HomeMichiganGrand Rapids › Ken-O-Sha Park

Ken-O-Sha Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 554 Google reviews · Running trail in Grand Rapids, Michigan · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Ken-O-Sha Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

PavedLoopOpen 24hScenicDog-friendlyMile markers

Sprawling area with paved trails, playground, picnic area, basketball court & baseball field.

What runners say about Ken-O-Sha Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (554 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 12 mentions

“would recommend cross in over the river and exploring the trails on that side as the paved trail gets less scenic the farther you go.”

Great place with trails and very well made activity sets! There's bridges and creeks and a nice trail. This place is also I believe dog friendly as I seen many people walking their dogs. Felt like a safe spot right next to the school. Clean and absolutely beautiful even on a colder day.

★★★★★ — Tatted , Feb 2024

lovely park! would recommend cross in over the river and exploring the trails on that side as the paved trail gets less scenic the farther you go. they also have a cool “nature magnifier” with a description right off the main path.

★★★★★ — Lauren , Mar 2024

Such a beautiful park. Endless trails to explore and a cement path to keep you on track. Follow the river for lotsa fun and great pics. Was really cool under the canopies of trees on a sunny morning. Bring water and a jacket.

★★★★★ — Dani , Sep 2021

What a beautiful park! There are a couple typical play structures/swings, a small little free library, a nature play scape and the walking paths are just gorgeous!

★★★★★ — Sheri , May 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 554 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 14 mentions

“would recommend cross in over the river and exploring the trails on that side as the paved trail gets less scenic the farther you go.”

More trails like this →

🛣️ Paved surface 8 mentions

“The main feature of this park is a paved hiking/biking/running trail the runs from one end of the park to the other, about half a mile.”

More trails like this →

🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“This place is also I believe dog friendly as I seen many people walking their dogs.”

More trails like this →

📏 Mile markers 2 mentions

“There were a lot of dirt trails to hike, but no trail markers to show you the way.”

More trails like this →

🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Ken-O-Sha Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitegrandrapidsmi.gov
  • Phone(616) 456-3696

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Ken-O-Sha Park

1353 Van Auken St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

Get directions

Running trails near Grand Rapids

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Plaster Creek Family Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 332 reviews

Grand Rapids, MI

Park featuring a ball diamond & tennis courts, plus a playground, restrooms & a picnic shelter.

2.3 miles away

Covenant Park

4 ★★★★☆ 31 reviews

Kentwood, MI

Dog-friendly

2.6 miles away

Stauffer Station Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 72 reviews

Kentwood, MI

Paved

Clean, paved pathways and woods draw walkers, runners and cyclists.

2.9 miles away

Bunker Interpretive Center

4.7 ★★★★★ 311 reviews

Grand Rapids, MI

2 miNatural surfaceScenic

Nature preserve with an interpretive center, walking trails, and native gardens.

3.2 miles away

John Collins Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 863 reviews

East Grand Rapids, MI

ScenicDog-friendly

Park with a lake, events, and picnic areas, plus a public restroom.

3.3 miles away

Reeds Lake Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 52 reviews

East Grand Rapids, MI

Scenic

3.5 miles away

All running trails in Grand Rapids, MI →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.