Trails and Greenways

Trails and greenways serve as recreational outlets, alternative transportation networks, and environmental preservation corridors. They connect urban, suburban, and country areas to parks, schools, business districts, and other points of interests.

The City of Walker is geographically positioned to access many of west Michigan’s most popular regional trails and greenways. Access to the Fred Meijer Standale Trail, the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail, the Fred Meijer Millennium Trail Network, and Kent Trails is provided within the City. Additionally, the Musketawa Trail can be accessed just outside the City’s limits. Efforts are currently underway to link these and other regional trails into an interconnected network.

Existing Trails

Fred Meijer Standale Trail

The Fred Meijer Standale Trail provides a north/south route through the City. It runs from City Central Park to the north side of Millennium Park. The trail is approximately 5.5 miles long and has a paved surface. The trail connects area neighborhoods to parks, schools, a library, the Walker Ice and Fitness Center, City Hall, and the downtown Standale Business District. Parking for the Fred Meijer Standale Trail is available at City Central Park, Lincoln Lawns Park, and Harmon Field.

Fred Meijer Millennium Trail Network

The Fred Meijer Millennium Trail Network is located within Millennium Park and is maintained by the Kent County Parks Department. Many miles of paved and natural surface trails wind through the park with more planned over the next few years. The Fred Meijer Standale Trail connects to the north end of Millennium Park; however the use of a short stretch of Maynard Ave. is currently required to access the trail network within Millennium Park. This road section is only temporary, as the Kent County Parks Department has plans to expand the park’s trail network to connect to the Fred Meijer Standale Trail in the near future. The Fred Meijer Millennium Trail Network connects to Kent Trails at the south end of Millennium Park.

Fred Meijer White Pine Trail

The Fred Meijer White Pine Trail runs nearly 100 miles from Grand Rapids to Cadillac. It has both paved and natural surfaces. The trail enters the city at the northeast corner and runs south to North Park St. From North Park St., the trail crosses the Grand River on the North Park St. bridge and connects to Riverside Park in the City of Grand Rapids. Parking for Fred Meijer White Pine trail access in the City of Walker is available at Lamoreaux Park, which is located at the intersection of West River Dr. and North Park St.

Proposed Trail

Fred Meijer Musketawa-White Pine Connector Trail

The Fred Meijer Musketawa-White Pine Connector Trail is a Kent County Parks Department project that is expected to provide an east/west route near the northern boundary of the City. The trail is anticipated to run parallel to 4 Mile Rd, creating a connection between the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail, the Musketawa Trail, and the Fred Meijer Standale Trail.

Maps

Walker Trails
West Michigan Trails

Involvement Opportunities

The City of Walker has partnered with the West Michigan Trails and Greenways Coalition to assist with the planning, funding, and maintenance of trails and greenways within the City. The local arm of this non-profit organization is the Friends of the Walker Highlands Trails. If you are interested in helping support area trails and greenways, please contact the West Michigan Trails and Greenways Coalition and they will get you in contact with the appropriate personnel.