Paul Henry – Thornapple Trail
The Paul Henry Thornapple Trail offers several stretches of stunning scenery.
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It’s a great location for birdwatchers. From there, the trail meanders along the banks of the Thornapple River. Many describe this trail as one of Michigan’s most beautiful because of its many views of the Thornapple River. As you travel along the trail, you’ll pass through a mix of farmland, quaint country towns, wetlands and woodlands, including several shady tunnels of trees.
The trail’s origins date back to 1990 when the Penn Central Railroad sold major portions of its right-of-way to the State of Michigan, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and other groups. The 42-mile multi-purpose trail is being built in phases and will eventually connect Grand Rapids with Hastings, Vermontville and Eaton Rapids, and then link to other West Michigan trails from there. Paved sections of the trail include 4 miles in Kentwood, 5 miles between Dutton and Caledonia, and 3.6 miles between Middleville and Irving.
A parking lot behind Middleville Village Hall on East Main Street is a good access point and includes a trailhead gazebo and restrooms. You can hop on the trail in Caledonia by parking on Main Street near the corner of Mill Avenue where the paved trail heads north. The paved portion of the trail in Kentwood stretches from 44th Street to 60th Street with good access points at Bowen Park near 44th Street and Kalamazoo Avenue, the Stauffer Avenue Staging Area at 54th Street and Stauffer Avenue, and the Wing Street Trailhead on near 60th Street on Wing Street.
Trailside Services and Information
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| Bicycle & Fitness Shops | ||
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Kentwood Cycling & Fitness 2839 East Paris Avenue Kentwood, MI 49512 (616) 942-1880 www.MichiganBikeShops.net |
Our desire is to make all your bicycle trips fun, exciting, and safe. We also have several guarantees to help ensure that you get the best services and products. |
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Village Bike & Fitness - Grand Rapids South 5991 Kalamazoo Avenue SE Kentwood, MI 49508 (616) 455-4870 www.VillageBikeShop.com |
Villlage Bike Shop offers the best bikes at the best prices, backed with superior service and knowledgeable staff. Visit one of our four locations in the greater Grand Rapids area. |
| Trail Groups and Developers | ||
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Ada Township 7330 Thornapple River Drive Ada, MI 49301 (616) 676-9191 www.AdaTownshipMi.com |
Ada Township is actively developing trails to enhance the Ada Community. We welcome you to Ada and invite you to visit our downtown shops and restaurants as you explore our network of trails. |
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Thornapple Trail Association PO Box 393 Middleville, MI 49333 www.ThornappleTrail.com |
The Thornapple Trail Association is a non-profit organization of volunteers committed to turning the old railroad corridor between Grand Rapids and Vermontville into a recreational trail. |