Beauty Surrounds You at Fallasburg Park
Fallasburg Park, among over 50 walking trails and over 85 playgrounds in West Michigan, is quite possibly the most beautiful in Grand Rapids.
This picturesque park is located in the historic Fallasburg community just north of Lowell.
Spanning over 250 acres, Fallasburg Park is a popular place for kids and families to take in a hike, explore an historic covered bridge, fish, or take fall family photos.
More About Fallasburg Park
1124 Fallasburg Road, Lowell, MI 49331
The large park has many places to park and adventure. Find lush grassy areas, wide open spaces for running, a bubbling creek and large river, and a one-of-a-kind walk across a covered bridge and past a historic community.
This map will help you figure out where to go when you visit. Two popular places are the play area by the enclosed structure and the covered bridge.
The North Country Scenic Trail passes through this park as well. The NCST is a hiking trail that spans over 4,800 miles from Vermont to North Dakota. It is one of the longest hiking trails in North America.
When my friends and I visited, we let the kids get their energy out at the play structure with the big tire swings.
Located by the enclosed historic lodge (popular for event rentals), you’ll know you’ve found the right place when you see the stone archway over the driveway.
We began our hike (part of the North Country National Scenic Trail) just behind the play structure, by the maintenance building.
The hike wound around to the McPherson Road bridge, across the flat river, past the disc golf, back through the woods, and popped out on Covered Bridge Road.
We enjoyed walking past historic buildings, many of which are residences today. On most Sundays, their school house is open to the public.
We walked across the antique covered bridge, built in 1871, one of only two covered bridges in Michigan that allows vehicle traffic.
Then we walked past another play structure with the covered picnic tables and down past this adorable creek.
You can cross the creek to get to a very small play structure and enjoy the flat grassy plain between the creek and the Flat River.
The paved path took us back up to the enclosed shelter and play structure where we started.
And the kids still had enough energy left to race back to the swings for more fun!
Fallasburg Park is Popular for Family Photos
This place is so picturesque. “Gorgeous backdrop” for family photos is one detail you won’t need to coordinate.
You’ve got a plethora of backdrops to choose from including the covered bridge, metal bridge, historic buildings, creek, river, stone walls and pretty trails. In the fall, the colors are incredible.
You can hire a pro to capture the family or just play around with your own camera for candid shots of kids being kids.
Tips for Visiting Fallasburg Park
- There are several places to park in this sprawling place, making it easy to visit different areas (main play structure, smaller structure by the picnic pavilion, and covered bridge) if you have smaller children who can’t walk as far.
- There are many picnicking options, with a mixture of open picnic tables, a covered pavilion with picnic tables, and an enclosed structure that you can rent.
- We did not encounter bugs both times we visited in October, but in the summer you’ll want mosquito protection, especially by the Flat River and the creek.
- The hike from the main enclosed shelter to the covered bridge and then back up past the creek is a very easy walk, but you’ll want a baby carrier for smaller kids.
- While Covered Bridge road does take you back in time in a way, remember that you’re still walking on a paved road that cars occasionally travel on – be extra watchful of small children.
Toddlers would enjoy the smaller play structure by the covered shelter along Covered Bridge road and may struggle with any hiking. There’s also a small creek nearby and also the Flat River which you’ll want to watch the kiddos around.
A great spot for kite flying is down the hill behind the enclosed structure, just across the little creek. Here you’ll find a nice open grassy area for kite-flying fun.
FAQs
Are dogs allowed at Fallasburg Park?
Yes, on a 6 ft leash.
How long is the hiking trail at Fallasburg Park?
The hiking trail at Fallasburg Park is 2.1 miles.
What is the difficulty level of the hiking trail?
This is an easy trail through hardwoods with a covered bridge.
Is Fallasburg Park accessible?
No, most of Fallasburg Park is not stroller friendly.
What time of year is Fallasburg Park open?
Fallasburg Park is open May 1 through October 31 from 7 AM to sunset.
Map of Grand Rapids Parks and Trails
Find your next outdoor adventure near you with this map of the best hiking trails, playgrounds, and parks in West Michigan.
Thank you for including Fallasburg Historical Society in this article!