VISITOR Tahquamenon Falls - State of Michigan
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Tahquamenon Falls
VISITOR Summer 2018
The Tahquamenon River contains naturally-occuring tannic acid, giving the Upper Falls a brown color. Photo credit: Ryan Brown
H
ow do you pronounce the name of this true phenomenon indeed. Viewing platforms andTahquamenon Falls has created special memories
place? A past park employee came up with for the millions of people that have walked the
overlooks provide great places to take pictures of
the phrase “Tahquamenon Phenomenon” trails, rowed a boat to the Lower Falls Island,
what is perhaps the most photographed waterfall
and it stuck. Not only does it help pronounce the in Michigan. have eaten at the restaurant, or camped in the
name of the park, but it also represents the feelings campgrounds. The park is a place many return
people have expressed when visiting here. The Lower Falls, located 4 miles downstream to with their friends and family to share their
from the Upper Falls, provide a closer, more experiences and create new memories.
The dark, tannin-stained water falling over the 50 hands-on experience. Visitors can touch the water
foot sandstone cliff at the Upper Falls produces a from a rented rowboat, or fish beneath the falls Whether you spend the day hiking the River Trail
mesmerizing sound that can calm even the most for smallmouth bass. These smaller waterfalls are between the falls or relaxing at your campsite,
anxious traveler. Flow rates of more than 50,000 also ideal for photography, and many visitors find soaking up the U.P. atmosphere, Tahquamenon
gallons-per-second have been recorded cascading a shallow portion along the trail to wet their feet Falls will continue to be a phenomenon for
over the Upper Falls during spring snow melt – a or allow their dog to drink. countless visitors who come to enjoy the park.
Seasonal changes are often what draw many
visitors to seek out Tahquamenon. The roar
of spring flow is drastically different from the
quiet of winter, as the deep snow dampens the
sound of this mighty waterfall. The Lower Falls,
completely enveloped in ice and snow, appear
as only small, white hills during the cold winter
months.
Relatively unchanged through the years,
An Upper Falls accident survivor tells his harrowing tale
Once at the park, the siblings took the stairs down rocks until we entered the portal leading us over
toward the river, and continued along a path that the brink of the falls. Hand-in-hand we tumbled
has since eroded away, along the rivers’ edge to towards the drop, and I suddenly pictured myself
the Upper Falls. dead on the rocks below.
They walked a narrow, muddy path underneath “When we hit the bottom, there was a strong eddy
the Upper Falls that led to the far side of the river. current like an undertow. I kept pushing Doris
toward the surface. Luckily, we’re both good
“A couple fishermen sitting on the bank told us swimmers, and when we got out of the currents
we could wade back across the rapids above the we swam ashore.”
falls,” Dick wrote in an account of the experience.
“I guess we didn’t go far enough upstream.” The brother and sister survived the 50-foot drop
over the Upper Falls, but they still needed to
The current swept the pair downriver, toward the get back to Dick’s car, on the other side of the
edge of the Upper Falls. river. They attempted the river crossing again,
but further upstream this time, and made it
Dick, mother Muriel, and sister Doris. “We tried desperately to swim back to the bank, successfully.
but the current had us. I tried to grab at rocks, but
A well-documented incident took place at the it was useless as the current was now becoming The cautionary tale made front page headlines
Upper Tahquamenon Falls on Aug. 25, 1957. swifter and stronger,” Dick wrote. in newspapers across the country. The siblings’
Dick Robins, 23, and his younger sister, Doris, survival was hailed as a miracle given the
drove to Upper Peninsula from their home in “Then in one great gush of power the water tremendous danger posed by the powerful Upper
Detroit, heading to Tahquamenon Falls. hurled us away and bounced us on the slippery Falls.
Things to Know
Limited cellphone service
Make a plan with your family or friends
before getting out of your car. Choose a
time and location to meet up, should you get
separated.
Prepare for biting insects
Mosquitoes, black flies and horseflies can
be a nuisance throughout the summer. Wear
light-colored clothing, long sleeves and
insect repellent to reduce bites.
Hike smart
Two miles along a hiking trail will take longer
to complete than two miles on the treadmill.
