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Tahquamenon Falls
Overview
Tahquamenon Falls State Park encompasses nearly 50,000 acres of pristine Michigan wilderness. Known for its distinct amber-colored waterfalls, the park offers a rugged yet comfortable environment for RV travelers. The Upper Falls, often called the Root Beer Falls, get their unique color from tannins leached from cedar swamps, creating a stunning visual contrast against the surrounding forest. This destination is a cornerstone of Upper Peninsula tourism, offering a tranquil escape for those looking to reconnect with nature while enjoying well-maintained park facilities.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the northeastern Upper Peninsula near Paradise, MI, the park is nestled between the shores of Lake Superior and the Tahquamenon River. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dense hardwood forests and wetlands that provide a habitat for diverse wildlife, including moose and bald eagles. Visitors will find themselves in a remote setting that feels worlds away from urban noise, yet conveniently located within a short drive of the Whitefish Bay shoreline and historical maritime landmarks.
Amenities & Park Features
The park provides several camping loops, including the Hemlock and Portage sites, which offer facilities suitable for various RV sizes. Most sites feature level ground and are surrounded by mature trees for added privacy. Key park features include:
- Electric hookups (20/30/50 amp) available at modern campsites.
- Access to modern restrooms and hot shower facilities.
- On-site sanitation stations and potable water for RV maintenance.
Unique to this state park is the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub located near the Upper Falls, offering a convenient dining option for campers.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draws are the Upper Falls, spanning 200 feet across, and the Lower Falls, which feature a series of five smaller cascades. Popular activities include:
- Hiking over 40 miles of trails, including the North Country Trail.
- Exploring the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point.
- Renting a rowboat to view the Lower Falls island from the river.
Photographers and nature lovers will find endless inspiration at the various overlooks, especially during the vibrant fall foliage season or the misty mornings of early summer.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families who appreciate a mix of natural beauty and reliable state park facilities. It is perfect for those who enjoy hiking and photography, as the falls offer a majestic backdrop for exploration. While it lacks the high-end luxury of a private resort, it is the premier choice for RVers seeking a classic Michigan camping experience in one of the most iconic landscapes in the Midwest.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
craig koch
Awesome scenery! Short and easy walk to the waterfalls. Handicap friendly. They have food, beer, ice cream, restrooms, and a few shops. Something for everyone. I'm glad we made the 2.5 drive from Escanaba. It was a little busy when we went with the fall colors. You won't be disappointed.
Seth Alder
Beautiful park. The areas near the falls are easy to get to. The top falls has 181 steps down and back up if you want to view it from the Gorge, so be aware. We hiked the 4.5 miles from the bottom to the top falls. There are a lot of ups and downs, roots, soggy areas. If you are out of shape, I would avoid it and drive from the bottom falls to the top after visiting each. If you can hike it, it is beautiful. Round trip was 11 miles of walking. Be sure to plan for the 2.5 hours each way. I wouldn't want to do it in the dark. There is a private shuttle that can take you from one parking lot to the other, $ 20.00 for first person and $5.00 for others in your group. They have limited availability do read the signs and contact them. Gift shops are at the top and bottom falls.
Erik Lyon
This was our first trip in the UP and we heard and read so many great things about this park and it lived up to the hype. This is a beautifully maintained park. The pathways are free of debris and easy to walk. This is coming from two people who didn't think they'd be able to walk the whole Lower Falls, let alone the Upper Falls too. The Lower Falls is about a 2-mile walk in total. The Upper Falls felt a little less than that. We had a gorgeous day to walk these paths. I would recommend getting to either one of these fairly early as parking fills up. The lower falls seems to have more parking than the upper but once you get there, you'll be glad you went, especially if you love nature.
Megan Mulholland
My friend and I hiked both the upper and lower falls. We went to the different parking lots and didn’t walk from one to the other. (Although we found out there is a shuttle so you can hike the 4 miles and get a ride back.) The boardwalks are nice and allow for a safe stroll. The steps to the bottom are also safe and sturdy. The falls are impressive and it was a nice excursion. And it wasn’t crowded which was nice.
Tanya Troska
A beautifully relaxing space in nature. The state has done a phenomenal job of blending human access and convenience with nature. Easy access wooden walkways to the falls. Great spots to overlook the falls, rent and launch kayaks, or access swim spots on the river. The visitor center has lots of great shopping and snacks that help support the park. We are so glad we decided to veer off our original mapped road trip to add this park as a stop. Well worth the extra mileage and time. Plan on spending at least an hour if not more.
Jeff S
We visited both the Upper and lower falls, it was absolutely stunning! I have visited Tahquamenon Falls previously but this was the first time in the spring and the volume of water was noticeably more intense. If your ever in the UP this is a must see!
JUN3 BUGG
The Falls were raging but beautiful, The hike was semi intense being their is a decent amount of snow on the trails. A couple view points are being fixed on both Upper and Lower falls. Great experience forsure..
Darcy Partington
A nice stop in Michigan to do a little walking. There are upper and lower falls and they are connected by a hike but also have their own parking lots if you choose not to do the hike and would rather drive to each one. There are shuttles that run between the upper and lower falls if you choose not to do the return hike that will bring you back to the parking lot. The shuttles do not run sometimes. It’s a really pretty area and walking areas are mostly flat. There is a spot with 90 steps.
Kelly Prososki
One of my favorite places to visit in the UP, of Michigan. There is a upper and lower falls, both equally beautiful. I visited during the fall time so everything was absolutely gorgeous, a little cooler. I recommend a jacket. The walk was very enjoyable and not challenging at all. Be sure to bring your camera!!
Beth Lloyd
This place is one of the most beautifulest I've seen. The facilities are clean, there is a small cafe and gift shop in park.. The falls are absolutely stunning.. We couldn't see the upper falls due to my disability but I've heard they are amazing and colorful due to the copper the water goes over.. Highly recommend this park