You might notice that Michigan license plates are adorned with the words “Winter, Water, Wonderland”. I’d say all three of those things make The Mitten a beautiful place to live, but that second one is especially true. One of the best places to enjoy the water is also one of the Top Rated Hiking Trails To Visit In 2023.

The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail takes explorers along more than 20 miles of waterfront views of the Kalamazoo River. It’s worth a stroll if you’re nearby.

You might not be surprised to hear that this trail follows the Kalamazoo River from where it crosses U.S. 131 all the way through downtown.
Google Maps
The trail heads both further east and north from downtown. This brochure from the county’s website gives a much clearer picture of all the routes you can take.
The trail is considered moderately challenging due to its length, however, most of the trail is paved making it an easy trek for all abilities.
Mike Smith/AllTrails.com
There’s no requirement to walk the whole path either as there are several access points throughout the trail. The distance from the furthest west starting point to downtown is roughly five-and-a-half miles.
Once you make it downtown, you’ll be charmed by one of Michigan’s most creative cities.
Scott Weston/AllTrails.com
From here, hikers can take the 7.6-mile journey north, or continue east as far as Galesburg, roughly 8.5 miles.

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The waterfront views are never far away on this stroll.
Denise Fitch/AllTrails.com
You can follow the Kalamazoo River north from downtown. If you head east, you’ll be able to follow it all the way to Morrow Lake and River Oaks County Park where the trail ends.
This trail connects to another one of the Top Rated Hiking Trails To Visit In 2023.
Scott Weston/AllTrail.com
If you’re looking for the ultimate Michigan hike, you can take the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail all the way to Lake Michigan on the Kal-Haven Trail.
This is a great option for walkers, joggers, and bikers alike.
Scott Weston/AllTrail.com
You can even bring your four-legged friend along for a great adventure with man’s best friend. Make sure they’re on a leash and you pick up after them too.

This is one of those trails that would take me multiple trips to explore the whole thing. Southwest Michigan is home to several of the Top Rated Hiking Trails To Visit In 2023. However, the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail gives you a taste of hikes in rural and urban settings. The trail is open year-round making it one of the most popular hiking trails in the area too.

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Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, Kalamazoo, MI, USA