Our trails include hills, exposed roots, muddy
spots and occassional down trees. Allow
yourself extra time, wear sturdy footwear and
bring water on every hike.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
State of Michigan
Department of Natural Resources
Phone/Web:
(906) 492-3415
mi.gov/TahquamenonFalls
mi.gov/TFallsEducation
Mailing Address:
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
41382 West M-123
Paradise, MI 49768 TQFalls
You’ve arrived – so now what? Lucky for you,
there are plenty of things to see and places to
explore during your visit. Depending on how
much time you have, there are a variety of
activities and sight-seeing locations to keep you
Plan Your Trip
busy.
Half Day One Day Two Days
Upper Falls - For those on a tight schedule, the River Trail – Many hikers come to Tahquamenon Clark Lake – Drive, hike or bicycle down
must-see locations are the Upper and Lower to tackle the challenging “Trail Between Da Clark Lake Road to access the hiking trail to
Falls. The Upper Falls features a half-mile Falls.” This 5-mile trail is one of the more difficult Clark Lake. This remote inland lake is a great
paved walkway that provides accessible viewing trails in the park, due to its exposed tree roots and location for a picnic or quick snack as you enjoy
opportunities of the 50-foot-tall, 200-foot-wide hilly terrain, but this trail is also one of the park’s the breeze on the bordering ancient sand dunes.
waterfall. Take the 94 steps down to the brink for most scenic. Make sure to have plenty of water, Continue along the trail to complete the 5-mile
an up-close experience or the 116 steps down to snacks and bug spray along for the hike. A shuttle loop through upland forest and peatland habitat.
the gorge for a panoramic view. Daily 45-minute service operates from Memorial Day– Labor Day Clark Lake Road is an unimproved two-track
walking tours of the Upper Falls are offered at for a fee. Check the schedule before you head out with occasional two-way traffic; use caution and
2 pm beginning at the Fact Shack. as times vary by season. drive slowly.
Lower Falls – The entrance to reach the Lower Whitefish Bay – If hiking isn’t your thing, take a Paddle the Tahquamenon – Rent a kayak from
Tahquamenon Falls is located 4 miles east of the trip out to Whitefish Bay, where the Tahquamenon the Rivermouth Campground office and put in at
Upper Falls along M-123. These falls are easily River meets Lake Superior. The Whitefish Bay the Rivermouth Boat Access Site, located 5 miles
viewed from the paved walkway. A half-mile Picnic Area offers a shallow, sandy beach, perfect south of Paradise along M-123. Paddle against
boardwalk will take you through thick forest, for cooling off on hot days. Enjoy the view of the gentle upstream current around Marsh Island
ending up at the viewing platforms where you Canada and the northern shore of the eastern to take in the beautiful river scenery. Ducks,
can feel mist from the waterfall. Keep following Upper Peninsula from the many benches and turtles and beaver are often seen in this area.
the boardwalk upstream and you will find easy picnic tables at this site. Grills and outhouses are Adventurous paddlers can head out to the shallow
access to wade in the river and get your feet wet. also available at this location. water of Whitefish Bay and explore the shoreline.
The Lower Falls rowboat rental is a popular activity. Catching the sunrise at Whitefish Bay Picnic Area. Sandhill cranes can be seen near the Rivermouth.
10 tips for Photographing Tahquamenon Falls
Have you ever thought, “No matter what, I am of summertime, the colors of fall, or the
going to get the perfect picture today,” but it frozen waters of winter, you can be in
didn’t turn out quite the way you had hoped? the same spot six months apart and have
two completely different landscapes to
Not to worry, it doesn’t matter if you just have photograph.
your cellphone or thousands of dollars invested 8. Be mindful of others. If there typically are
into camera equipment, you can get the beautiful many people visiting the park, make sure
postcard shot you are looking for. you aren’t taking up a spot for extended
periods of time. Someone else may want
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when taking the same picture you are taking.
pictures in the park: 9. Be mindful of park rules. The fences at
1. The best times to get pictures of the falls Upper Falls, November 2017 ©Ryan Brown the park are not to be climbed around or
are early morning & late evening. This is your waterfall photos. A fast shutter over. They are there for your protection.
when the fewest number of visitors are speed will stop the water in place creating 10. If you’re one of the ambitious park
in the park, making it easier to set up and a freeze-frame. Slower shutter speeds visitors who wants to get pictures of the
take the time to get the perfect shot. soften the flow into cascading curtains. falls after dark, this means being in the
2. Be creative! The beauty of a digital 5. In general, keeping the sun behind you park after hours. While there are no gates
camera is you can take as many pictures will produce the best colors and brightest to close off the park, rangers are patroling
as you want and only keep the ones you images. throughout the night. If you see one, tell
like. Try to incorporate different elements 6. Always come prepared. While everybody them your plans, or leave a note on your
into your shots – like wildflowers, trees has heard this before, please make sure dashboard.
or park visitors – that will make them you and your equipment are prepared
truly stand out. for the task at hand, whether it just be a Whether you are taking a picture simply for
3. There are beautiful spots throughout quick walk to Upper Falls or an all-day your own enjoyment, posting to social media, or
the park that rival the Upper and Lower hike into the backcountry. You never are a professional, there are countless pictures
Tahquamenon Falls. The Rivermouth, know when some wildlife will be around, throughout the park just waiting to be taken.
