What is the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail?

The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail is the newest Kalamazoo County Park. The trail is free to use and has a paved-asphalt surface that is 12-feet wide. It's a multi-purpose trail for non-motorized transportation and recreation. Once complete, the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail will encompass 35 miles of trail throughout Kalamazoo County. Kalamazoo will be a regional hub connecting Battle Creek to Lake Michigan, and D Ave. to Portage. This existing trail and planned trails in other counties will link more than 140 miles of trail - connecting together the Battle Creek Linear Park, Kal-Haven State Park Trail, and Portage Bicentennial Park Trail.

Currently, there are 14 miles complete. The first section opened in 2008 and begins at 10th Street, heading east from the Kal-Haven Caboose and stretching 4.8 miles to Westnedge Ave. Construction completed in 2009 and 2010 included trail that connects Mayors' Riverfront Park to D. Ave, traveling through Verburg Park, along Riverview Dr., and heading north along Markin Glen County Park and the Kalamazoo Nature Center. As funds and property become available the trail will continue to grow, realizing a vision that has been carried forward by the Friends of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trailway since 1991.

Who operates the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail?

The KRV Trail is a County Park and is operated and maintained by the Kalamazoo County Parks Department. To report vandalism or obstructions on the trail, please call 269-383-8778.

Is there a fee to use the trail?

The KRV Trail is free to use, and a pass is not required.

Where can I park to use the trail?

Designated trail parking lots can be found at the 10th Street trailhead (where the KRV Trail connects to the Kal-Haven Trail: 2 miles North of W. Main on 10th Street); on Paterson St. in the north end of Verburg Park (just West of Riverview Dr.); at Mayors' Riverfront Park (near Homer Stryker Field); and just north of the Kalamazoo Nature Center entrance on Westnedge Ave.

In addition to the designated lots, there are a few other locations that provide convenient access to the KRV Trail: 1) There are approximately 40 parallel parking spaces in Parchment along Commerce Lane (at the intersection of Mosel, across from the Post Office); 2) The two major public parking ramps in downtown Kalamazoo provide convenient access to the KRV Trail as well.

Are snowmobiles or golf carts allowed on the KRV Trail?

Golf carts, ATVs, ORVs, snowmobiles, mini-bikes, gas/electric powered scooters or similar motorized devices are not allowed on the KRV Trail.

The KRV Trail is for non-motorized use, such as walking, running, bicycling, skate-boarding, rollerblading, etc.

Is the KRV Trail ADA accessible?

The KRV Trail is ADA compliant, and motorized and non-motorized mobility devices are allowed for reasonable and equitable access by persons with a disability who require the use of such mobility devices.

Does the KRV Trail go through downtown Kalamazoo?

There is a signed-route that connects the two completed sections. The "walking route" follows the sidewalk along Arcadia Creek, and the "bike route" uses Eleanor St. At Burdick St. the walking and biking routes combine to use Water St., leading all the way to Rose Park's Veteran's Memorial. The signs are teal in color and have symbols to indicate walk, biking or both.

Is the trail open all year round?

The trail is open all year round, although it is not plowed in the winter. It is, however, occasionally used by cross-country skiers and walkers. Snowmobiles are not allowed on the KRV Trail.

Is the entire trail paved?

The entire KRV Trail is paved asphalt, and except for a .7 mile section along Ravine Road and the downtown signed route, it's separated from the road.

What time does the trail open and close?

The KRV Trail opens at 7 a.m. each day, and closes at sunset.

Who is paying for the construction of the trail?

The trail is funded by private donations and matching enhancement grants from the Michigan Department of Transportation. A public and private partnership between the volunteer-led Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo County and Kalamazoo County Parks is bringing charitable contributions and public dollars. To donate, please visit www.kalamazoocountyparks.com

Who is paying for the maintenance?

The KRV Trail maintenance is funded by an endowment established by the Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo County.

Who is paying for the programs and events?

In partnership with the Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo County, the Kalamazoo County Parks Department received a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to provide programs and events to encourage usage and increase awareness of the trail. Programs and events can be found at www.kalamazoocountyparks.com

Do you need volunteers for the KRV Trail?

We have a variety of opportunities for volunteers, ranging from helping to conduct a trail usage study, to assisting with programs and events. For more information, please email krvt@kalcounty.com, or call 269-373-5073.

Does the KRV Trail have mile markers?

The KRV Trail has mile markers every 1/10th of a mile, beginning from 10th Street.

Can I take my dog on the KRV Trail?

Pets are allowed and welcome, we just ask that you clean up after them and that they are on a leash no more than 6-feet long.

Is the trail safe to use?

The trail is safe to use. To make your experience more enjoyable, however, we recommend using the buddy-system and enjoy the trail with a companion. There is safety in numbers.