If you're anything like me, getting over the mental hurdle of going out to do something physically active can be tougher than whatever activity I'm going to do. A short, easy hike that you barely break a sweat on can seem like climbing Everest. Or, sometimes you want to just get out of the house but not push yourself all that hard.

Dirt path located in a forest.
Forest trail in Estonia / Photo by Maksim Shutov on Unsplash
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Whatever your experience level, Grand Rapids has plenty of trails and parks around that offer solutions for whatever occasion you need. Whether you're the next Bear Grylls or just a casual walker, there are trails for everyone. Using the All Trails app, here are three that will help ease you in or offer a nice escape. Note: it is recommended you bring bug spray to all these trails.

 

Aman Park Loop

Entrance to Aman Park
Google Maps
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Deemed "Easy" and rated 4.6 stars, Aman Park is a shade-covered 2.3-mile loop through the woods of Aman Park. The trail is easy to follow with a mixture of wooden paths and dirt paths with flowers blooming along the path. All Trails users estimate this route takes less than an hour (~47 minutes) and this makes it a reliable route for any situation.

 

Kentwood Northeast Park Loop

Despite its proximity to the highway, the Northeast Park trails offer a unique walk with multiple different things to see in a relatively short distance. The route is a 1.7-mile loop that takes ~30 minutes to complete. It features wooded areas, lowlands, a bit of a meadow, lots of wildlife, and wooden bridges. It's a reliable route for anyone.

 

Speaking from experience, this trail recently got a facelift and is a wonderful trail to traverse.

 

Black Forty Loop

Entrance to Blandford Nature Center, Grand Rapids
Google Maps
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The easiest of all the trails on this list, the Black Forty Loop is connected to the Blandford Nature Center and offers a simple 1.1-mile loop trail that can be completed in under a half hour and is good for families with little ones and all fitness levels. Due to the high level of wildlife found on this trail, dogs are not allowed. Another trail connected to Blandford Nature Center is the Highlands Loop.

 

If you're looking for more trails to hike on, you can find a long list of trails here. Don't forget bug spray and water!

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