Clark Lake, and the River Trail all present or the Northern Lights will come out to Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a wonderful
their own unique features, and therefore, play. Be ready. place to capture your memories that will last a
their own unique pictures. 7. All seasons present their own advantages lifetime.
4. Adjust your shutter speed on your camera for photography. Whether it be the raging –Ryan Brown, Park Officer and amateur
or phone to create different moods for snowmelt runoff of spring, the low flow photographer
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
er Rd.
W. B e t s y R i v
er iv
sy R
Bet
Sheephead
Lake
Hemlock
Portage
Betsy Lake Trail
Clark
Lake
Cl
ark
oop
Lake Rd.
L
Clark Lodge
s Lake
nes
Loop
er
ild
W
Stables
Lower Falls
CR 50 0
Giant Pines Loop
Ca
llum Creek An
ch
ar
Cr
d
M-123
ee
k
Upper Falls
Accessible Cross country skiing Restaurant Dirt road
Backcountry campsite Information Restroom Hiking trail
Boat launch Park headquarters Sanitation station Highway
Campground Parking Scenic view North Country Trail
Campground office Picnic area Swimming Park land
Canoe launch Picnic shelter Trailhead Private land
Know Before You Go
Cellphone service is limited within Well-behaved, leashed dogs are Dogs cannot be left unattended.
the park. Talk to your group and permitted on all trails. Owners Please do not leave your pet in
make a meeting plan. Do not rely are expected to clean up after your car or tied up while you eat
on texting to find each other. their pets. at the brew pub. Pet owners will
be ticketed.
.
Rd
rs
a te
ew
id
.W
N
Fa
rm
Rd.
Tr u
ck
Tr a
il
Whitefish Point
M-123
PARADISE
Portage
Water Tank
Lakes
Ch
en
e
Whitefish
y
Cr
ee
Bay
k
.
s Rd.
t Rd
be rlo s
Tim
r ka
Fa
Whitefish Bay
Camp 10
Lakes Picnic Area
il
a
Tr
ua
hq Rivermouth
Ta
Ta h q
ua
me
non
Ri
ver
Lone Pine
l Tahquamenon
Bay
0 1 Kilometer
M-123
0 1 Mile
5 Hiking Essentials Tahqua Trekker
WATER - Drink 20 ounces per hour.
Hiker Shuttle
FOOD - Eat one salty snack per hour to provide needed electrolytes. $
PROPER SHOES - Wear footwear with traction and ankle support; no sandals or flip-flops.
MAP - While many trails are well-marked, seasonal flooding can wash away sections of trail. Call or text
FLASHLIGHT - Allows you to hike out should your trip take longer than expected. 386-227-7768
2018 Special Events Interpretive
Two Hearted Trail Run
June 23 – Muskallonge Lake and Upper Falls
Ranger Programs
Scenic long-distance run along the North Country Trail,
with the 50K and marathon distances beginning at
Muskallonge Lake State Park and finishing at the Upper
Falls. Half marathon course starts and ends at the Upper
Falls. Register online at greatlakesendurance.com.
Tahqua Trail Run
Aug. 4 – Upper Falls Tahqua Trail Run start
This popular 25K trail race follows the North Country
Trail along the Tahquamenon River, beginning near
the Rivermouth and ending at the Upper Falls. An 8K
race will also will take place, starting at the Lower
Falls and ending at the Upper Falls. These races are Catching insects in the Tahquamenon River.
sponsored by Great Lakes Endurance. Register online
at greatlakesendurance.com.
“Brrr!” says a 36-year old mother of two, as
she steps into the Tahquamenon River with her
Wilderness Canoe Race children in tow. Although the water temperature
Sep. 15 – Lower Falls is 71 degrees, it can still be a little shocking at
This 17-mile professional canoe race begins at the first. The park interpreter hands them each a
Lower Falls and finishes at Whitefish Bay near the Start of the 2-person canoe race green aquarium net, and they head out on their
Rivermouth Campground. The event is hosted by the adventure.
