PARADISE — Thousands of people flow into Tahquamenon Falls State Park every year to hike its trails, see the Upper and Lower Falls, and splash about in the amber water.
According to michigan.gov, Tahquamenon Falls State Park encompasses nearly 50,000 acres and stretches 13-plus miles, making it Michigan’s second largest state park. There are multiple campgrounds, overnight lodging facilities, a boating access site, more than 35 miles of trails and plenty of scenic overlooks.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a visit:
Hours and admission
Tahquamenon Falls is located in the Upper Peninsula near the cities of Newberry and Paradise. The park is open to guests every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The price of admission for Michigan residents is a Recreation Passport, which can be purchased whenever you renew your vehicle registration. Without a Recreation Passport, in-state visitors must pay $14 per vehicle. Out-of-state visitors can pay $41 for an annual pass or $11 for a day pass.
The falls
Tahquamenon Falls is an 89-mile long series of waterfalls connected by a flowing river. They are the largest falls in Michigan and the second most voluminous waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The water from the falls eventually flows out into Lake Superior.
There are two main waterfalls, the Upper and Lower Falls. The Upper Falls is 200 feet across and has a 50-foot drop, while the Lower Falls is a series of smaller cascades.
According to Pure Michigan, the river’s famous amber color is caused by tannins leached from the cedar, spruce and hemlock trees in the swamps drained by the river, and the extremely soft water churned by the action of the falls causes the river’s trademark large amounts of foam.
Tahquamenon Falls became a state park in 1947.
The experience
Visitors can begin by walking through the gift shop area to a viewing platform, from which much of the falls can be seen.
The first viewing platform leads to a hiking trail that includes wooden and metal bridges, steps, dirt paths and even a detour through the water in one spot.
After walking for a while, visitors will get the chance to walk directly over the Lower Falls where there is a small island surrounded by the rushing water. From here you can see in any direction for some scenic views.
On the island, visitors can wade into the water and have a swim in the “Root Beer Falls.”
Camping
There are campsites available for people who want to stay overnight. There are options ranging from modern campgrounds to backcountry camping to the Tahquamenon Falls Lodge.
RVs, campers and other vehicles are allowed in the area for overnight trips.
You can find out more and make camping reservations at michigan.gov/recsearch/parks/tahquamenonfalls.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Northern Michigan summer fun: Drop into Tahquamenon Falls State Park for the day
Reporting by Brendan Wiesner, Sault Ste. Marie News / The Sault News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
