Biking the White Pine Trail provides a simultaneous exercise in solitude and solidarity. The trail allows for an escape from the buzzing cars on the roadway and fosters a sense of camaraderie with every passing exerciser and dog walker. Home to a range of cyclists, runners, and the occasional rollerblader, the trail traces a defunct railway’s intended path through a series of small towns and communities. In its entirety, the trail is 92.6 miles long and reaches from Comstock Park to Cadillac, spanning five counties. Kent County’s section, which covers about 18.5 miles from Riverside Park to Cedar Springs, makes for a pleasant ride whether setting out on a full-day cruise or attempting a new land speed record.

Wear a properly fitting helmet that’s strapped under your chin, and make sure to obey all stop signs. The Comstock Park section is home to most road crossings, but they are common throughout the entire trail. It can be tempting to maintain momentum, especially as the majority of the trail is covered with asphalt, but crossing cars have no stop or yield signs. Cyclists do not have the right of way on these crossings, and they can be especially busy around rush hour.

Cyclists are naturally the fastest movers on the trail, so it will be a common experience to pass runners and walkers. When passing, always give a heads-up by calling out, “Passing on your left!” or something similar. This gives pedestrians a quick warning to stay to the right and avoid any accidental collision.

It’s a good idea to bring water, cash, and a bike lock for city exploration. For information specific to Grand Rapids, visit GRDrivingChange.org, a joint safety campaign between the City of Grand Rapids and the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Located just north of Grand Rapids, Riverside Park is an expansive waterfront green space with plenty of space to play. Featuring a boat launch, sports fields, a disc golf course, and a plethora of picnic shelters, it’s a gem of the City of Grand Rapids Park & Recreation Department. The well-maintained bike lanes also allow for a traffic-free cruise.

There is parking at the trailhead as well as several other lots scattered throughout the park – both along the trail and next to the little league baseball fields. You should have no problem finding parking, unloading bikes, and getting started.

Comstock Park is a small, unincorporated town north of Grand Rapids. The trail is a straight shot to the downtown area and provides a front-row seat to this vibrant community. Take a detour to check out Mill Creek as it winds through Dwight Lydell Park.

Along the way, you’ll pass LMCU Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps. If there happens to be a game in progress, you can catch the smell of popcorn and hear renditions of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch.

After crossing a scenic trestle bridge, the trail enters Rockford. There are a few opportunities to diverge from the path but stay on the White Pine Trail by following the signs to downtown Rockford. This is an excellent place to pause for an extended break. Take a minute to refill water bottles and rest your legs at the Rockford Dam Overlook.

From here, bike into Cedar Springs – dubbed the “Red Flannel Town” for its historical production of “drop seat” long johns and union suits famously worn by old-timey lumberjacks. Main Street is only a few blocks from the trail and this charming, small town is worth the exploration, including a stop at Cedar Springs Brewing Company.

Total Mileage: 18.5 miles one way, 37 miles round trip.

Total Ride Time: Approximately one hour 20 minutes one way, approximately two hours 40 minutes round trip. Ride time is based on an average speed of 12 miles an hour. Check out the route below, which includes additional suggestions for things to do while on the trail.

Grab your bike, helmet, and a sense of adventure, as you prepare to make this scenic trip! Discover more trails to explore by checking out the Grand Rapids Biking Trails Page.