Michigan Canoe Racing Association and the Paradise
Chamber of Commerce. Visit miracing.com for more Nearby, a man lifts a large rock out of the water
information. while his son sweeps his net underneath. The boy
squeals with delight to find not one, but TWO
Hike Between Da Falls dragonfly nymphs crawling in his net. He brings
Sep. 22 – Lower Falls them to the interpreter, and after a quick high
Strap on your hiking boots and enjoy the most popular five, they gently place the nymphs into a bucket
trail in the park, the 5-mile River Trail. A free shuttle for further investigation.
will transport participants from the Lower Falls to the
trailhead at the Upper Falls. The River Trail is rated Memories like these happen every day, thanks to
moderately difficult and includes stairways, exposed the interpretive program at Tahquamenon Falls
roots and steep inclines. Join members from the local He hiked AND cleaned up the River Trail State Park. Each summer, roughly 4,000 visitors
North Country Trail chapter at the Lower Falls before attend one of the many programs given by the
and after the hike to take part in activities. interpretive staff at various locations throughout
the park.
Harvest Festival You won’t find a stuffy classroom setting here.
Oct. 13– Lower Falls All programs take place outside, using the park’s
Join us for the most popular event of the year! Events natural features as teaching tools. Programs are
include carving pumpkins, campsite decorating, enjoyed by all ages and cover a wide variety
hayrides, costume contests, trick-or-treating and of topics, including seasonal themes such as
more. Families and friends have made camping blueberry picking and birding walks.
during Harvest Festival a tradition. Both Lower Falls
campgrounds (Hemlock and Portage) are included Morning Junior Naturalist programs encourage
during Harvest Festival events. Make your campsite Harvest Festival chili cook-off young people to take a closer look at their
reservation early; this weekend books fast. surroundings, while evening slideshows introduce
campers to wildlife found at Tahquamenon. Daily
guided tours enhance the walk to the Upper Falls,
Upcoming 2019 Events providing history and background information
Snowshoe Hikes and Lantern-lit Trail on the park, while engaging the senses with
Every Saturday in February – Upper Falls thoughtful activities and hands-on interaction.
Come out and borrow a free pair of snowshoes or take
part in a guided afternoon snowshoe hike. There is also All interpretive programs are free, thanks to
a 1-mile lantern lit snowshoe trail, a 4-mile groomed funding provided through the Recreation Passport,
cross country ski trail, marked snowshoe trails, which provides access to all of Michigan’s state
and a packed walking trail to view the falls without parks, rustic forest campgrounds and boating
snowshoes. Warm up by the bonfire, and complete your access sites.
visit with a trip to the Tahquamenon Brewery and Pub,
Lantern-lit trail at the Upper Falls So be sure to check out an interpretive program
open all winter.
during your visit to Tahquamenon Falls State
Park, you’ll be glad you did.
No license required ©Jerry Byard
June 9–10, 2018 and Feb. 9–10, 2019 The “Arrows Away” program is offered weekly.
Park open year-round
Campground hosts Dan Green and Carolyn Wilson break trail while snowshoeing at the Lower Falls.
Word is spreading – winter is the time to visit Photography
Tahquamenon Falls. The crowds have dissipated, Blue and orange-tinted icicles emerge from the
the scenery is breathtaking, the air is crisp and sandstone cliffs surrounding the Upper Falls,
there are no biting insects. offering a breath-taking spectacle of winter. The
Camping
Upper Falls is open year-round, with a plowed
parking lot and heated restrooms. The walking
As Dan Green opens the door of his 21-foot, trail to the falls is cleared, so snowshoes are not
Winter walks
four-season trailer he is greeted with a burst necessary. As dusk settles at Tahquamenon Falls State
of 10-degree air, immediately chilling his nos- Park, rangers strap on their cross-country skis
trils. “The waterfall and ice formations change daily,” and head out to light more than 70 kerosene
explains park officer Eric Johnson. “One day the lanterns along a 1-mile trail.
