VISITORTahquamenon Falls

A well-documented incident took place at the Upper Tahquamenon Falls on Aug. 25, 1957. Dick Robins, 23, and his younger sister, Doris, drove to Upper Peninsula from their home in Detroit, heading to Tahquamenon Falls.

Once at the park, the siblings took the stairs down toward the river, and continued along a path that has since eroded away, along the rivers’ edge to the Upper Falls.

They walked a narrow, muddy path underneath the Upper Falls that led to the far side of the river.

“A couple fishermen sitting on the bank told us we could wade back across the rapids above the falls,” Dick wrote in an account of the experience. “I guess we didn’t go far enough upstream.”

The current swept the pair downriver, toward the edge of the Upper Falls.

“We tried desperately to swim back to the bank, but the current had us. I tried to grab at rocks, but it was useless as the current was now becoming swifter and stronger,” Dick wrote.

“Then in one great gush of power the water hurled us away and bounced us on the slippery

rocks until we entered the portal leading us over the brink of the falls. Hand-in-hand we tumbled towards the drop, and I suddenly pictured myself dead on the rocks below.

“When we hit the bottom, there was a strong eddy current like an undertow. I kept pushing Doris toward the surface. Luckily, we’re both good swimmers, and when we got out of the currents we swam ashore.”

The brother and sister survived the 50-foot drop over the Upper Falls, but they still needed to get back to Dick’s car, on the other side of the river. They attempted the river crossing again, but further upstream this time, and made it successfully.

The cautionary tale made front page headlines in newspapers across the country. The siblings’ survival was hailed as a miracle given the tremendous danger posed by the powerful Upper Falls.

Summer 2018

An Upper Falls accident survivor tells his harrowing tale

Dick, mother Muriel, and sister Doris.

How do you pronounce the name of this place? A past park employee came up with the phrase “Tahquamenon Phenomenon”

and it stuck. Not only does it help pronounce the name of the park, but it also represents the feelings people have expressed when visiting here.

The dark, tannin-stained water falling over the 50 foot sandstone cliff at the Upper Falls produces a mesmerizing sound that can calm even the most anxious traveler. Flow rates of more than 50,000 gallons-per-second have been recorded cascading over the Upper Falls during spring snow melt – a

true phenomenon indeed. Viewing platforms and overlooks provide great places to take pictures of what is perhaps the most photographed waterfall in Michigan.

The Lower Falls, located 4 miles downstream from the Upper Falls, provide a closer, more hands-on experience. Visitors can touch the water from a rented rowboat, or fish beneath the falls for smallmouth bass. These smaller waterfalls are also ideal for photography, and many visitors find a shallow portion along the trail to wet their feet or allow their dog to drink.

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,

Tahquamenon Falls has created special memories for the millions of people that have walked the trails, rowed a boat to the Lower Falls Island, have eaten at the restaurant, or camped in the campgrounds. The park is a place many return to with their friends and family to share their experiences and create new memories.

Whether you spend the day hiking the River Trail between the falls or relaxing at your campsite, soaking up the U.P. atmosphere, Tahquamenon Falls will continue to be a phenomenon for countless visitors who come to enjoy the park.

The Tahquamenon River contains naturally-occuring tannic acid, giving the Upper Falls a brown color. Photo credit: Ryan Brown

Phone/Web:(906) 492-3415mi.gov/TahquamenonFallsmi.gov/TFallsEducation

Mailing Address:Tahquamenon Falls State Park41382 West M-123Paradise, MI 49768

Tahquamenon Falls State ParkState of MichiganDepartment of Natural Resources

Things to Know

TQFalls

Limited cellphone serviceMake 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 insectsMosquitoes, black flies and horseflies can be a nuisance throughout the summer. Wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves and insect repellent to reduce bites.

Hike smartTwo 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.

Sandhill cranes can be seen near the Rivermouth.Catching the sunrise at Whitefish Bay Picnic Area.The Lower Falls rowboat rental is a popular activity.

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 busy.

Half Day

Upper Falls - For those on a tight schedule, the must-see locations are the Upper and Lower Falls. The Upper Falls features a half-mile paved walkway that provides accessible viewing opportunities of the 50-foot-tall, 200-foot-wide waterfall. Take the 94 steps down to the brink for an up-close experience or the 116 steps down to the gorge for a panoramic view. Daily 45-minute walking tours of the Upper Falls are offered at 2 pm beginning at the Fact Shack.

