Tahquamenon Falls, pronounced like phenomenon, are two waterfalls on the Tahquamenon River. The river is located on the eastern edge of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula near Lake Superior. Locals have nicknamed it Root Beer Falls due to its amber color and white foam. This color is caused by tannins leaching from cedar, hemlock, and spruce swamps into the river. The river’s soft water rolls and mixes as it drops over the edge, creating the foam.
These waterfalls are part of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. In addition to the waterfalls, the park offers hiking, camping, boating, canoeing, fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Park fees vary for in state and out-of-state visitors. Since our rental had Michigan plates, we were able to buy an annual state park pass which could be used for the rest of our trip. The parking lots were full at noon, so arrive early.
Upper Tahquamenon Falls
At 50 feet high and over 200 feet wide, the Upper Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. From the upper parking lot, it is a quarter-mile hike on a paved trail to the first viewing platform. Information boards dot the trail explaining the area’s history and landscape. When you hit the T-intersection, turn right for the ‘Brink View’ route. There are two overlooks from this paved footpath.
Then it is 94 steps to the platform at the brink of the falls. Here you can get up close and personal with the waterfall. It is amazing right at the drop!
This platform also branches out above the river to give you a front view of the Upper Falls, the foam, and the river flowing downstream.
After the brink, head back toward the T-intersection and continue to the ‘Gorge View’ route on the same paved footpath. The gorge path has another overlook. Then it is another 116 steps to view the waterfall from the river’s edge. Two more overlooks are on the lower gorge boardwalk.
We took the 0.3-mile dirt Nature Trail through the forest back to the parking lot.
Lower Tahquamenon Falls
This waterfall is actually a series of five smaller cascades around a small island, located 4 miles downstream. Visitors can hike 4.8 miles on the River Trail to the Lower Falls or park in the lower parking lot. A quarter-mile boardwalk runs from the lot through the forest leading to viewing platforms.
While visiting the Upper Peninsula, I highly encourage you to enjoy Michigan’s largest waterfall! The UP is known for its dozens of waterfalls, which makes it ideal for a waterfall tour.
I’m so gad to came to Michigan. The UP is beautiful and still not overpopulated. The falls have been a tourist draw for years and deserves the raves it gets. Your descriptions are on target.
Thanks Liz! The UP is gorgeous and I would definitely go back 🙂
Root Beer Falls, what a great nickname! I’d love to visit this area again and take in the sites described.
I think root beer falls was the perfect nickname!