Johnson Park Mountain Biking Trails

The 6-mile trail system is already on track to become one of West Michigan’s premier recreational destinations and a showcase for accessible, professionally built trail experiences. But building great trails is only the beginning.

Thanks to the generous contributions of more than 100 individual donors, the West Michigan Mountain Bike Alliance, in partnership with the Kent County Parks Foundation and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., successfully raised an additional $100,000 to fund 2 more miles of singletrack trail at Johnson Park. We will be going from 6-miles to 8-miles of Mountain biking trails in Johnson Park.

We are now launching Phase 3 of this campaign: a long-term maintenance endowment dedicated specifically to Johnson Park. Funds from this campaign will support tools, signage upgrades, trail maintenance, tread repairs, and ongoing upkeep of progressive trail features to ensure this incredible trail system remains safe, fun, and enjoyable for all users when it opens this fall and for years to come.

According to the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), routine annual trail maintenance typically costs between $4,000 and $6,000 per mile, with a widely accepted industry guideline of budgeting approximately 5% of a trail's total construction cost each year for ongoing maintenance. Based on IMBA guidance and our experience managing professionally built trail systems such as The Dragon Trail and Fred Bunn Multi-Use Trail, we estimate annual maintenance expenses at Johnson Park will range from $3,000 to $5,000 per year.

Luton Park Mountain Biking Trails

Luton Park offers approximately nine miles of mountain biking trails, with interconnected loops that let riders choose their own adventure. The flatter Blue and Green loops welcome beginners, while the Yellow, Orange, Red, and Black loops offer tighter turns, steeper terrain, logs, and rock gardens for riders seeking a greater challenge.

The West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance has played a central role in planning, building, and maintaining this popular trail system. Volunteers contributed more than 1,500 hours to its construction, following International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) design standards to reduce erosion and minimize conflicts among trail users. Luton is also a shared destination for hikers and trail runners. Riders should follow posted directions, yield to people on foot, and avoid riding muddy trails.

Wahlfield Park Mountain Biking Trails

Explore eight miles of mountain biking trails at Wahlfield Park, another favorite destination in Kent County’s riding network. Hand-built cross-country singletrack offers opportunities to develop skills and enjoy an active day outdoors. The system also includes a jump line for riders looking for an additional challenge. Wahlfield’s trails reflect the commitment of local riders and volunteers who help keep mountain biking thriving in our community. Before heading out, check current conditions and follow posted riding directions, which vary by day.

Donations help maintain trail features, preserve progressive trail designs, repair trail tread, replace worn infrastructure, and address the ongoing needs that come with operating a high-quality trail system. Establishing a dedicated maintenance endowment ensures that the investment made by our donors today continues to benefit riders, families, and outdoor enthusiasts for years to come. Thank you for your continued support and investment in the future of trails in West Michigan. Together, we are not only building trails—we are ensuring they remain sustainable, safe, and enjoyable for generations to come.