Tahquamenon Falls State Park
41382 West M-123, Paradise, MI 49768
Phone # (906) 492-3415, Fax # (906) 492-3590, TDD # (906) 492-3812
For camping reservations, call 1-800-44-PARKS

Tahquamenon Falls is an easy drive along M-123, the highway offers a loop from Highway M-28 through Paradise, past Tahquamenon Falls State Park, through Newberry and back to M-28. (map) This beautiful falls in Tahquamenon Falls State Park is hidden in the forest along the Tahquamenon River and is easily accessible for those seeking the quiet and solitude of the Upper Peninsula wilderness.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park encompasses close to 52,000 acres stretching over 13 miles. Most of this is undeveloped woodland without roads, buildings or power lines. Centerpiece of the park, and the very reason for its existence, is the Tahquamenon River with its waterfalls.

The Upper Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. It has a drop of nearly 50 feet and is more than 200 feet across. A maximum flow of more than 50,000 gallons of water per second has been recorded cascading over its precipice.

There is a paved pathway (.4 mile) that leads from the parking lot at the Upper Falls, through an old growth forest to the observation platforms at the crest of the Falls and is handicap accessible. Steps lead to the bottom of the falls where the water crashes into the Tahquamenon River. There is a 4 mile hiking trail along the river to the Lower Falls. (Park map)

Four miles downstream is the Lower Falls, a series of five smaller falls cascading around an island. Although not as dramatic as the Upper Falls, they are equally magnificent. They can be viewed from the river bank or from the island which can be reached by rowboat rented from a park concession. The island walk affords a view of the falls in the south channel.

Lower Falls in Winter

The Tahquamenon rises from springs north of McMillan and drains an area of more than 820 square miles. From its source, it meanders 94 miles before emptying into Whitefish Bay. The amber color of the water is not rust nor is it muddiness. It is caused by tannin leached from the Cedar, Spruce and Hemlock in the swamps drained by the river. The extremely soft water churned by the action of the falls causes the extensive amounts of foam which has been the trademark of theTahquamenon since the days of the voyageurs.

The park offers visitors a wide variety of recreational opportunities. During the spring and summer, camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, canoeing, nature study and photography are popular activities. Fall colors provide a beautiful picturesque view of the park. In addition, hunters will find ample opportunities to pursue their sport.

Tahquamenon Falls is open year round. From the voluminous flowage of spring runoff through the bright days of summer, brilliant colors of fall, topped off by the spectacular ice sculpturing of the Upper Falls; each season has its own beauty.

Winter offers opportunity for snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing with miles of marked trails. Ice formations along Lake Superior and frozen waterfalls are a photographers delight.

A pair of moose wander the park land and can sometimes be spotted by visitors, as can the bald eagles which make their home here. Black bear, coyotes, otter, deer, fox, porcupine, beaver and mink are a few of the other wildlife to be seen in the park. The abundant bird life includes Spruce Grouse, Sharptail Grouse, Pileated Woodpeckers and a variety of waterfowl and songbirds. The area is one of the few nesting sites in Michigan for the Sandhill Crane. Birding in Tahquamenon Falls State Park and Park Map.

There are 25 miles of hiking trails wandering through more than 52,000 acres of wilderness so you can take a long or short walk through the forest. There is an .8 mile nature trail near the Upper Falls or you can walk back to Clark Lake and Betsy Lake on the Natural Area Pathway. A segment of the North Country Trail runs through the park from the Lower Falls to the Rivermouth.

During the summer, the Park Interpretive Staff has special free programs and offers guided hikes during the week for you to enjoy. Check at Park Campground Office at the Lower Falls for information.

Four campgrounds are available in the park; two modern campgrounds at the Lower Falls and a modern and rustic campground are located at the Rivermouth. Each modern campground has approximately 90 sites and each site is equipped with electricity, a ground fire ring and table. Other features of the modern campgrounds are warm showers and flush toilets. Sanitation stations are available at the Lower Falls and Rivermouth Units. There is not a campground at the Upper Falls. Rustic Camping is available near Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Camping and fishing supplies are available just northeast of the entrance to the Lower Falls. Lodging is available in Newberry and Paradise.

This is the land of Longfellow's Hiawatha:"by the rushing Tahquamenaw" Hiawatha built his canoe. Long before the white man set eyes on the river, the abundance of fish in its waters and animals along its shores attracted the Chippewa Indians, who camped, farmed, fished and trapped along its banks. In the late 1800's came the lumber barons and the river carried their logs by the millions to the mills. The lumberjacks who harvested the tall timber were among the first permanent settlers in the area.

Hiawatha and the lumberjacks are gone now, but they whisper from the past, in the rushing waterfall, the murmur of the water eddying around the island, the wind sighing through the cedar boughs and the giant pines still to be seen in this wooded wonderland.

Pets are permitted at Tahquamenon Falls State Park but must be on a 6' leash and under your control at all times.

Fees: You need a State Park Motor Vehicle Permit to enter Tahquamenon Falls State Park. $6 daily, $24 yearly for Michigan residents, $8 daily, $29 yearly for non-residents. Permit provides admission to all Michigan State Parks and may be purchased at the Park entrance. The fee for a Commercial Coach is $15 per day. This is the only fee for admission to visit Tahquamenon Upper and Lower Falls State Park.

