Home › Michigan › Grand Rapids › The Highlands
The Highlands
4.8 ★★★★★ 176 Google reviews · Running trail in Grand Rapids, Michigan · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from The Highlands' 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.
What runners say about The Highlands
“No matter the season, you can count on the highlands being a beautiful place to take a stroll.”
“It’s great for hiking, running, walking, bird watching, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, etc.”
“I love this place, great for anyone for walking, so peaceful and awesome for bird watching and photography.”
I adore The Highlands. It's a hidden gem that grows more and more beautiful each year, each passing season. I never run into too many people there, and I love that. So peaceful.
I love the Highlands especially when the seasons change & blossoms are blooming all around. Snakes are sunbathing along with turtles. The geese have had their babies and lots of fawns being born at this time of year. I’ve seen many fox, skunks, owls, pileated woodpeckers, bats, deer, coyotes, etc.
This is a great place for a nice walk on the Westside. I really like that they have taken the golf-course to reclaim it to it's natural habitat. It will be fun to watch the transformation over time! They do have some benches for people to sit and relax or read a book.
I have too many pictures to share. When I heard that The Land Conservancy of West Michigan was partnering with Blandford to purchase the golf course and rehabilitate it back into what it might have been before, to be a nature preserve, I knew I had to get on board.
Trail conditions & character
“No matter the season, you can count on the highlands being a beautiful place to take a stroll.”
“The downfall to all of this, are the dog owners who allow their dogs to chase wildlife and never clean up after their dogs.”
“I love this place, great for anyone for walking, so peaceful and awesome for bird watching and photography.”
“Though the main entrance is under construction there was signage on alternative parking and entry.”
“So many paths to take and a portable restroom if needed.”
“Justin at LCWM has done amazing work to preserve the land and make the beauty of it accessible.”
Plan your run at The Highlands
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitethehighlandsgr.org
- Phone+1 616-451-9476
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
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.
Blandford Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,162 reviews
Welcoming, 501(c)(3), multi-building nature preserve offering education programs and marked hiking trails, plus encounters with injured animals.
Fred Meijer Pioneer Trail Park
5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews
Richmond Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,436 reviews
Large park featuring various sports facilities, plus trails, a playground, a pond & an outdoor pool.
Alpine Estates Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
Relaxed park featuring playgrounds for multiple age groups as well as sports courts. Trails for walking are also on-site.
Harmon Field Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 43 reviews
