Landscaping Pics

We just moved to a wonderful place in the upper peninsula of MI. We have a great view overlooking a river and a bluff on the other side of the river. Our house sits on a hill and is about 170 yards from the river. Today, there is no landscaping down to the river or at the river. Our goal is to make a landscaped path way with a park setting(fire pit, chairs, etc.) down by the river. I have some good ideas for the park area but am struggling to figure out a good path way down to the river. Additionally we would like to have filler with praire grass on the sides of the path. I am also lacking experience here.

I would really like to keep the path way low maintainence. Since the path is so long, Im not sure a stoned path way is an option due to cost... but am open to hearing ideas.

If you have any ideas or pictures, please let me know as I am really struggling to implement and find the right grasses to plant. I do not want to make a wrong decision.

Thanks!