“It’s invigorating,” said Green, a 79-year-old waterfall is wide open, and the next day it can be
retired paramedic fire chief. half covered in ice due to below zero conditions. More than 200 people will travel this loop
You just never know, every day is different.” tonight, either by ski or snowshoe. For those
Green and his partner, Carolyn Wilson, have without gear, the park provides different
left their home in sunny Florida each of the Indiana State Parks volunteer Jerry Byard has types of snowshoes people can try at no cost.
last 12 years to winter-camp at Tahquamenon been taking photographs of the Upper Falls for Volunteers keep the bonfire at the trailhead
Falls State Park. They now serve as volunteer years and is especially fond of the winter. stoked and greet visitors, outfitting some with
campground hosts at the Lower Falls camp- snowshoes and providing tips to first-timers.
ground during January and February, greeting “My friends think I’m crazy, coming up here in
campers and maintaining snowshoe trails. February,” Byard said. “But it’s so beautiful, and “We drove up five hours today just to do
the difference in the look of the falls in winter this,” exclaimed a smiling mother of two
“We love being here during the winter, the versus summer is so dramatic.” teenagers from the Grand Rapids area. “My
more snow the better! The Lower Falls is a family has cabin fever, so we decided to take
quiet recreation area, absolutely perfect for Snowmobiling a road trip and check it out. Snowshoeing in
snowshoeing on or off trail,” Wilson said. “As Trail No. 45 brings riders to the Upper Falls, the dark with the sound of the waterfall in the
people try winter camping, they enjoy it so and the privately-owned Tahquamenon Brewery, background was awesome.”
much that they encourage others, and we have which offers a chance to warm up by the outdoor
seen the interest grow over our time here.” fireplace or inside with a meal and a beverage. Tanya Moore and her son, Wyatt, live near
Riders can walk a third of a mile along a cleared the park and have been coming to the lantern-
The Lower Falls Hemlock Campground remains trail to the Upper Falls viewing areas. lit event for years.
open year-round. Each site offers electricity
and a campfire ring, and there is a water spigot Riders can connect to the park from Newberry, “I used to bundle him up and pull him in a
in the campground to fill containers. Numerous riding trails groomed by the Tahquamenon Area sled,” Moore said. “Now he’s blazing ahead
outhouses are kept clean and clear of snow. Snowmobile Association, or from Paradise, riding in his own snowshoes and helping the rangers
trails groomed by the Paradise Night Riders. blow out the lanterns at the end of the night!”
Snowshoeing
The driveway down to the Lower Falls is gated Cross Country Skiing While some people are hesitant about
in the winter, but there is a 2-mile looped trail The Upper Falls serves as a trailhead for the 3.8- snowshoeing, park officer Jenelle Smith
that begins near the parking area and is perfect mile Giant Pines Loop, which is groomed with encourages them to give it a try.
for snowshoeing down to the waterfall. a classic track for cross-country skiing. The trail
winds through large trees in the old growth forest, “If you can walk, you can snowshoe,” said
While the 4-mile River Trail between the Upper eventually passing by two giant white pine trees, Smith, who has been working these Saturday
and Lower Falls is not advertised as a snowshoe relics from the logging era. night events for 10 years.
trail, many ambitious hikers make the trek,
packing the trail throughout the winter. “It’s always fun to watch people start out
all bundled up, and come back laughing,
The park hosts free snowshoe hikes at the Upper carrying their coats. Snowshoeing is a great
Falls every Saturday in February, led by the way to stay warm.”
park naturalist. Participants learn tips and tricks
of snowshoeing, along with winter ecology and Families, couples and groups of all ages
park history, during the one-hour adventure. come to the events, which take place every
Saturday in February. Refreshments are
“Tahquamenon Falls is a fantastic place to try offered at the conclusion of the trail, along
out snowshoeing,” says park interpreter Theresa with story sharing by the bonfire.
Neal. “We introduce hundreds of people each
winter to the sport, and the majority are surprised Mark your calendar for February 2, 9, 16 and
by how easy and fun snowshoeing can be.” Hearty winter campers enjoying breakfast. 23, 2019.
at Whitefish Point
• Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit • Shipwreck Museum Gallery
Featuring Ship’s Bell and Theater
• Oldest Active Lighthouse on • Nature Trails and Overlooks
Lake Superior
• Museum Store and Fudge Shop
• Lightkeepers Quarters and • Open 7 days a week,
USCG Surfboat House Tours
10am to 6pm, May-Oct.
• Lighthouse Tower • Overnight On-Site
Tours Available
Accommodations Available
• National Historic Site 906-492-3747
Whitefish Point, Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula
www.ShipwreckMuseum.com
906-635-1742
You can also read
