I had a great time visiting Kalamazoo for Western Michigan University’s Homecoming 2025! Exploring the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail while biking was a total plus for the overall experience! Coming back to Kalamazoo for homecoming was a great reminder of why we so enjoyed being in Kalamazoo and why so many students are successful. Kalamazoo is a great place to live and go to school!

– Cleo Moody

Last day of vacation I decided the rain would not stop me from going for a hike. First time visit to the kalamazoo River Valley Trail and it did not disappoint. I parked in the trail head at D Ave. and went about 2 1/2 miles out and then returned. This is a linear trail and from the section you passed through parts of the Kalamazoo nature center. Give it a couple more weeks and I bet the leaves are stunning. From D Ave. there’s a decent amount of hills to give you a good work out. This path is completely paved, you will share it with bicycles, goes through some wooded areas, some open areas and a tall grass prairie just passed the nature center entrance which looks like you could go wander in as they have a mowed trail entrance. This is kid friendly, dog on leash friendly, and free. Please note that to go off the trail and into the nature center areas from the entrance there is a fee. However if you stay on the river valley trail there is no charge. There are are no bathroom personalities that I found so plan accordingly.

– Sue Burkhard

Absolutely breathtaking- I parked by the Railroad crossing on D Ave and walked to the Nature Center and back (I think this area might be one of the woodsiest areas on the path). One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Good amount of hills- stay to the right as there are usually bikers going at quick speeds! REMEMBER BUG SPRAY!* 10/10 would recommend.

– Miranda Wolf