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.
Kalamazoo River Valley Trail
Connections
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, D Ave. to Portage, and eventually Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. This existing trail and planned trails in other counties will enable you to connect more than 140 miles of trail - connecting together the Battle Creek Linear Park, Kal-Haven Trail, and Portage Bicentennial Park Trail.
There are currently two of eight segments complete of this non-motorized, paved-asphalt trail. One stretch includes a 4.8-mile section that connects 10th Street to downtown Kalamazoo, while the other travels from Mosel Ave. to Mayors' Riverfront Park, totaling an additional 2.8 miles. As funds and property become available the trail will continue to grow, realizing a vision that has been in the works since 1991.
Operated as a Kalamazoo County Park, the KRV Trail is free to use and offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a relaxing family stroll, a journey into nature, an extensive workout or a bike route to work - the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail awaits your visit.
On August 9th ten bicycles and helmets were donated to the Kalamazoo Junior Girls, a youth organization located along the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail on Paterson St. The girls will use the bikes for exercise and recreation on the trail as part of their summer and after school programs. The donation is part of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Program grant received by the Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo County from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Administered by the Kalamazoo County Parks, this is the second "Learning Cycles" program established in Kalamazoo.
 | Volunteers Needed!
Whatever your age or ability, the KRV Trail has many volunteer opportunities available! It's an excellent way to meet people, enjoy the outdoors and keep the trail a great place to visit. Opportunities include help on our special events/programs, trail maintenance and surveyors for our trail usage study.
The first step to becoming a volunteer is to complete the volunteer application.
For more information on volunteering, contact the KRV Trail Volunteer Coordinator at 269-373-5181, or email krvt@kalcounty.com. |
New Trail Brochure and Maps are Now Available
Our new Kalamazoo River Valley Trail brochure is now available, and the updated map includes the recently completed section from Gull to Mosel. If you'd like a copy of the brochure mailed to you, or a stack for your business, please call 269-373-5073 or email krvt@kalcounty.com. The maps are available online as well by visiting this page.
Point-to-Point Distances
10th Street to Ravine 3 miles
10th Street to Westnedge 4.8 miles
10th Street to Rose Park 5.7 miles
Rose Park to Mosel Ave. 1.9 miles
Mosel Ave. to Mayors' Riverfront Park (end of trail) 2.8 miles
10th Street to Mosel Ave. 7.4 miles
Safety First!
A Few Safety Reminders to make your experience more enjoyable.
- The Trail is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to sunset.
- Follow all County Park Trail Rules posted along the trail.
- Obey all trail and traffic signs.
- Always wear a bicycle helmet.
- Cyclists and skaters must yield to pedestrians.
- Keep right and pass on left. Give audible warning before passing.
- There is safety in numbers. Use the buddy-system and enjoy the trail with a companion.
- Pets must be on a leash no more than six feet long and owners must clean up after their pets.
Click here for a full list of the trail rules.
Special Events
If you or your group is interested in holding an event on the trail, please submit a "Special Event Request Form" to the Kalamazoo County Parks Department. Forms may be faxed to 269-373-5080, or mailed to:
Trail Program Coordinator
3299 Gull Road
Wing 2, Room 201
Kalamazoo MI, 49048
Join the Parks Foundation in supporting the trail.
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 together to develop and maintain the trail. To do your part in supporting the trail visit www.kalamazoorivervalleytrail.com or call (269) 383-0515.
Thank you to the following public and private partners who are making the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail possible: Friends of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo County, City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan Department of Transportation, Kalamazoo Road Commission, and the many citizens, businesses and foundations supporting our efforts.
