Michigan itself is home to 3,100 miles of off-road trails and West Michigan, where Grandville is located, is a leader in converting abandoned rail lines to multi-use trails. Whether bikers prefer their two-wheeled fun on the level or up-and-down, trails near Grandville promise an invigorating and scenic ride. Bikers will experience woodlands, wetlands, rural countryside and vestiges of the urban industrial past--sometimes in a single ride.
Trail Etiquette
Don't confuse off-road with rule-free. According to the League of Michigan Bicyclists, the diversity of users means that riding on a trail can be even more unpredictable than riding on a road. Always ride single-file and to the right of the path. Yield to slower-moving trail users and uphill travelers. When taking a rest, move off the path. Finally, when overtaking a slower trail user, always politely ring your bell or announce your intention to pass. When riding back country routes, stick to established, open trails and seek permission before riding on private property.
Finding a Bike
Grandville has a selection of bicycle shops which offer bikes for sale or rent but because Grandville is located only 10 miles from Grand Rapids, a city of almost 200,000 residents, you can widen your scope with a short trek outside of town. A number of bike shops in Grandville and beyond offer riding clubs, teams and informal group rides, which could be an inspiring way to learn about Grandville bike trails from experienced trail-riding enthusiasts. Learn more from store websites or by speaking to store staff.
Kent Trails
Stretching for 15 miles and crossing six municipal boundaries, Kent Trails is an excellent off-road choice for a cyclist looking for a relatively level ride with no sharp turns. Access to the trail is available at five locations near Grandville: Millennium Park, Douglas Walker Park, Johnson Park, John Ball Park and at 84th St. in Byron Center. Millennium Park itself is a West Michigan wonder, offering 20 miles of trails through rolling hills, wetlands and alongside lakes.
White Pine Trail State Park
If you're able to travel a few miles outside of Grandville, the White Pine Trail, at 93.5 miles long, is Michigan's most extensive rail trail and definitely worth a ride. Labeled "the backbone of the state rail trail network" by TrailLink.com, the White Pine Trail starts about 16 miles north of Grandville in Comstock Park. The first 21 miles of the trail are paved and take the rider through a rural landscape and over historic trestle bridges. Eight miles from the start is the town of Rockford and its scenic overlook of the Rogue River dam.
Grandville Agri-Tourism
Western Michigan is a hub for agri-tourism, so it's easy to sustain your cycling with healthy, locally-produced fruit, vegetables, meat, preserves and even wine. Grandville's Farmers' Market is held downtown every Tuesday morning from June to mid-October. Small towns near Grandville, including Ada, Greenville, Montague, Allendale, Coopersville, Grand Haven, Hudsonville, Wyoming and Lowell, each have their own farmers' markets. Grand Rapids has at least two markets. Some bike trails take you into farm country and you may be able to combine an afternoon of cycling with an hour or two of berry-picking.
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