Lower Falls – The entrance to reach the Lower Tahquamenon Falls is located 4 miles east of the Upper Falls along M-123. These falls are easily viewed from the paved walkway. A half-mile boardwalk will take you through thick forest, ending up at the viewing platforms where you can feel mist from the waterfall. Keep following the boardwalk upstream and you will find easy access to wade in the river and get your feet wet.

One Day

River Trail – Many hikers come to Tahquamenon to tackle the challenging “Trail Between Da Falls.” This 5-mile trail is one of the more difficult trails in the park, due to its exposed tree roots and hilly terrain, but this trail is also one of the park’s most scenic. Make sure to have plenty of water, snacks and bug spray along for the hike. A shuttle service operates from Memorial Day– Labor Day for a fee. Check the schedule before you head out as times vary by season.

Whitefish Bay – If hiking isn’t your thing, take a trip out to Whitefish Bay, where the Tahquamenon River meets Lake Superior. The Whitefish Bay Picnic Area offers a shallow, sandy beach, perfect for cooling off on hot days. Enjoy the view of Canada and the northern shore of the eastern Upper Peninsula from the many benches and picnic tables at this site. Grills and outhouses are also available at this location.

Two Days

Clark Lake – Drive, hike or bicycle down Clark Lake Road to access the hiking trail to Clark Lake. This remote inland lake is a great location for a picnic or quick snack as you enjoy the breeze on the bordering ancient sand dunes. Continue along the trail to complete the 5-mile loop through upland forest and peatland habitat. Clark Lake Road is an unimproved two-track with occasional two-way traffic; use caution and drive slowly.

Paddle the Tahquamenon – Rent a kayak from the Rivermouth Campground office and put in at the Rivermouth Boat Access Site, located 5 miles south of Paradise along M-123. Paddle against the gentle upstream current around Marsh Island to take in the beautiful river scenery. Ducks, turtles and beaver are often seen in this area. Adventurous paddlers can head out to the shallow water of Whitefish Bay and explore the shoreline.

Have you ever thought, “No matter what, I am going to get the perfect picture today,” but it didn’t turn out quite the way you had hoped?

Not to worry, it doesn’t matter if you just have your cellphone or thousands of dollars invested into camera equipment, you can get the beautiful postcard shot you are looking for.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when taking pictures in the park:

1. The best times to get pictures of the falls are early morning & late evening. This is when the fewest number of visitors are in the park, making it easier to set up and take the time to get the perfect shot.

2. Be creative! The beauty of a digital camera is you can take as many pictures as you want and only keep the ones you like. Try to incorporate different elements into your shots – like wildflowers, trees or park visitors – that will make them truly stand out.

3. There are beautiful spots throughout the park that rival the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls. The Rivermouth, Clark Lake, and the River Trail all present their own unique features, and therefore, their own unique pictures.

4. Adjust your shutter speed on your camera or phone to create different moods for

your waterfall photos. A fast shutter speed will stop the water in place creating a freeze-frame. Slower shutter speeds soften the flow into cascading curtains.

5. In general, keeping the sun behind you will produce the best colors and brightest images.

6. Always come prepared. While everybody has heard this before, please make sure you and your equipment are prepared for the task at hand, whether it just be a quick walk to Upper Falls or an all-day hike into the backcountry. You never know when some wildlife will be around, or the Northern Lights will come out to play. Be ready.

7. All seasons present their own advantages for photography. Whether it be the raging snowmelt runoff of spring, the low flow

of summertime, the colors of fall, or the frozen waters of winter, you can be in the same spot six months apart and have two completely different landscapes to photograph.

8. Be mindful of others. If there typically are many people visiting the park, make sure you aren’t taking up a spot for extended periods of time. Someone else may want the same picture you are taking.

9. Be mindful of park rules. The fences at the park are not to be climbed around or over. They are there for your protection.

10. If you’re one of the ambitious park visitors who wants to get pictures of the falls after dark, this means being in the park after hours. While there are no gates to close off the park, rangers are patroling throughout the night. If you see one, tell them your plans, or leave a note on your dashboard.

