World United States Michigan Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Ginny's Journeys Ginny's Adventures 2009

Upper Tahquamenon Falls Sep 9, 2009

Another State Park protects part of the Tahquamenon (rhymes with phenomenon) River and water falls. After seeing the Crisp Point Lighthouse, I drove a little further to see this second biggest water falls east of the Mississippi (Niagara being the largest). 50,000 gallons of water per minute rush over the 200’ long and 48’ drop. I wonder if the Falls are receding like Niagara Falls is – erosion of rock at the brink. I saw the river about 20 miles upstream of this and it seemed like if I was on it, I would be rolling down a lazy river!

There is a paved path that goes from the brink of the Falls down to where the river makes a turn about a mile downstream. There are many steps down to the viewing areas at either end but the views were worth it! There is also a river trail that goes the 4 miles down to the Lower Falls, and I am still thinking about doing about half of that trail – I have to walk back or hitch a ride! I can’t take a bike on the path.

This is the river made famous by Longfellow with his poem “Hiawatha”. The name of the river comes from an Indian word describing the amber color of the water. That comes from leaching of tannic acid from cedar and hemlock swamps that feed the river. The acid levels are low and fish survive quite well in it. I was told that the Falls reminds one of a root beer float in winter! Oh – there’s a micro brewery on the premises! How interesting – do they get the water from the river? I liked the Blonde Beaver Ale.