Tahquamenon Falls Hiking: Routes & Tips

Planning a Tahquamenon Falls Hiking trip? You’re in the right place.

The Tahquamenon Falls State Park stretches over 50,000 acres of land in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Its incredible wilderness includes old-growth forests, bogs, rivers, wildlife such as birds, moose and deer, and of course – the famous waterfalls.

The Upper Tahquamenon Falls is the largest of all the 300+ waterfalls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at 200 feet across and a 50-foot drop. The Lower Falls are a set of several small waterfalls along the river. There are a series of hikes throughout the park where you can get great views of both sets of waterfalls.

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure in the Upper Peninsula, then here you will get a list of hikes ranging from easy to challenging that you can enjoy in Tahquamenon Falls, as well as everything you need to know about them.

As a native of Michigan, I can be your tour guide and give you insider tips on the 10 best hiking trails in Tahquamenon Falls. I’m going to share everything you need to know about each hike, as well as tips to make your hiking trip to Tahquamenon Falls State Park a success.

So, let’s chat about the 10 best Tahquamenon Falls Hiking trails.

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10 Best Tahquamenon Falls Hiking Trails

Here are the 10 best scenic trails in Tahquamenon Falls State Park,
and everything you need to know about them.

1. The Upper Falls Loop

DISTANCE: 1.4 miles (2.4 km) | TIME: 40 min | DIFFICULTY: Easy

The Upper Falls Loop is a short, paved but scenic hike that offers great views of the Upper Falls. It’s very accessible and doable for people of all ages and ability levels.

The walk to the falls from the parking lot is only about a 1/4 mile; its very easy and accessible. Although this part of the trail is flat, there are also two optional staircases with metal grates that you can go down to get spectacular views.

One staircase has 94 steps and brings you to the base of the falls, getting an up-close view of the water plunging from 50 feet above. The other has 112 stairs that bring you to the river’s edge.

Although the staircases are a lot of work, the views are remarkable and worth the effort. However, the staircases are an optional add-on to the trail and can skipped if you prefer. If you choose not to do the stairs, there are also some lookouts of the waterfalls along the trail that don’t have any stairs.

If you want to change it up and do an alternative route that is connected to the Upper Falls Loop, consider the Nature Trail, which is 1⁄2 mile (0.8 km) and takes 15 minutes. It is a short, alternative route for hikers from the Upper Tahquamenon Falls to the parking lot. It’s bursting with ferns during the summer months and is also great for birding.

The Nature Trail, like the Upper Falls Loop Trail, is also stroller and wheelchair friendly, so it’s perfect for families and other people who are looking for an easier route to and from the Upper Falls.

2. The Lower Tahquamenon Falls Trail

DISTANCE: 3.1 miles (5.1 km) | TIME: 50 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy

The Lower Tahquamenon Falls trail brings you to lookouts to admire the lower set of waterfalls. The lower falls are generally less busy than the upper falls, so this is a perfect hike if you’re looking for some solitude and fewer crowds. However, it’s good to know that it can still get pretty busy on a summer weekend.

The Lower Falls are in fact, made up of five different waterfalls from which you can see all of them on this trail.

The Lower Falls trail is very accessible, and made up of lots of boardwalk paths, with an optional forest loop. It’s great for different ages and ability levels.

There’s also a cafe called the Lower Tahquamenon Falls Café & Gift Shop that you’ll find near the falls area of the trail. It’s a great place to take a short break and get some unique Upper Peninsula souvenirs.

3. Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls Trail

DISTANCE: 10.1 miles (16.4 km)| TIME: 3.5 hours | DIFFICULTY: Moderate

The Upper and Lower Taquamenon Falls Trail takes you to explore both – the Upper and Lower Falls, as well as plenty of surrounding terrain. It’s a popular, but longer hike that depending on your fitness level, can take anywhere from 3 hours to 6 hours.

Hiking the Upper and Lower Falls trail offers you gorgeous scenery, passing by both waterfalls, the river as well as some bogs. You’re sure to see beavers, birds and other wildlife on the way.

The trail is known for being ‘Michigan moderate’ which means it can be pretty challenging if you aren’t used to hiking because of the length, but also the uneven ground and the ups and downs which can be physically strenuous.

The trail can be a little muddy, especially near the lower falls area, so you will need decent, waterproof footwear.

Shortening this hike is an option for those who do not want to do the full 10 miles. One option is to park at the lower falls parking area, and then hike to the upper falls. From there, you can finish off your hike with a meal at the brewery.

The walk between the upper falls and lower falls alone is only about 2.5 hours. From there, you can either walk back to the lower falls or take the shuttle service that is offered (during the summer months only.)

