So I probably don’t have to give too much introduction to the falls on the Tahquamenon River, as they are likely the most visited of the waterfalls in Michigan, and even some of the more visited waterfalls in the eastern half of the U.S. Even so, I think that Lower Tahquamenon Falls, the “smaller” of the two falls, deserves more interest than it’s “bigger” brother, Upper Tahquamenon Falls.

While Upper Tahqumenon Falls is impressive for the width and volume of water flowing over it, Lower Tahquamenon Falls actually interests me more due to its higher level of complexity. The Upper Falls consists of one single 40′ drop, whereas the Lower Falls consist of multiple drops, and that is after the river has split into two, creating two different sets of falls. There should logically still be the same flow rate, as they’re both on the same river. It’s just that the Upper Falls are just far more photogenic, as you can get very close up. The Lower Falls are just as beautiful, but the best parts can really only be viewed from afar, at least that’s the case if you don’t kayak or wade to get a better view.

Directions:

1. There are signs all throughout the eastern Upper Peninsula indicating the directions to Tahquamenon Falls State Park, which has two distinct entrances.
2. Either way, you’ll want to get on M-123 heading in a generally north direction. This can be achieved in multiple ways, as M-123 actually loops around the park.
3. Both of the entrances are located off of M-123, and I think the lower falls is the entrance further to the east.

You can also take a 4 mile hike between the Upper and Lower Falls, which I did not attempt simply because the weather was rather stormy the second time I visited.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 20′
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles round-trip

Lower Tahquamenon Falls in July 2008

The falls in July 2013

Where in the World is Lower Tahquamenon Falls?