Our Work
Community Engagement
Our regional trails summits embody our commitment to a collective vision. Each spring, four regional summits bring together stakeholders to discuss local projects, network, and address critical topics like maintenance, funding, and community engagement. The fall summit serves as our annual gathering—a moment to share insights, celebrate progress, and chart our collective course.
These aren’t just meetings. They’re conversations that shape the future of West Michigan’s trail network.
Connect with Us!
Trail Summits & Trail Meet-Ups
Our spring and fall Trail Summits are for anyone passionate about trails and community connection. These events bring together trail managers & builders, municipal leaders, and everyday trail advocates for a morning of sharing, collaboration, and inspiration.
The spring summits are hosted in communities across the region and focus on local trail projects. They create a space for stakeholders to connect, share real-world challenges , celebrate successes, and learn from one another.
The Fall Trail Summit, typically held in the greater Grand Rapids area, takes a big-picture view featuring a State of the Trail update, inspiring key-note speakers, and engaging breakout sessions or panels. The Summit is wrapped up with a local trail tour.
Whether your deeply involved in trail development or simply want to learn more, explore upcoming dates and location details on our events page here.
West Michigan Trails’ Trail Meet-Ups bring trail users together right where it matters most—on the trail and in the community. These informal, welcoming gatherings are a chance to meet fellow walkers, runners, cyclists, and advocates, share your experiences, and learn what’s happening on local and regional trails.
Whether you’re a daily trail user or just discovering the network, Trail Meet-Ups offer a space to connect with neighbors, trail builders, and community leaders, ask questions, and spark ideas that help improve and expand our trail system. Your voice helps shape safer, more connected, and more accessible trails across West Michigan.
Join us for a Trail Meet-Up to build relationships, celebrate the trails you love, and be part of a growing movement connecting people, trails, and communities—one conversation at a time. For more information, check out dates and locations on our events page here.
Spotlight Projects: Breathing New Life into Our Trails
River Edges: Leonard to Ann Street Connection
In Grand Rapids, we’re completing a transformative trail segment that will connect downtown to over a hundred miles of regional destination trails. This isn’t just infrastructure—it’s a lifeline for safe, accessible urban exploration.
The project’s complexity is matched only by its potential. Three strategic underpasses at Ann Street, Leonard Street, and a railroad crossing will provide safe passage, while overhead lighting ensures the trail remains a welcoming space for all.
Musketawa Trail: A Legacy Renewed
Since its first pavement in 1997, the Musketawa Trail has been a beloved regional asset. Now, we’re undertaking a crucial reconstruction project using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. With the support of the Friends of the Musketawa Trail, we’re not just repairing a path—we’re preserving a community treasure.
Budget Overview
Leonard to Ann Street Plan
The City of Grand Rapids is completing a trail segment between Leonard and Ann Streets, connecting the City’s trails to Riverside Park and hundreds of miles of regional trails – including the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail
A complicated and unique trail project three trail underpasses at Ann Street, Leonard Street, and the railroad to provide safe passage; overhead lighting; and other elements making the trail safe and enjoyable for all
Five Year Priority Projects
River to River Trail
A trail along the former Interurban Rail Corridor from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, closing a critical gap in a trail from Indiana to the Mackinac Bridge.
Grand River Greenway
Supporting the efforts of Ottawa and Kent Counties to complete a trail along the Grand River from Grand Haven to Grand Rapids, and beyond.
Lakeshore Trail
A trail along the Lake Michigan shoreline, completing the gaps from the Indiana state line to Mackinac Bridge along the lakeshore.
Musketawa Trail Fund
Plans are well under-way for the reconstruction of the Musketawa Trail using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Trail’s first sections were paved in 1997 with the final segment of the 25-mile trail from Marne to Muskegon built in 2000 – it is time for a face-lift!
The ARPA funding will fund construction of Phase 1 of the project, but matching funds are needed for the desired trail amenities including benches, fencing, wayfinding signs, and parking lot improvements. We need YOUR help. Please consider donating to The Friends of the Musketawa Trail to help support the project. You can donate by clicking on the Donate button below.
You can follow progress on the project on the state’s ARPA progress page at: Building Michigan Together Plan – state parks progress
Our Promise
With each mile we connect, each community we link, and each vision we realize, West Michigan Trails continues to weave the fabric of our regional identity—one trail at a time.
