2023 Map of Smyrna

About this map

The Flat River winds through this landscape at the intersection of Kent, Ionia, and Montcalm counties, anchoring a region defined by its rural settlements and extensive trail networks. The community of Smyrna sits at a prominent bend in the river, while the larger center of Belding occupies the northeastern corner. This modern survey illustrates the repurposing of old corridors, most notably the Fred Meijer Flat River Valley Trail and the Flat River Trail, which now trace the paths of former rail or river transport routes. Numerous family and community burial grounds, including Ashley Cemetery and Mason Cemetery, are scattered across the townships, providing a clear spatial record for genealogical research. The terrain is marked by a high density of water bodies like Big Pine Island Lake and Slayton Lake, illustrating the glacial lake topography of central Michigan.