The Rapid River Forest Road is singled out as the best place to enjoy the fall colors. The segment between County Road 7 on the east and Peet's Bridge on the west parallels the South Branch of the Rapid River for much of its length.

This road has the greatest variety of tree species found anywhere in the Beltrami Island State Forest. Birch, Aspen, Silver Maple, Black and Green Ash, Balm of Gilead, Burr Oak, and Basswood are all found along this road. Each add their own hue to nature's palette in the fall. The period between September 20 and October 15 is the best time to enjoy this blaze of color.

The original Rapid River Road was formed when the south branch of the Rapid River was channelized with a dredge. The dredged soil was leveled and used for a road for the next 60 years. This portion of the road was rerouted in 1986 because the river was nibbling away at the road base.

The old road segments make great walking trails along the river. These segments form loops that begin and end on the present road. This is a prime opportunity to view wildlife.

The bridges on the Rapid River Forest Road are named after the settler that homesteaded the land nearest the location of the bridge. They include the Schuh, Pepin and Pete's bridges. Other sites of historical interest along the Rapid River Forest Road are the Konigson Logging Camp site, Lovedale community, Oaks Camp Works Project Administration site, and the Pepin homestead.

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