Tahquamenon Falls State Park

About

Tahquamenon Falls State Park protects one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, tucked deep in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Upper Falls drops nearly 50 feet and stretches about 200 feet across, sending amber-tinted water crashing over a rocky ledge in a spectacular display. The tannins from cedar and hemlock trees upstream give the water its root beer color, making it unlike any other waterfall you'll see.

The park spans nearly 50,000 acres of forest, rivers, and wildlife habitat. Two main areas draw visitors: the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls, located about four miles downstream. The Lower Falls is actually a series of smaller cascades that flow around a mid-river island. You can rent a rowboat to reach the island and explore at your own pace.

Beyond the falls, the park offers camping, fishing, paddling, and miles of hiking trails through old-growth forest. Birders come for warblers and woodpeckers. In winter, the falls partially freeze into dramatic ice formations, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing take over the trails.

The park has two modern campgrounds with a total of nearly 300 sites, plus rustic options for those who want a quieter experience. A gift shop and concession area near the Upper Falls provides snacks and souvenirs. The drive to the park passes through the small town of Newberry, your last stop for gas, groceries, and restaurants.

Plan for at least half a day if you want to see both falls. The Upper Falls alone can fill a couple of hours, especially if you take your time on the viewing platforms. Spring snowmelt and fall rains bring the highest water volume and the most dramatic views, but the falls are worth visiting in any season. Summer offers the warmest weather and longest days, while autumn wraps the surrounding forest in brilliant color.

Accessibility

Tahquamenon Falls State Park has made significant efforts to provide accessible experiences at its waterfalls. The park offers miles of paved trails and boardwalks that are ADA accessible, connecting parking areas to viewing platforms at both the Upper and Lower Falls.

At the Upper Falls, ADA-compliant viewing platforms provide views of the massive cascade. Some portions of the trail system and lookout areas are wheelchair accessible, though the best vantage points closest to the base of the falls require navigating stairs. The paved paths from the parking area to the main overlooks are the most accessible routes.

The park provides an all-terrain track chair that helps visitors explore areas where traditional wheelchairs might not work well. This track chair is available for use on park trails. Additionally, several donated wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge at both the Upper and Lower Falls day-use areas.

Accessible parking is available at both falls areas. The campgrounds have been designed with inclusivity in mind, and the park's facilities include accessible restrooms.

The Lower Falls area includes a rowboat rental to reach the island, which may present barriers for some visitors with mobility challenges.

For the most current information on trail conditions, track chair availability and reservations, and specific accessibility features at each area of the park, contact Tahquamenon Falls State Park directly. Conditions can vary by season, and some paths may be affected by weather or maintenance. Staff can help plan a visit that matches your specific accessibility needs.

More accessible places in Michigan

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Upper Peninsula)
• Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit)
• Michigan Science Center (Detroit)
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Empire)
• The Henry Ford (Dearborn)
• Flint Institute of Arts (Flint)