ATV Rentals with guided tours available at Paradise Recreational Sports on Highway M-123 in downtown Paradise. Phone: 906-492-3640

Canoe Trips at the mouth of the Two Hearted River, Rainbow Lodge, 22752 County Road 423, Newberry, MI 49868. (906) 658-3357. Northwest from the Park. Paddle through the wilderness country on the Two Hearted River.

Horseback Riding at Wildridge Riding Stables about 3 miles east of the Lower Falls on M-123. Guided trail rides on beautiful wooded trails. All trail rides are led by one of our experienced trail guides. We have 6 beautiful horses gentle enough for the whole family to enjoy. Please call to schedule a guided trail ride for riders 7 years and older and less than 300 pounds. No double riding. Maximum of 6 riders for each tour. Fun for the entire family all year round, but winter riding depends on the weather. Phone: 906-492-3213.

Tahquamenon General Store and Canoe Rentals, 39991 W. Highway M-123, 1/2 mile east of the entrance to the Lower Falls State Park. Phone: 906-492-3560. Open Year Round with groceries, camping supplies, gas, homemade subs, deli case, fishing supplies, firewood, ice, plus much more. Gifts and souveniers. Canoe rental and livery for canoeing the Tahquamenon River from the Lower Falls to the Rivermouth.

The Toonerville Trolley and Riverboat Tour, Soo Junction, MI. Phone 1-888-77TRAIN or the Depot at 906-876-2311. Take the train and boat tour to Tahquamenon Falls or the Wilderness Train Ride. Just 50 miles from the Mackinac Bridge. Ride 5 1/2 miles to the Tahquamenon River. The Riverboat takes you on a 21 mile narrated cruise along the river to the rapids 1/2 mile above the Upper Tahquamenon Falls.

The Woods Canoe and Kayak Rental for the Tahquamenon River is located 13 miles north of Newberry or 10 miles west of the Upper Falls on Highway M-123. The Woods offers a variety of paddling trips on the Tahquamenon River beginning near Newberry with shuttle service; daily and weekly rentals for nearby lakes and rivers; and delivery to nearby campgrounds. Family friendly trips with pets welcome. Easy paddling down this calm river with abundant wildlife, fishing, and great photo opportunities. Open daily June 15th through September 10th. Reservations accepted starting May 1st. Phone: 906-203-7624. The Woods Tahquamenon River Canoe & Kayak Rental, P.0. Box 536, Newberry, MI 49868.

Wedding at the Falls? Call the Paradise Party Planners. Deb will assist you with the arrangements. She will help you schedule your event, arrange catering, flowers, or any help you might need to have a memorable wedding at Tahquamenon Falls. Call Deb at 906-291-1268.

February 6, 2010. Winter Fest at the Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Lantern-lit cross country skiing, a winter campfire, guided snowshoe hikes and more. Phone 906-492-3415

June 5, 2010. Hike Between Da Falls. 10 am to 4 pm. Bring 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 local North Country Trail Chapter will be on-hand to answer questions and provide nature activities. All ages are welcome. Thr River Trail is rated moderately difficult and includes stairways, exposed roots, and steep inclines.

August 14, 2010. Tahqua Trail Run. 8 am. Trail race put on by Great Lakes Endurance. Distances include 25K and 10K, both finishing at the Upper Falls. A special 2K kids' race takes place on Friday. Pre-registration required. All ages welcome to register online at www.greatlakesendurance.com

September 11, 2010. Tahquamenon Wilderness Canoe Race. 10 am. Professional two-person canoe 17-mile race down the Tahquamenon River. The race begins at the Lower Falls and finishes at Whitefish Bay near the Rivermouth campground. A shorter one-person race also offered, as well as the "Paradise Fun Run" for amateurs and paddling enthusiasts. Registration 8 am. Event sponsored by The Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Canoe Racing Association. Visit www.miracing.com for more information.

October 15 & 16, 2010. Harvest Festival. All Day. Participate in our annual fall camping experience. Events include pumpkin carving, campsite decorating, hayrides, costume contests, trick-or-treating, and more! Also, a Haunted Trail in Paradise. Families and groups and couples have made camping during Harvest Festival a tradition. Contests have categories for all ages, including a pet costume contest!

Give me of your bark, O Birch-tree! Of your yellow bark, O Birch-tree! Growing by the rushing river, Tall and stately in the valley I a light canoe will build me, Build a swift Cheemaun for sailing, ........... Thus aloud cried Hiawatha In the solitary forest, By the rushing Taquamenaw, When the birds were singing gayly, In the Moon of Leaves were singing, And the sun, from sleep awaking, Started up and said, "Behold me Gheezis, the great Sun, behold me. Song of Hiawatha, W.W. Longfellow

Upper Peninsula State Parks

Back to Recreation Page

Back to Upper Peninsula Home Page

Back to Home Page: Exploring the North

Photos: Winter at Tahquamenon Falls by Mark Bolen, Digisharp Photography

©1997/09 by Vivian Wood, the webmaster for Exploring the North, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended, this web site may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner. Unless authorized by the webmaster of Exploring the North, Inc., reproduction of any picture, web page or pages on this website for placement on the internet is a copyright infringement. All right, title and interest in and to the material on our web pages, the web site, in whole or in part, and in and to this url and the urls contained within, is the property of said webmaster for Exploring the North, Inc. All website design, text, graphics, selection and arrangement thereof are the copyrighted works of Vivian Wood. Web site created on an Apple G-4.