Township

Grand River Natural Area Preserve

The Grand River Nature Area offers stunning views of the Grand River and many opportunities to view wildlife. This riverside park of 100-acres was donated to the residents of Ada Township by Eastbrook Homes. Land was also donated to Cascade Township (named McGraw Park) and the Forest Hills School District (Home of their Crew boathouse), making a linear park of 150+ acres.

A paved trail starts from the Ada Park parking lot on Grand River Drive SE (please park here or further east on Grand River Drive SE at McGraw Park). The trail continues off of Dogwood Meadows Drive, located in the Ada Moorings subdivision, and runs through Cascade Township, ending at the FHPS boathouse. There is also a natural trail that runs northwest along the Grand River.

Please keep bikes on the paved trail. Insect repellent is essential during spring and summer when the mosquitos are out.

Location

Grand River Nature Trail
Ada, MI 49301
Map

Dog Policy

Dogs must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after in all Township parks.

Grand River Nature Area Features

  • 100+acres
  • Nature Area
  • Trails
  • Bike Path
  • Woodlands
  • Wetlands
  • Grand River

Michael McGraw Park

Through a generous donation from Michael McGraw in 2002, Cascade Township acquired property on the Grand River, in the northeast corner of the township. This 68-acre parcel is located 1.1 miles east of Buttrick Ave., on Grand River Dr. As it is almost entirely flood plain for the Grand River, the park will remain largely undeveloped, left in its natural state. The park borders a larger 120-acre parcel donated to Ada Township. Along the bank of the river is a paved asphalt trail for pedestrians or bicyclists. The trail is, at this time, the only way into the park, until the township secures access for vehicle traffic across a railroad line that runs parallel to Grand River Dr.

Please help to keep our parks and natural areas clean and safe for people and wildlife.