Whether you are taking a picture simply for your own enjoyment, posting to social media, or are a professional, there are countless pictures throughout the park just waiting to be taken. Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a wonderful place to capture your memories that will last a lifetime.

–Ryan Brown, Park Officer and amateur photographer

10 tips for Photographing Tahquamenon Falls

Upper Falls, November 2017 ©Ryan Brown

Plan Your Trip

Wild

erne

ss Loop

Ta

hq

ua m e n o n R i v e r

Anchard Creek

Ca l lum Creek

M-123

M-123

M-123

CR

500

Ta

hqua T

ra

i l

Timberlost Rd.

Fark

as R

d.

Clark Lake Rd.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Accessible

Backcountry campsite

Boat launch

Campground office

Campground

Canoe launch

Cross country skiing

Information

Restaurant

Park headquarters

Parking

Restroom

Trailhead

Picnic area Swimming

Scenic view

Picnic shelter

Sanitation station

Dirt road

Hiking trail

Highway

Park land

Private land

North Country Trail

0

0

1 Kilometer

1 Mile

Hemlock

Whitefish BayPicnic Area

Stables

Lodge

Portage

Lower Falls

Rivermouth

PARADISE

Upper Falls

Betsy LakeClarkLake

Water Tank Lakes

Camp 10 Lakes

SheepheadLake

PortageTrail

Whi

tefis

h Po

int R

d.

Farm Truck Trai l

W. Betsy River Rd.

N. Widewaters Rd.

Lone Pine

TahquamenonBay

WhitefishBay

Bet

sy

Rive

r

Clark LakeLoop

Giant Pines Loop

Ch e n e y C r e e k

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are permitted on all trails. Owners are expected to clean up after their pets.

Dogs cannot be left unattended. Please do not leave your pet in your car or tied up while you eat at the brew pub. Pet owners will be ticketed.

Cellphone service is limited within the park. Talk to your group and make a meeting plan. Do not rely on texting to find each other.

Know Before You Go

Wild

erne

ss Loop

Ta

hq

ua m e n o n R i v e r

Anchard Creek

Ca l lum Creek

M-123

M-123

M-123

CR

500

Ta

hqua T

ra

i l

Timberlost Rd.

Fark

as R

d.

Clark Lake Rd.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Accessible

Backcountry campsite

Boat launch

Campground office

Campground

Canoe launch

Cross country skiing

Information

Restaurant

Park headquarters

Parking

Restroom

Trailhead

Picnic area Swimming

Scenic view

Picnic shelter

Sanitation station

Dirt road

Hiking trail

Highway

Park land

Private land

North Country Trail

0

0

1 Kilometer

1 Mile

Hemlock

Whitefish BayPicnic Area

Stables

Lodge

Portage

Lower Falls

Rivermouth

PARADISE

Upper Falls

Betsy LakeClarkLake

Water Tank Lakes

Camp 10 Lakes

SheepheadLake

PortageTrail

Whi

tefis

h Po

int R

d.

Farm Truck Trai l

W. Betsy River Rd.

N. Widewaters Rd.

Lone Pine

TahquamenonBay

WhitefishBay

Bet

sy

Rive

r

Clark LakeLoop

Giant Pines LoopC

h e n e y C r e e k

WATER - Drink 20 ounces per hour.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.FLASHLIGHT - Allows you to hike out should your trip take longer than expected.

5 Hiking Essentials Tahqua TrekkerHiker Shuttle

Call or text386-227-7768

$

No license requiredJune 9–10, 2018 and Feb. 9–10, 2019

2018 Special Events Interpretive Ranger ProgramsTwo Hearted Trail Run

June 23 – Muskallonge Lake and Upper FallsScenic 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 RunAug. 4 – Upper FallsThis 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 sponsored by Great Lakes Endurance. Register online at greatlakesendurance.com.

Wilderness Canoe RaceSep. 15 – Lower FallsThis 17-mile professional canoe race begins at the Lower Falls and finishes at Whitefish Bay near the Rivermouth Campground. The event is hosted by the Michigan Canoe Racing Association and the Paradise Chamber of Commerce. Visit miracing.com for more information.

