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About

Our Story

West Michigan Trails is building a future where West Michigan is more connected: Where trails bring people together, open doors to nature, and make movement a part of everyday life. Across our 18-county region, we unite partners and communities to turn a shared vision into reality. Through coordination, visibility, and advocacy, we advance our vision of a seamless, accessible, and safe network that connects people, trails, and communities.

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Building Connections Through West Michigan Trails

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West Michigan Trails is a catalyst for connection; bringing people, places, and possibilities together through a growing network of safe, accessible, and inspiring trails. We believe trails are more than pathways; they are shared spaces that strengthen communities, support local economies, and invite people of all ages and abilities to experience the beauty of the outdoors. By working collaboratively with local leaders, partners, and residents, we are building a vision for a fully connected regional trail system that enhances quality of life and ensures everyone has the opportunity to explore, move, and belong.

Scenic view of a wooden bridge beside a serene river, surrounded by vibrant autumn trees under a clear blue sky.
Group walking on a paved path in a forested park, enjoying a leisurely day surrounded by nature.
Two people biking on a forest trail, smiling and waving, with lush green trees surrounding them.
Winding trail through autumn trees and cornfield under cloudy sky.

The People

West Michigian Trails informs and educates potential trail users, encourages respectful trail etiquette, and supports a network designed for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. By expanding access to connected, safe, and inclusive non-motorized transportation and recreation, we inspire more people to use more trails more often. Through this work, we help individuals and families move more, connect more, and live healthier lives.

Father teaching daughter to ride a bike with training wheels in a park.

The Region

West Michigan Trails activates and connects a vast 18-county region by bringing together communities and stakeholders across jurisdictional boundaries to create a fully connected trail and active transportation network, Through coordination, visibility, and advocacy, we advance a shared regional vision that safely links people, places, and paths, and supports both everyday travel and outdoor recreation while enhancing quality of life across West Michigan.

Group attending a workshop in a bright room with stone fireplace, engaging in discussions at a long table.

The Economy

West Michigan Trails Strengthens local economies by helping deliver a trail system and experience that attracts use, investment, and activity. through a systems-based approach to trail planning, development, and operations, we support trails as enduring assets that drive tourism, encourage workforce mobility, and create vibrant communities where people want to live, work, and explore.

Curved wooden boardwalk over tranquil lake with cyclists, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic landscape.

Our Mission

Enhancing the quality of life by advancing our regional trails movement.

Our Vision

Building a world-class trail experience connecting people, trails, and communities.

A Plan for West Michigan Trails

West Michigan Trails seeks to enhance the quality of life by advancing a regional trails movement. Covering a geographic area of 18 counties—stretching approximately 170 miles north to south and 50 to 70 miles east to west—this is an ambitious mission. The project area includes:

  • 910 miles of existing trails
  • Two of the oldest rail-trails in the state
  • The longest rail-trail in Michigan
  • Nearly 200 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline
  • A national forest
  • Hundreds of miles of rolling farmland and orchards
  • Four state recreation areas
  • 13 state parks
Linking these resources with a complete trail network would make West Michigan a destination of national significance, while establishing a defining quality-of-life factor for the over 2M residents in the region.

West Michigan Trails envisions the establishment of a multi-use trail system that connects people and places, that is accessible throughout the region and by people of all abilities, that is safe, well maintained, and inspiring.

Our History

A Chance To Connect

Our story truly took shape when legendary regional leader Fred Meijer and key partners saw the potential of interconnected trails. In February 2005, the West Michigan Trails & Greenways Coalition was born, with an ambitious mission to construct six transformative trail projects that would redefine regional connectivity.

A Legacy of Progress

First Decade (2005-2015)

Our dedicated team and visionary board completed over 60 miles of trails, establishing trail friend groups and hosting workshops that empowered communities.

A Legacy of Progress

Next Phase (2015-2025)

We evolved from trail builders to network architects, developing a comprehensive regional master trails plan that goes beyond construction to strategic integration.

A Legacy of Progress

More Than Trails—A Vision for Community

Our recent regional master trails plan is a blueprint for transformation. It’s not just about connecting points on a map, but about creating an active-transportation network that supports economic growth, promotes health, and strengthens community partnerships.

As we look to the future, West Michigan Trails remains committed to our core belief: trails are the arteries through which community vitality flows. We will continue to champion accessibility, maintenance, and meaningful integration of trails into the fabric of West Michigan.

Our trails are more than routes—they are promises. Promises of connection, of health, of shared experiences. They are the paths that bring us together, one mile at a time.