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Michigan
223

Michigan State Parks

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USA Parks
Michigan
Upper Peninsula Region
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
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Tahquamenon Falls State Park Barred Owl © Manistee
Taken October 30,2022 at 2PM at the Tahquamenon upper falls nature trail by the parking lot.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Lower Falls © Mark Ebenhoeh
Take a rowboat over to the island to get up close to these beautiful falls
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Lower falls © Mark Ebenhoeh
Take a rowboat over to the island to get up close to these beautiful falls
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Lower Falls © Mark Ebenhoeh
Take a rowboat over to the island to get up close to these beautiful falls
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Lower falls © Mark Ebenhoeh
Take a rowboat over to the island to get up close to these beautiful falls
Tahquamenon Falls State Park © Hntr
Tahquamenon Falls State Park © Hntr
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Upper Tahquamenon Falls © Hntr
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Lower Tahquamenon Falls © Hntr
Tahquamenon Falls State Park © Hntr
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Upper Falls © Hntr
Tahquamenon Falls State Park © Raymond D. Wright
Tahquamenon Falls State Park HDR Upper Falls © Jim Oakley
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Upper Falls © Jim Oakley
Tahquamenon Falls State Park © Raymond D. Wright
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Tahquamenon Falls © Daniel R. Pater
Tahquamenon, the largest waterfall in the East after Niagara, is wonderful at any time of the year, but glows in the autumn
Tahquamenon Falls State Park © Denise Miller
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TAHQUAMENON FALLS STATE PARK
TAHQUAMENON FALLS STATE PARK
41382 West Michigan 123
Paradise, Michigan   49768
(lat:46.6054 lon:-85.202) map location

Phone: 906-492-3415
Reservations: 800-447-2757
Tahquamenon Falls State Park encompasses close to 50,000 acres stretching over 13 miles. Most of this is undeveloped woodland without roads, buildings or power lines. The centerpiece of the park, and the very reason for its existence, is the Tahquamenon River with its waterfalls. The Upper Falls is one 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 these falls. 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. The falls 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.

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 Ojibwa 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. Lumberjacks, who harvested the tall timber, were among the first permanent white settlers in the area.

Rising from springs north of McMillan, the Tahquamenon River drains the watershed of an area of more than 790 square miles. From its source, it meanders 94 miles before emptying into Whitefish Bay. The amber color of the water is caused by tannins 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 large amounts of foam, which has been the trademark of the Tahquamenon since the days of the voyager.
Nature of the Area
Moose are occasionally seen feeding in the wet areas of the park, especially along M-123 between Paradise and the Lower Falls. Black bear, coyotes, otter, deer, fox, porcupines, beaver and mink are a few of the other wildlife which can be seen in the park. The abundant bird life includes spruce grouse, pileated woodpeckers, bald eagles and a variety of waterfowl and songbirds.
Passes
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
Park Store
Park concession is available at the lower falls with souvenirs and limited menu items. The Upper Falls has a privately-owned restaurant and gift shop, which are adjacent to the park property.
Camping
Tahquamenon Falls-Group Use Area(906) 492-3415 50 site(s)Rustic Site, Vault Toilet

Tahquamenon Lower Falls-Modern(800) 447-2757 188 site(s)Campsites with 50 amp Service, Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms

Tahquamenon Rivermouth Pines/Semi-Modern/Rustic(800) 447-2757 36 site(s)Rustic Site, Vault Toilet

Tahquamenon Rivermouth-Modern(800) 447-2757 72 site(s)Campsites with 50 amp Service, Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms
Boating
Boat Rentals are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day for row boats and canoes. Reservations available for groups only. Call the concession at 906-492-3457 or the park at 906-492-3415.
Canoeing
The Tahquamenon River offers 17 miles of canoeing from the Lower Falls to the Rivermouth area. Put-ins are available both at the Lower Falls and at Rivermouth.
Fishing
The park offers abundant fishing opportunities in its rivers and lakes. Species include brook trout, brown trout, and northern pike.

Fishing is allowed year-round with ice-fishing popular during winter months.

Boat rentals are available for those wishing to fish on the water bodies within the park.

Fly fishermen can enjoy casting their lines into swift-moving streams teeming with various species of gamefish.

For a more relaxed experience, try still-water angling from shorelines or docks where panfish like bluegill abound.


Location
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is

Picnicking
The picnic areas are equipped with tables and grills. A shelter at the Lower Falls is available for rent by calling (906) 492-3415. Each campground has a play area for children with a variety of equipment.
Trails
The park has over 35 miles of hiking trails, enabling people to see beautiful portions of the park that are rarely seen by the public. The North Country Trail traverses 16 miles within the park, including the trail between the Upper and Lower Falls.

Trails in the park:

Tahquamenon-Wilderness Loop - 7.4 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Tahquamenon-Clark Lake Loop - 5.6 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Tahquamenon-Nature Trail - 1 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Tahquamenon-River Trail - 4 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Tahquamenon-Emerson Trail - 1 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Tahquamenon-Giant Pines Trail - 3.5 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
Bicycling
For biking enthusiasts, the park offers a variety of options. However, caution is advised due to varying terrain.

The River Trail provides an intense 4-mile ride with steep inclines and declines. Be prepared for challenges.

Alternatively, there's also Clark Lake Loop - a moderate 8-mile trail suitable for intermediate bikers; stay alert on this path.

Emmett's Field Loop presents another option: it's less challenging but still requires careful navigation around tight corners and small hills.

Lastly, Giant Pines Loop is perfect if you prefer leisurely rides through serene landscapes; however watch out for roots!

Remember that safety gear such as helmets are essential when cycling in these areas.

Also note that some trails may be shared by hikers or runners so always maintain respectful speeds.

Check weather conditions before setting off as wet paths can increase risk of accidents significantly.
Cross-country Skiing
he park has four miles of regularly groomed ski trails and is also open to backcountry skiing. See the links below for trail maps and additional information.
Nature Programs
Nature programs are held 7 days a week from July through September in various locations throughout the park. Program schedules can be found by picking up a copy of the park newspaper. Special events for visitors and campers can be viewed by clicking here. Schools and groups can make reservations for guided tours and programs by contacting the park headquarters at (906) 492-3415.
Birding
The park offers excellent birding opportunities with over 200 species recorded. It's a hotspot for migratory birds, especially in spring and fall. Birdwatchers can spot rare species like the Spruce Grouse or Northern Hawk Owl here. The area is also home to various waterfowl, songbirds, raptors and woodpeckers throughout the year.
Area Attractions
The area is home to miles of snowmobile trails, cross-country skiing pathways and a host of winter fun.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 4 Great Place by Thomas_P
park review stars; one to five Great place to visit any season of the year. Easy to get around and see the falls for all ages.
August 4
park review stars; one to five It is still a nice place to visit to many restrictions nowadays,used to go there back in the 70`s it was nicer more rustic back then as someone mentioned
September 11 Still loved after many visits by Lucille M. Rugg
park review stars; one to five Our first visit was on our honeymoon in Aug. 1950. Very cold but beautiful. We have been there many times with friends and family. Visiting again in Oct. unfortunately at 85 it is very difficult for me to walk. Do you have rental wheelchairs by any chance? I seem to remember them at start of paved path to falls. Please reply. thanks
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Directions
From Mackinac Bridge- Continue 8 miles north to M 123 Exit 352 (Newberry- Tahquamenon Falls), turn left onto M 123. 55 Miles to Paradise. Rivermouth is 5 miles south of Paradise. Lower Falls is 10 miles west of Paradise. Upper Falls is 14 miles west of P

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Michigan
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Michigan State Parks

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