Hike Between Da FallsSep. 22 – Lower FallsStrap on your hiking boots and enjoy the most popular trail in the park, the 5-mile River Trail. A free shuttle will transport participants from the Lower Falls to the trailhead at the Upper Falls. The River Trail is rated moderately difficult and includes stairways, exposed roots and steep inclines. Join members from the local North Country Trail chapter at the Lower Falls before and after the hike to take part in activities.

Harvest FestivalOct. 13– Lower FallsJoin us for the most popular event of the year! Events include carving pumpkins, campsite decorating, hayrides, costume contests, trick-or-treating and more. Families and friends have made camping during Harvest Festival a tradition. Both Lower Falls campgrounds (Hemlock and Portage) are included during Harvest Festival events. Make your campsite reservation early; this weekend books fast.

Upcoming 2019 EventsSnowshoe Hikes and Lantern-lit TrailEvery Saturday in February – Upper FallsCome out and borrow a free pair of snowshoes or take part in a guided afternoon snowshoe hike. There is also a 1-mile lantern lit snowshoe trail, a 4-mile groomed cross country ski trail, marked snowshoe trails, and a packed walking trail to view the falls without snowshoes. Warm up by the bonfire, and complete your visit with a trip to the Tahquamenon Brewery and Pub, open all winter.

Start of the 2-person canoe race

Tahqua Trail Run start

He hiked AND cleaned up the River Trail

Harvest Festival chili cook-off

Lantern-lit trail at the Upper Falls

“Brrr!” says a 36-year old mother of two, as she steps into the Tahquamenon River with her children in tow. Although the water temperature is 71 degrees, it can still be a little shocking at first. The park interpreter hands them each a green aquarium net, and they head out on their adventure.

Nearby, a man lifts a large rock out of the water while his son sweeps his net underneath. The boy squeals with delight to find not one, but TWO dragonfly nymphs crawling in his net. He brings them to the interpreter, and after a quick high five, they gently place the nymphs into a bucket for further investigation.

Memories like these happen every day, thanks to the interpretive program at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Each summer, roughly 4,000 visitors attend one of the many programs given by the interpretive staff at various locations throughout the park.

You won’t find a stuffy classroom setting here. All programs take place outside, using the park’s natural features as teaching tools. Programs are enjoyed by all ages and cover a wide variety of topics, including seasonal themes such as blueberry picking and birding walks.

Morning Junior Naturalist programs encourage young people to take a closer look at their surroundings, while evening slideshows introduce campers to wildlife found at Tahquamenon. Daily guided tours enhance the walk to the Upper Falls, providing history and background information on the park, while engaging the senses with thoughtful activities and hands-on interaction.

All interpretive programs are free, thanks to funding provided through the Recreation Passport, which provides access to all of Michigan’s state parks, rustic forest campgrounds and boating access sites.

So be sure to check out an interpretive program during your visit to Tahquamenon Falls State Park, you’ll be glad you did.

Catching insects in the Tahquamenon River.

The “Arrows Away” program is offered weekly.©Jerry Byard

Park open year-round

Campground hosts Dan Green and Carolyn Wilson break trail while snowshoeing at the Lower Falls.

As dusk settles at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, rangers strap on their cross-country skis and head out to light more than 70 kerosene lanterns along a 1-mile trail.

More than 200 people will travel this loop tonight, either by ski or snowshoe. For those without gear, the park provides different types of snowshoes people can try at no cost. Volunteers keep the bonfire at the trailhead stoked and greet visitors, outfitting some with snowshoes and providing tips to first-timers.

“We drove up five hours today just to do this,” exclaimed a smiling mother of two teenagers from the Grand Rapids area. “My family has cabin fever, so we decided to take a road trip and check it out. Snowshoeing in the dark with the sound of the waterfall in the background was awesome.”

Tanya Moore and her son, Wyatt, live near the park and have been coming to the lantern-lit event for years.

“I used to bundle him up and pull him in a sled,” Moore said. “Now he’s blazing ahead in his own snowshoes and helping the rangers blow out the lanterns at the end of the night!”

While some people are hesitant about snowshoeing, park officer Jenelle Smith encourages them to give it a try.

“If you can walk, you can snowshoe,” said Smith, who has been working these Saturday night events for 10 years.

“It’s always fun to watch people start out all bundled up, and come back laughing, carrying their coats. Snowshoeing is a great way to stay warm.”

