but I love that I can take it south from 36th Street to the M6 trail and avoid riding on major roads. I wish it could be extended north into downtown GR.
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