Kent County Fall Color Tour
Grab a pumpkin spice latte and your coziest sweater, KCRC's Fall Color Tour is back! The annual color tour guides travelers along picturesque routes that showcase the vibrant colors of the season and the natural beauty of the area. These routes certainly do not encompass ALL the beauty there is to see within Kent County, but they do offer great options for those seeking to venture into parts of the county they have not yet visited.
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EASTERN KENT COUNTY: Bridges, Parks, Villages
Travelers on the eastern Kent County routes can make an afternoon of visiting the area’s historic covered bridges, including Fallasburg Covered Bridge and Ada Covered Bridge, which are both in Kent County, and Whites Bridge, located right across the Ionia County border. The three bridges were built within four years of one another (Ada in 1867; Whites, 1869; Fallasburg, 1871) and each was constructed using Brown truss design. While the original structures of the Whites bridge and Ada bridge were lost to arson and fire, respectively, both were subsequently rebuilt. Fallasburg Covered Bridge and Whites Bridge are open to vehicular traffic and Ada Covered Bridge welcomes pedestrian traffic.
WESTERN KENT COUNTY: Farms, Apple Orchards and Trails
The western Kent County color tour route guides motorists along over 35 miles and showcase apple orchards and the fall harvest. This means that motorists may encounter slow-moving farm equipment as farmers move from field to field. Drivers must exercise caution, stay alert and remember that farm vehicles cannot turn and brake as easily as passenger vehicles. Slow down, be patient and anticipate a leisurely drive!
The White Pine Trail is also accessible from the western route, offering miles of scenic trail perfect for cycling, strolling and nature hikes.
SOUTHERN KENT COUNTY: Parks, Trails, Hay Rides, Pumpkin Picking
Over 100 miles and eight glorious parks await travelers along the southern routes of the Color Tour. Motorists can stop along the way at apple orchards, farm markets, cider mills and more. Five bridges are also showcased along the journey, including the majestic Camelback bridge on Thornapple River Drive.
NORTHERN KENT COUNTY: The Rural Road Less Traveled
The northern color tour routes is a celebration of the rural beauty of Kent County. The routes cover over 100 miles and feature 6 parks, including Fisk Knob Park that boasts the highest elevation point in the county. It's perfect to take in an expansive view of peak colors! Drive around the serene lakes, stop at farm markets and find yourself slowly unwinding.
SCANVENGER HUNT
Keep the kids engaged along the way - see how many items from the list they can find!