The Phenomenon of Tahquamenon Falls

The 50,000 acre Tahquamenon Falls State Park is open year round and offers many recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and (for me) photography. 

Entrance Sign to Upper Falls

I think the Upper Tahquamenon Falls is the iconic symbol for the waterfalls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  They are over 200 feet across and drop nearly 50 feet making the upper falls the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River.  Side Note:  Niagara Falls is the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. 

There is a large parking lot with restrooms and picnic tables.  The paved trail to an overlook is an easy quarter mile walk.  For a better view of the falls you need to continue down the trail to the stairs.

During one of our mid-April visits, it is still winter here.  The snow conditions are perfect for making snowballs  ...  I can't resist the temptation to throw one at my hubby!  

  

The snow on the trail is mushy and our feet slip-slide along the paved trail to the first overlook.  

View from the first overlook during a summer visit

We walk a little farther down the trail to a long stretch of metal steps.  I don't know why but whenever we climb stairs I count them (there are 94 of them).  They take us down to the brink of the Upper Falls.  Thankfully a work crew is just about done clearing the snow off the stairs.  So, we only have a short stretch of snow-laden steps to tackle.

Tahquamenon Falls are famous for its amber-gold color giving it the nick-name “Root Beer Falls”.  This color is caused by tannins that seeped from the cedar swamps drained by the river.   Is anyone in the mood for a root beer float?

View of the Upper Falls from the bottom of the stairs

During a summer visit, we walk to another set of steps (about 115 of them by my count) taking us down into the gorge to the river level offering a slightly different view of the falls. 

 

We return to the car and drive to the Lower Falls.  They are located four miles downstream.  

At the Lower Falls, there is a large parking lot, restrooms, and Tahquamenon Treasures (a seasonal gift shop, snack shop, and ice cream shop).

.Have some family fun with the wacky wildlife of Tahquamenon!

The Lower Falls are actually several small drops clustered along a short stretch of river that curve around an island.  During one of our mid-April visits, we are not surprised to discover the trail to them is not accessible yet.  However, during the summer, the Lower Falls can be viewed from the main trail overlook or from the island. 

Lower Falls Main Trail Overlook 

If you have the time during a summer visit, I recommend visiting the island.  Proceed down the trail and descend the stairs to the river level.  Here, you can rent row boars from the park concessionaire. We did this in 2009.  It is an easy trip across the river to the island.  We beach the boat and walk the trail around the perimeter of the island.  It is a shaded and pleasant walk with nice views of the Lower Falls in the south channel.  It's a fun family thing to do on a warm day.

During our 2018 Fourth of July visit, we took an early evening walk on the River Trail to an overlook of the Lower Falls.  The day was unseasonably warm (90F) with high humidity.  Michigan's state insect (the mosquito) was also present - we were prepared and used plenty of insect repellent.  The boardwalk trail leads us through a forest and is an easy nature walk..  

        

The view point is shaped like the letter "Y" allowing for two overlooks and two slightly different views of the falls.

We walk the trail back to the parking lot stopping for one last look at the Lower Falls before we leave.

 Main Trail to Parking Lot

We don’t get to this area very often but when we do, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is always a “must do” stop for us.  It is a phenomenal place of beauty and inspiration.  Bring your camera because every season offers a different perspective on the landscape – wildflowers blossom in the spring, summertime invites water activities, autumn is a patchwork quilt of harvest colors, and the beauty of the frozen falls in the winter is not to be missed.

Frozen Upper Falls 

Water Lily on River

Row Boat on the River

LOCATION & CONTACT INFORMATION:  Tahquamenon Falls State Park, 41382 W M-123, Paradise, Michigan (USA)   

Telephone:  (906) 492-3415

A Michigan Recreational Park Pass is required to enter this park.

Although I have never been there, I am told there is a campground.  I’ve done my share of camping in the past.  Now, I enjoy the comforts of a hotel or B&B.  The small town of Paradise does offer limited lodging and dining options.  The town of Newberry (about 21 miles south via M-123) has a broader range of options from national chain restaurants and hotels to local dining and bed & breakfast establishments.

Whitefish Point makes a good side trip to see one of Michigan's many lighthouses and a maritime museum featuring the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.  Looking for a unique place to stay?  The Crews Quarters at Whitefish Point has four guest rooms.  For more photos and information on Whitefish Point, please click on the following link:
Whitefish Point - Light, Lodging & Lake Superior

Since opinions, budgets, and preferences vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews on food and lodging.

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories.  To start planning your memorable trip to Tahquamenon Falls State Park, please click on the following link:

Plan Your Visit - Tahquamenon Falls SP