Reeds Lake Bike Route

Reeds Lake is a classic Grand Rapids cycling route. In all sorts of weather you’ll encounter a variety of people, bikes, and dog walkers taking advantage of the paved pathways and quiet neighborhoods around Reeds. It’s the perfect place for a lazy weekend spin in the fresh air or a hard-charging, weekday ride. View a map of the route here.

Bike Etiquette

Bike safety and etiquette are paramount, no matter what level of biking experience you may have. Take GR Driving Change's road relationship quiz to put your road skills to the test. For a refresher on bike safety and etiquette, head to GR Driving Change to go over the rules of the road for both cyclists and drivers.

Parking

Start your bike route at John Collins Park. There's parking along the street and if you can't find any there, check out the East Grand Rapids Middle School parking lot or pay for parking at the Gaslight Village Parking Garage located at the corner of Wealthy Street and Shopping Center Road (on the other side of Lakeside Drive, near Athleta and Starbucks).

Direction

Bike clockwise around Reeds Lake if you’d like to follow the route mile markers. You’ll notice that the majority of bikers choose to bike this way, but feel free to bike in whichever direction you prefer.

Reeds Lake Bike Route

Embrace the beautiful scene of lake views, dog-walkers, and picnickers as you officially take off at mile marker zero.

As you take off on the Reeds Lake bike route, you’ll experience the flattest and widest paved sections of the trail with a scenic overlook. The overlook presents an opportunity for riders to take a picture of the gorgeous scenery, re-adjust their bike equipment and prepare for the four-mile route ahead.

Prior to reaching the first-mile marker, you’ll approach the Hodenpyl Woods. which also has a mile-long scenic Wildflower Trail. If you choose to view the scenic Hodenpyl Woods, make sure to check out the wood’s map, and plant identification map.

Mile 1

Travel through adjacent parks filled with wooded trails and slight hills. Follow the trail along Reeds Lake Boulevard to view welcoming East Grand Rapids neighborhoods and admire the beautiful architecture.

Mile 2

You can tell by the upcoming hum of cars in the distance that you’re approaching the section of the trail that runs parallel to East Beltline. This is a good time to take a brief rest, prior to crossing the stop sign and biking down the busy road.

Mile 2.75

Once Reeds Lake Boulevard meets Hall Street, you’ll experience the steepest incline of the trail. It’s a pretty daunting hill, and there’s no shame in walking. Once you’re at the top, catch your breath and rehydrate before heading straight up Hall Street.

Mile 3.4

Once you reach the intersection of Hall Street and Lake Drive, take a right (onto Lake Drive). It's also the busiest stretch of the trail and the paved path transitions into a regular suburban sidewalk. Drivers are used to seeing a steady stream of bikers along this route, but make sure to exercise good judgment.

Mile 4.0

Follow Lake Drive until it reaches Breton Road and Lakeside Drive. Take a right on to Lakeside Drive at East Grand Rapids middle school where you’ll pass the school's tennis courts and the local fire station. Shortly after, you’ll return to John Collins Park.

Post-route:

After getting a good workout in, head to East Grand Rapids’ Gaslight Village neighborhood for ice cream at Jersey Junction, or stop by one of the many nearby restaurants for dinner.

Curious about more bike routes throughout Grand Rapids? Check out our site for other biking trails to learn more about cycling throughout Grand Rapids.