Cooper Creek & Spencer Forest

Cooper Creek Park and Spencer Forest are two separate parks closely adjacent to one another. They both feature a network of equestrian trails that explore pine stands, deciduous forests and fields. The trails are accessed from the parking lot at Cooper Creek Park, at the intersection of Morgan Mills Ave and 17 Mile Rd.

A perfect getaway spot for those who like to fish and hike, Cooper Creek and Spencer Forest feature over four miles of winding trails and the only equestrian trail access in Kent County. This park also offers limited permits for bow hunting during the state’s deer and turkey seasons.

Address

13807 17 Mile Rd
Gowen, MI 49326
Directions

Hours

Year Round
7am to Sunset
Off-Season Information

Equestrian Trails

The only bridle paths in the Kent County Park system are located at Cooper Creek Park and Spencer Forest. This interconnected network includes more than four miles of trails through pine stands, deciduous forests, wetlands and fields.

The bridle paths at Cooper Creek Park and Spencer Forest are also open to hikers and cross country skiers. The trails are closed to motorized uses and mountain bikes.

Equestrians should be aware that other activities take place from time to time within Spencer Forest. The forest includes actively managed pine stands and limited logging activities are occasionally conducted between late fall and late winter to maintain the health of these stands. At the southern end of Spencer Forest, near 16 Mile Rd, is a facility operated by the Kent County Sheriff’s Department which includes an outdoor firing range that is occasionally used for training. Also bow hunting is allowed in Spencer Forest by permit only during the regular bow hunting season for deer and turkey.

To access the trails, use the Cooper Creek Park parking lot at the intersection of Morgan Mills Ave and 17 Mile Rd. From there, follow the trail east alongside Cooper Creek, until crossing 17 Mile Rd to enter Spencer Forest. Within Spencer Forest, the trails are marked by color as shown on the park map.
Cross-Country Skiing
Bridle Trails
 
 
Fishing
 
 
Hiking
 
 
Hunting
 
 
Picnicking
 
 

Cross-Country Skiing

Though not groomed, the trails through the park and forest are open for cross-country skiing.

Fishing

Cooper Creek meanders for three-quarters of a mile through the area of the park that lies north of 17 Mile Rd. This slow-moving creek is fairly wide and offers fair opportunities for fishing.

Hiking

All the trails in the park and forest are open to hiking. The complete network includes more than four miles of trails within the park. Be sure to take a look at the trail map before setting out, so you have a good idea of which routes you’d like to follow.

Hunting

Each year, a limited number of permits are offered for bow hunting during the deer and turkey season. For more information, please call our main office at (616) 632-PARK (7275).

Picnicking

Development at Cooper Creek Park and Spencer Forest is minimal but visitors will find a picnic table at the main parking area, perfect for enjoying a snack before or after a journey on the trails.

Cooper Creek / Spencer Forest