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An easy loop hike 20 minutes outside Grand Rapids to stretch your legs and get some fresh air through the woods.


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Map Key

3.6

Miles

5.8

KM

Loop

745' 227 m

High

649' 198 m

Low

380' 116 m

Up

376' 115 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

15%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Numerous options for shorter or longer hikes with lots to explore around Sand Creek.

Open year round.

Overview

With its easy access off Lake Michigan Drive, Aman Park has become a local favorite for trail running, dog walking, and cross country skiing for the winter adventurers. Signage can be spotty and somewhat tricky for new visitors, but this recommended loop hike stays on the outer perimeter of each trail, using the Interpretive Trail as the main connector between each. When in doubt, stay left, or keep your eye on the Hiking Project mobile app.

As all trails at Aman Park can be traveled in either direction, this loop hike can be traveled in reverse or revised to accommodate groups of varying abilities. The Interpretive Trail can be a good loop in and of itself or the Black Trail is another option to bypass the loop along Sand Creek.

Need to Know

Port-a-potty available at the parking area. Can be buggy in warmer months due to standing water.

Description

From the main parking area, head across the street that you came in on to find the Interpretive Trail trailhead. Head south along the road as the trail approaches Lake Michigan Drive before bending to the north and crossing Sand Creek. Pass the Black Trail on the right and continue on the Interpretive Trail.

At the next intersection, bear left onto the Green Loop (D) toward the western boundary of the park. Before too long, you'll arrive back at the Interpretive Trail to continue north to the next loop; Blue Loop (C). This is a lollipop-style loop that makes up a mile of this ~3.5-mile hike. If you're short on time, head past this loop to continue the climb northeast toward the Yellow Loop (A).

Around the three-mile mark, look for the Sweets Monument at the northernmost point of the Yellow Loop (A) and Orange Loop junction. Continue on the Orange Loop back to the start or take the inner section where the Yellow Loop (A) and Orange Loop overlap to visit Aman's Gravesite.

Flora & Fauna

Woodpeckers, songbirds, trillium, wetlands.

History & Background

The park is named after Jacob Aman (1850-1928), whose grave is marked off the Yellow Loop (A) and Orange Loop at a boulder with a commemorative plaque. Jacob gifted the city of Grand Rapids the land that the park is now made up of.

Contacts

Land Manager: City of Grand Rapids

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#1

in Aman Park

#3235

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Photos

Snow bomb
Nov 13, 2019 near Walker, MI

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