Families, couples and groups of all ages come to the events, which take place every Saturday in February. Refreshments are offered at the conclusion of the trail, along with story sharing by the bonfire.

Mark your calendar for February 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2019.

Word is spreading – winter is the time to visit Tahquamenon Falls. The crowds have dissipated, the scenery is breathtaking, the air is crisp and there are no biting insects.

CampingAs Dan Green opens the door of his 21-foot, four-season trailer he is greeted with a burst of 10-degree air, immediately chilling his nos-trils.

“It’s invigorating,” said Green, a 79-year-old retired paramedic fire chief.

Green and his partner, Carolyn Wilson, have left their home in sunny Florida each of the last 12 years to winter-camp at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. They now serve as volunteer campground hosts at the Lower Falls camp-ground during January and February, greeting campers and maintaining snowshoe trails.

“We love being here during the winter, the more snow the better! The Lower Falls is a quiet recreation area, absolutely perfect for snowshoeing on or off trail,” Wilson said. “As people try winter camping, they enjoy it so much that they encourage others, and we have seen the interest grow over our time here.”

The Lower Falls Hemlock Campground remains open year-round. Each site offers electricity and a campfire ring, and there is a water spigot in the campground to fill containers. Numerous outhouses are kept clean and clear of snow.

SnowshoeingThe driveway down to the Lower Falls is gated in the winter, but there is a 2-mile looped trail that begins near the parking area and is perfect for snowshoeing down to the waterfall.

While the 4-mile River Trail between the Upper and Lower Falls is not advertised as a snowshoe trail, many ambitious hikers make the trek, packing the trail throughout the winter.

The park hosts free snowshoe hikes at the Upper Falls every Saturday in February, led by the park naturalist. Participants learn tips and tricks of snowshoeing, along with winter ecology and park history, during the one-hour adventure.

“Tahquamenon Falls is a fantastic place to try out snowshoeing,” says park interpreter Theresa Neal. “We introduce hundreds of people each winter to the sport, and the majority are surprised by how easy and fun snowshoeing can be.”

PhotographyBlue and orange-tinted icicles emerge from the sandstone cliffs surrounding the Upper Falls, offering a breath-taking spectacle of winter. The Upper Falls is open year-round, with a plowed parking lot and heated restrooms. The walking trail to the falls is cleared, so snowshoes are not necessary.

“The waterfall and ice formations change daily,” explains park officer Eric Johnson. “One day the waterfall is wide open, and the next day it can be half covered in ice due to below zero conditions. You just never know, every day is different.”

Indiana State Parks volunteer Jerry Byard has been taking photographs of the Upper Falls for years and is especially fond of the winter.

“My friends think I’m crazy, coming up here in February,” Byard said. “But it’s so beautiful, and the difference in the look of the falls in winter versus summer is so dramatic.”

SnowmobilingTrail No. 45 brings riders to the Upper Falls, and the privately-owned Tahquamenon Brewery, which offers a chance to warm up by the outdoor fireplace or inside with a meal and a beverage. Riders can walk a third of a mile along a cleared trail to the Upper Falls viewing areas.

Riders can connect to the park from Newberry, riding trails groomed by the Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association, or from Paradise, riding trails groomed by the Paradise Night Riders.

Cross Country SkiingThe Upper Falls serves as a trailhead for the 3.8-mile Giant Pines Loop, which is groomed with a classic track for cross-country skiing. The trail winds through large trees in the old growth forest, eventually passing by two giant white pine trees, relics from the logging era.

Hearty winter campers enjoying breakfast.

Winter walks

Publication: Tach Falls GuideAd Size: 11" x 17"File name: 2016_02_11x17Color: 4C newspaperDate: 4/17/2017Revision: sw-2

at Whitefish Point

www.ShipwreckMuseum.com906-635-1742

Whitefish Point, Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula

• Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Featuring Ship’s Bell

• Oldest Active Lighthouse on Lake Superior

• Lightkeepers Quarters and USCG Surfboat House Tours

• Lighthouse Tower Tours Available

• National Historic Site

• Shipwreck Museum Gallery and Theater

• Nature Trails and Overlooks

• Museum Store and Fudge Shop

• Open 7 days a week, 10am to 6pm, May-Oct.

• Overnight On-Site Accommodations Available 906-492-3747

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