Tahquamenon Falls Lower Falls — Attraction in Whitefish Township

The Tahquamenon Falls Lower Falls are a series of five smaller waterfalls cascading around an island in the Tahquamenon River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The falls are located just 4 miles downstream from the Upper Falls, which are one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The Lower Falls are easily viewed from the paved walkway and a quarter-mile boardwalk that takes visitors through thick coniferous forest to the viewing platforms. The falls are best viewed in the spring and early summer when the water levels are high.

Here are some other things to know about the Tahquamenon Falls Lower Falls:

The falls are approximately 200 feet wide and 50 feet high. The water that flows over the falls is an amber color due to the tannins leached from the cedar, spruce, and hemlock trees in the swamps drained by the river. The falls are a popular tourist destination, and can be accessed by car, boat, or foot. There are a number of hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the falls. The falls are open year-round, but are best viewed in the spring and early summer when the water levels are high. If you're looking for a beautiful and scenic place to visit in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the Tahquamenon Falls Lower Falls are a great option. The falls are sure to amaze and awe visitors...

October 20th and 21st of 2023.

Couldn't have asked for more.

The main trail is an easy walk. There are many places to sit or take pictures. It's very low-key and mostly untouched. It's not a gimmicky destination. It's natural and place to move at your own leisure. There are many trails varying in intensity and length.

The four-mile hike from the lower falls to the upper falls isn't for beginners or very young children. It's rugged and, in many places, swampy. Wear boots, real boots. Don't think I would have made it without mine. It's beautiful and runs along the Tahquamenon River. It's up there in beauty compared to some trails I've hiked in Tennessee.

I actually prefer this area more than the upper falls. They're both stunning, but this place and its variety take the cake. When it's warm, there are even places to splash around on the water.

The trails are dog friendly.

There are public restrooms and concessions on site near the parking lot. I'm unsure if there was an entrance fee. I stayed at the campground attached, so I had direct access to the falls. It was about a five minute walk from the campground.

There weren't many people out Thursday and Friday afternoon, but Saturday was pretty busy.

It's one of the most beautiful places I've visited and hope to return...

Absolutely beautiful park with a well maintained boardwalk, natural hiking trails, tons of scenic areas, rowboats and a new foot bridge (opening Spring 2022) for island access, a nice gift shop, restrooms, campground, kayak launch, etc! I visit often and know the area very well. I think my dog and I are starting to get recognized by the staff we're there so often lol.

To any PARENTS with young children, a warning... In spring 2021 myself and a few other people on an overlook boardwalk saw a child of maybe 5-6 years lose her footing and quickly get swept a good 20-30 feet along a fast current below us. A stranger who was also in the water saved her life at the cost of a very nasty gash along his arm from throwing himself down on the rocks in front of her. There are signs asking visitors to stay on the path for a reason but I see people out there every time I visit. Look guys... it's one thing for adults to make the decision for themselves, but taking children out there is just STUPIDLY irresponsible. This was by far the worst incident I've ever witnessed at this park and I blame the parents 100%. BE RESPONSIBLE....