Lansing River Trail (LRT)

Following the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers from the northside of Lansing to MSU and beyond, the Lansing River Trail forms the backbone of the area trail system. The section from Old Town to Downtown has numerous parks and attractions directly accessible from the trail. Highlights include the historic Turner Dodge Mansion, Brenke Fish Ladder, and Park Michigan! accessible playground, along with Adado & Rotary Parks, the Lansing Center, Riverwalk Theater, Impression 5 Science Center, and R.E. Olds Museum - all within the span of about two miles.

At the confluence of the rivers the trail splits in two directions, one way heads through REO Town ending in Moores Park with the other going east towards MSU, offering access to several other area trails along the way. This eastern section of the trail follows the Red Cedar through Potter Park Zoo before traversing woods and wetlands then into Municipal Park on its way to MSU. This stretch includes a half mile link to Crego Park along with a shared-use connection to Frandor and Ranney Park, notable for its paths, ponds and water features. 

The Lansing River Trail directly connects to over 46 miles of paved shared-use pathways throughout several communities; those trails are denoted below as “LRT connected”

MSU River Trail (LRT connected)

As the trail passes through MSU’s campus it goes by many campus sports venues, including Spartan Stadium, along with other attractions like MSU Auditorium, Abrams Planetarium and the Beal Botanical Gardens. Downtown East Lansing and much of MSU’s campus is easily accessible via MSU’s very walkable and bikeable north campus with the MSU Museum, Broad Art Museum and Horticulture & Childrens Gardens all just a short walk or ride from the main trail. The trail leaves MSU’s campus as it crosses Hagadorn Rd and continues as the MSU to Lake Lansing Trail.

MSU to Lake Lansing Trail / Interurban Trail (LRT connected)

Extending east from the Hagadorn Road terminus of the MSU River Trail, the MSU to Lake Lansing Trail takes you into Meridian Township. It briefly follows the Red Cedar River, then winds northeast through a scenic natural area to join the Interurban Trail which currently ends at Marsh Road near Haslett Road. This trail also connects, via the Nancy Moore Park Okemos Road entrance, to about 2 miles of additional paved shared use paths in Nancy Moore & Central Parks offering access to the Meridian Historical Village, Meridian Farmers Market and the Meridian Mall. Planned extensions will bring trail access to both North and South Lake Lansing Parks.

Hawk Island / Valhalla / Sycamore Trail (LRT connected)

Branching south off the Lansing River Trail near Aurelius Rd, this trail meanders south, often along the Sycamore Creek, providing miles of paths through woods and wetlands along with access to several parks. Additionally, it connects the LRT system to the Bear Lake Pathway, South Lansing Pathway and Hayhoe Trail making it an important and popular section of the regional trail network. Notable points along this stretch of trail include the beautiful Sycamore Park wetlands, the family-friendly Hawk Island & Valhalla Parks and the popular trailhead at Maguire Park.

South Lansing Pathway (LRT connected)

Tied into the LRT system at Maguire Park, the South Lansing Pathway runs briefly along Jolly Rd before veering off the road to follow a utility corridor across the south side of Lansing, all the way to Waverly Rd. Benjamin Davis Park, Kaynorth Park, Alfreda Schmidt Community Center and Gardner middle school are all accessible from the trail, along with many neighborhoods.

Bear Lake Pathway (LRT connected)

Connected to the LRT system at Maguire Park and Krugers Landing, the Bear Lake Pathway travels through natural areas, Evergreen Cemetery, Fenner Nature Center and along a utility corridor to form a nearly 7 mile loop incorporating part of the Sycamore Trail. The Bear Lake Pathway also connects the Corporate Research Pathway and Forrest Rd/Collins Rd shared use paths to the LRT system.

Northern Tier Trail

The Northern Tier Trail in East Lansing spans just over 5 miles connecting White Park, Abbot Rd Park and the East Lansing Family Aquatic Center to numerous apartment complexes and neighborhoods. The southeast terminus is in White Park from which it heads west a short ways before turning north to end at State Rd near Chandler Rd, several spurs provide additional connections to nearby neighborhoods and parks

Hayhoe Trail (partially LRT connected)

Currently divided into two sections, the Hayhoe Trail will soon be joined, connecting Mason to the Lansing River Trail system. This will make it possible to go from the northside of Lansing to the south end of Mason entirely on shared use paths. The trail begins from the north at Holt Rd Trailhead Park where it heads south through Esker Landing before following Cedar Street to the trail’s temporary terminus at College Road. The Mason section of the Hayhoe Trail goes from the north end of Mason to the south end, from Howell to Kipp Roads.

Corporate Research Pathway (soon to be LRT connected)

Opposite the Forrest Rd crossing of the Bear Lake Path, on the west side of US-127, the Corporate Research Pathway runs south from Forest Rd, behind Mclaren’s hospital, to Development Dr and connects to shared use paths along Development Dr, Collins Rd and Forest Rd. (Once bridge work on US-127 is done in 2025, MDOT will construct a path under 127 connecting the Corporate Research Pathway to the Bear Lake Trail.)

Hartrick Trail

The Hartrick Trail in Meridian Township connects Hartrick Park and Okemos High School to nearby neighborhoods and apartment complexes offering over 2 miles of paths.

Moores River Dr Trail / Waverly Pathway

Following this expansive section of the Grand River from Cambridge Dr to Waverly Rd this path connects to the Waverly Rd Shared Use Path and a nearly 1 mile loop through the serene Frances Park, notable for its overlook and rose garden. This connected collection of trails includes almost 4 miles of paths, the Lansing River Trail is accessible via a just over one mile walk or ride down Moores River Drive to Moores Park.

Ram Trail

The Ram Trail heads south from Tolland Ave through a wooded natural area before travelling alongside Holt Rd, ending near Holt High School. The 2.5 mile path connects to several neighborhoods and schools.