The main parking lot serves as the trailhead for most outings to Grass Lake as several trails depart into the woods here. Follow the Cabin Trail as it heads north to quickly reach the Grass River Center and then the Cabin within a quarter mile. The impressive Grass River Center is the new education center that was opened in 2011. The Cabin was Grass River’s original interpretive center. Several posts surround the Cabin, including post No. 19 marking the Sedge Meadow Trail.

Following Sedge Meadow Trail in a clockwise direction the boardwalk begins in the forest but quickly enter wetland habitat where many plants have been identified. At times you can view showy lady’s slippers and other orchids, floating sedge mats, Labrador tea and bog cranberry. In 0.2 mile the trail emerges at the edge of Grass River where an observation tower has been built while just beyond it is Dock Access Trail marked by post No. 20. The spur leads to another viewing platform and a dock on the river reached at Mile 0.6. To sight wildlife, dawn and dusk are the best times to be here, quietly standing on the tower scanning Grass River, Finch Creek, and the edge of Clam Lake. Wildlife sighted from the tower includes river otters, mink, white-tailed deer, and a variety of bird life including marsh hawks, ospreys, and bald eagles.

Backtracking to post No. 20, Sedge Meadow Trail quickly crosses Finch Creek where the massive foot bridge includes benches and then reaches another viewing platform overlooking Grass River. At this point the boardwalks swing south, reaching post No. 21 at Mile 1 and then post No. 16, where you continue south (left) onto Fern Trail. For a 0.3 mile, from posts No. 21 to No. 15 , you skirt Finch Creek with amble opportunities to study the clear stream for whatever lives below its surface.

At post No. 15, Mile 1.3, you head east (left) to continue with the Woodland Trail. The boardwalk remains for another quarter mile before a foot path takes over and leads to post No. 12, Mile 1.7, the start of the Wildfire Trail. Along this path you can peer into the wooded ravine that Finch Creek flows through before descending to the creek. You cross Finch Creek on a large foot bridge with benches and then climb to the Rail Trail, reaching post No. 11 at Mile 1.9.

Post No. 10 is quickly reached west (right) on the Rail Trail. At the post resume north (right) back into the woods on Wildfire Trail and then continue in a northerly direction (left) at post No. 13. The next 0.3 mile is a level walk through the hardwood forest before you reach the entrance road post No. 14 at Mile 2.4. The trailhead parking is less than a quarter mile north on the entrance road.