While heat and humidity might be a challenge this weekend, there's still plenty of time this Summer and Fall to enjoy the trails and tracks of Michigan. The folks at West Michigan Tourist Association have put together an overview of the hiking and biking opportunities that are 'all around us.' Summer is a great time to experience the beautiful nature found across West Michigan! With a variety of biking and hiking trails to choose from, there's sure to be something for everyone. Here are some great spots to head out to for some fresh air and great views throughout West Michigan! South West Michigan Trails South Haven is one of Pure Michigan's first Trail Towns! We have two very popular biking and hiking trails: the Kal-Haven Trail and the Van Buren Trail. The Kal-Haven trail stretches from South Haven to Kalamazoo for a total of 33.5 miles. The Van Buren trail stretches from South Haven to Hartford for 14 miles and passes through the Van Buren State Park. The city is also home to the Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail, which is a great route for kayaking or canoeing for 21 miles. Whether you're looking for a hiking trail, bike trail, or water trail, Kalamazoo County has you covered. Check out their different trails systems and itineraries for enjoying the trails around Kalamazoo. Get ready to hike, sip and explore the beauty of Mt. Tabor Trails, sponsored by Honor Credit Union. With 3.5 miles of trails meandering through the woods and vineyards, you can stretch your legs and venture between Tabor Hill and their sister property, Round Barn Estate. The best way to enjoy the trails is by indulging in a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a beer along the way! Bikers will love Battle Creek's 26 mile long, paved Linear Park Trail. It's a great way to enjoy fresh air along the river! Not a biker? Hikers can still hit this trail and count it toward the North Country Trail (NCT) Hike 100 Challenge. This is even great for beginners, who can start near Friendship Park, head east toward the Underground Railroad Monument, and then circle around west through downtown Battle Creek. Want to enjoy the splendor of summer wildflowers but not quite up to hiking the Institute's trails? Then this is the "hike" for you! Pierce Cedar Creek Institute offers a tour of the main property in their motorized mule with safety belts, stopping along the way to observe and learn about the many summer flowers that carpet their forest floors and grace their prairies. Come join the fun on July 26 and 27. Whether you prefer to explore on water or on land, Hastings has a trail for you. The scenic Thornapple River is adjacent to downtown Hastings and is easily accessible from Bliss and Tyden Parks. The Riverwalk Trail follows the Thornapple for three miles and is suitable for walking, biking and sight-seeing. For those seeking more of a challenge, the recently completed Hammond Hill Trail offers 7-miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking and more. Avid cyclists may also test themselves on the permanently marked 24-, 32-, and 64-mile Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race courses that take in some of the area's most challenging trails and scenic back roads. Set in the middle of the US-12 Heritage Trail, Coldwater Country is a haven for relaxation and opportunities to enjoy the area trails. Take a hike on the paved trails at Heritage Park in Coldwater or on the gravel trails along the Sauk River. With more than 100 lakes in the area a water adventure is a must! Rent a pontoon and enjoy the water trail along either the North or South Coldwater Chain of Lakes or launch a kayak along the Union City Heritage Water Trail to view the mural under the Park Street Bridge. Whether you run it, walk it, blade it, bike it, or just walk the dog on it, the 17+ mile Lansing River Trail is a gem. This paved trail traces the banks of the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers with a few optional off-shoot trails, and takes you by an urban beach, museums, attractions, and more. This summer, enjoy the 20+ art installations along the trail known as Lansing's ARTpath, which stretches from Old Town to REO Town. The trail winds through multiple parks and ends up at Potter Park Zoo. Trail users will encounter wetlands, urban areas, parks and cool wooded spaces. This trail connects to the Sycamore Creek Trail to the south, so there's even more to explore. More Notable South West Michigan Trails: Sarett Nature Center, Benton Harbor Bundy Hill Offroad, Jerome Southwest Michigan Trails, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council Central West Michigan Trails Grand Rapids and the Kent County area is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers convenient access to nature-based experiences combined with the excitement and amenities of an urban destination providing the best of a city trip and the outdoors. If land is more to your liking, Rockford has hiking and biking trails featuring the beautiful Fred Meijer White Pine Trail and leads to local spots. (Partner – Rockford Chamber of Commerce) The Grand Haven area offers Biking Trails with over 100 miles of bike paths criss-crossing throughout the terrain; cyclists of all skill levels can find trails that suit their liking. Some of the most-popular trails in the area include: – Lakeshore Trail: Lakeside Trail: North Bank Trail: Spoonville Trail: and Idema Explorers Trail. The Grand Haven Area also offers Mountain Biking at Bass River Recreation Area and fat-tire biking for sand or snow adventures. Biking in the Grand Haven Area. Hikers will enjoy the many trails their area has to offer, from the shores of Lake Michigan to the rolling woodlands of West Michigan. Some of the most-popular summer hiking trails in the Grand Haven Area include: Kirk Park, West Olive, North Ottawa Dunes, Ferrysburg, Hemlock Crossing, West Olive, Rosy Mound Natural Area, Grand Haven, Ottawa Sands Country Park, Ferysburg, Duncan Woods, Grand Haven, Olive Shores County Park, West Olive, and Grand Ravines, Allendale. Muskegon County has over 65 miles of natural and paved trails. Choose lake or forest settings for a Hike, bike ride, or for taking your dog for a walk; there is plenty of solitude and stunning views. If paved pathways are more your speed the Hart-Montague Trail offers 24 miles and the Musketawa Trail offers 26. On the other hand if you want more rustic trails, explore Muskegon State Park's 3 miles of beach and 12 miles of hiking trails. URL With over 1,000 acres of parkland and 18 nature preserves, there's no shortage of ways to unwind and unplug in the Mt. Pleasant area. Stroll the city parks that connect you to downtown, or visit Deerfield Nature Park for hiking trails that will wind you around the Chippewa River. Turn off technology and experience the serenity and natural beauty of over 1800 acres of parks and trails that meander through marshlands, wind through wooded glens, and climb over towering dunes in public parks, nature preserves, and recreation areas. With over 150 miles of paved bike paths, 8 miles of mountain biking and hiking at Riley trails, Holland has trails for every age and level of outdoor enthusiast! Looking for a kid-friendly trail full of fun? Get ready to follow the "Smile Trail" at Critter Barn! Whether you visit with friendly animals, feed a little hay, or are holding a chick and cuddling a kid (4-legged of course), you'll have a SMILE on your face! Check out more here: The City of Big Rapids is proud to announce that they are officially a Pure Michigan Trail Town! Whether you are looking for a place to hike, bike, snowmobile, or snowshoe, Mecosta County has the trail for you. Explore nature at its finest with your kids at Clay Cliffs. Experience the White Pine Trail which is Michigan's longest rail/trail! Enjoy the award-winning Riverwalk with its planked walkway along the Muskegon River and provide access to all or take a shot at slaying Michigan's Dragon Trail.

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