About
Our Story
West Michigan Trails began—and remains at heart—a grassroots effort driven by passionate individuals from across our region. For over two decades, our dedicated Board of Directors has guided our vision, with each member actively engaged in trail network projects, promoting trail development, and ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
We maintain our community-centered approach through regularly scheduled Board meetings and host regular events that bring together trail builders, community leaders, and supporters. This collaborative spirit allows us to transform a shared vision into miles of connecting pathways that strengthen our communities with every step, pedal, and roll.
Building Connections Through West Michigan Trails
West Michigan Trails is a community-driven initiative building a network of non-motorized trails across the region. What started as a grassroots effort two decades ago is now a vital regional project led by a diverse Board.
Our trails connect neighborhoods, downtowns, schools, and parks—bringing people together through everyday moments. As we expand, we’re committed to protecting natural habitats while ensuring accessible routes to parks, cultural sites, and civic destinations. Through these shared pathways, we’re strengthening community ties and fostering hometown pride.
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
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.
