Best Autumn Scenic Drives Around West Michigan

We are right in the middle of peak autumn leaf time here in West Michigan where most of the trees are ablaze with red, orange, and yellow leaves. Considering Michigan has the fifth most forests of any state in the country, there is no end to places to see this beautiful sight.

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However, sometimes having a lot of choices makes things more difficult. So, we've done the work for you and spotlighted a couple of especially wonderful drives you can take by yourself with someone special to relax and take in some Michigan splendor.

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Kent County Fall Color Tour

Ok, so by doing the work for you I may have exaggerated a little. I had some help from the Kent County Road Commission, which posts an annual in-depth map called the Kent County Fall Color Tour highlighting all the best places to view the leaves here in Kent County everywhere. Their map shows parks, bridges, and roads ranging from 8-mile to 50-mile round trips.

Fallasburg Park Dr. to Covered Bridge Rd.

Perhaps one of the most gorgeous and iconic views around here is coming out of Fallasburg Park's covered bridge to a view of the trees on the river bank. View a gorgeous photo of the bridge here.

Northland Dr. to 10 Mile Rd.

Another great bridge to travel through. This route has two bridges to travel across. Take a look at the bridge you'd be crossing here.

Wabasis Avenue from Belding Road to 12 Mile Road

Wabasis Park & Lake in the fall is truly stunning. John Frueh captured it in all its glory here.

Other routes to take

These are only three of a large number of routes put together by the Kent County Road Commission. Other routes highlighted by ExperienceGR include:

Honey Creek Avenue from Pettis Avenue to Cannonsburg Road
Bailey Drive from Vergennes Street to Lincoln Lake Avenue
Fallasburg Park Drive from Lincoln Lake Avenue to Gavin Lake Avenue
5 Mile Road from Lincoln Lake Avenue to Gavin Lake Avenue
Gavin Lake Road from 5-mile road to Belding Road
Wabasis Avenue from Belding Road to 12 Mile Road
Ramsdell Drive from 5 Mile Road to 11 Mile Road

You can view all the maps in their entirety here. This is the time to go! Enjoy the trees and semi-warmth before it's too late.

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Gallery Credit: Janna