Tahquamenon Falls
Michigan Upper Peninsula

Hiking and Walking Trails, Tahquamenon Falls State Park

The quarter-mile trail to the Upper Falls from the parking lot and the Brew Pub is handicap accessible and partially paved. There's also a slightly longer nature trail leading to the falls overlook.

< < < View from one of the waterfall overlooks on the handicapped accessible trail.

This leg of the trail leads downstream of the Upper Falls to the gorge where a set of 112 stairs will take you to the river's edge.

A view of the falls on the way to the gorge.

Upper Waterfalls - Tahquamenon River

This viewing platform at the edge of the Upper Tahquamenon Water Falls can be reached by ascending 92 stairs from the paved overlook trail.

Where you can get an up close view of the falls. The vertical drop of the falls is almost 50 feet and it is more than 200 feet wide, making it one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.

Tahquamenon Falls Video (go here)

Hiking Trail to the Lower Falls

The trailhead for the four mile long River Trail begins where the paved walkway to the top of the stairs that lead down to the Upper Falls gorge ends. It is one of the more popular hiking trails as it runs along the Tahquamenon River and connects the Upper and Lower Falls. Due to exposed roots and hilly terrain it is rated as a medium difficulty hiking trail, but also the most scenic in the park. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day the park offers a shuttle service between the falls for those not willing to negotiate the hiking trail.

Lower Waterfalls - Tahquamenon River

The lower Tahquamenon Falls are actually a cascade of several smaller waterfalls on either side of the large island in the middle of the river. The North branch falls can be reached by a boardwalk trail. The South branch and falls can be seen from the island which is accessible only by boat.

This viewing platform is at the edge of the cascades of the Lower Tahquamenon Water Falls - North Branch.

Cascades above the last drop of the Lower Tahqumaneon Falls.

Paradise, Michigan and Whitefish Point

Paradise, Michigan is the closest community to Tahquamenon Falls. It stretches along the west shore of Whitefish Bay and offers gift shops, restaurants, outfitting, and lodging services.

Had a great fish fry at the Little Falls Inn near the Best Western Motel.

If you have time, take the trip north of Paradise to Whitefish Point to see the lighthouse, beach, shipwreck museum & gift shop, and the Whitefish Point Birding Observatory.