4. The River Trail

DISTANCE: 5.4 miles (8.7 km) | TIME: 2 hours | DIFFICULTY: Moderate

The River Trail runs along the Tahquamenon River between the Upper and Lower Falls. It’s considered to be one of the most scenic trails in the park, as it gives you a view of waterfalls, the river, and a mix of old-growth forests and wildflowers.

The River Trail begins at the parking lot by the Lower Falls. Some people choose to park at the Lower Falls, take a shuttle to the trailhead at the Upper Falls, and then hike back. (Keep in mind that the shuttles are only offered seasonally – only during the summer months, between noon and 8pm.)

The River Trail, like the Upper Falls Loop, also connects to the same two optional staircases that you can take to get unbeatable views of the falls.

5. Clark Lake Loop

DISTANCE: 5 miles (8.2 km)| TIME: 1 hour, 40 mins | DIFFICULTY: Moderate

The Clark Lake Loop is popular for hiking in all seasons, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the wintertime.

Despite the name, most of the Clark Lake Loop trail runs through a wooded area with pine trees, and several scenic swamps and bogs.

There is a parking lot on Clark Lake Road where you can park, and begin the trail there.

Because it doesn’t pass by any waterfalls, Clark Lake Loop doesn’t tend to be as busy as some of the other trails with lookouts to the falls. The trail can be wet and muddy in some areas, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.

6. The Wilderness Loop

DISTANCE: 7 miles (11.2 km) | TIME: 3 hours | DIFFICULTY: Medium

The Wilderness Loop is a scenic, 7 mile hike through ridges and hemlock forests. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quieter hike with fewer crowds.

Because the entire trail is on land with no bridges or boardwalks, it’s considered to be one of the more challenging hikes in the park. It’s best for someone with a moderate fitness level who doesn’t mind hiking a longer trail.

The Wilderness Trail can be quite buggy in some parts. It is not as often used as some of the other trails in the park, so sometimes in the spring it can be muddy and less maintained than some of the more popular trails. Be sure to wear waterproof hiking boots, and carry bug spray.

7. The Emerson Foot Trail

DISTANCE: 1 mile (1.5 km) | TIME: 25 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Medium

The Emerson Trail is a short hike from inland to the lake. The trail passes through black spruce and shrub swamp and ends along Whitefish Bay where the river turns into Lake Superior.

The trail is named after the road that leads to the ghost town called Emerson. From the start of the trail, it is only a mile to Whitefish Bay, where you can take a dip in the water in warm months, go fishing or simply enjoy the views.

The start of the Emerson trail is an excellent spot for spotting songbirds. The last 200 feet to Whitefish Bay is a bit more difficult to navigate because of the less maintenance to the trail but can still be done with decent footwear, attention to surroundings and of course, bug spray.

8. The Giant Pines Loop Trail

DISTANCE: 3.8 miles (6.1 km)| TIME: 1 hour | DIFFICULTY: Easy

The Giant Pines Loop is a short, 1-hour scenic hike near the Tahquamenon River that brings you through a path lined with pine trees, streams and wildflowers.

The trail is named after two large white pine trees that you will see along the hike. They are large, historic trees that have been standing since the 1800s!

The Giant Pines Loop trail can be conveniently accessed from two different locations – the Upper Falls day-use area or the Stables picnic area. You can start at whichever end of your choosing.

9. The North Country Trail

DISTANCE: 19.5 miles (31.5 km)| TIME: 6+ hours | DIFFICULTY: Hard

The North Country Trail is the longest and most challenging hike in Tahquamenon Falls but also offers some of the most sought-after views. The trail runs from Tahquamenon Falls to the abandoned town of Emerson.

There are lots of views of the river, and it includes a route between the Upper and Lower Falls. If you want to see a bit of everything, then this might be the hike for you!

It’s also possible to hike parts of it, without having to do the whole thing. Most people tend to choose a section of the trail to do in a day, regardless of whether they plan to do the rest of it or not.

Along the trail, there are lots of exposed roots, and sometimes the signage is not the best, so good footwear is needed. There are some hilly areas, but there are switchbacks to make the climbing much easier.

To hike on the North Country Trail, you can park at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery. It’s important to know that because of the length, this is not a loop trail, so you will need to turn around and make your way back to the brewery parking lot when you want to finish your hike.

10. Clark Lake to Tahquamenon Falls Trail

DISTANCE: 8.5 miles (13.8 km) | TIME: 3 hours | DIFFICULTY: Moderate

This trail allows for a combination of Clark Lake and a scenic hike through the forest. The trail doesn’t include any sections of the waterfalls, but it can connect to other trails that do, such as the Lower and Upper Route Trails.

Along the Clark Lake to Tahquamenon Falls Trail, you have views of the forest, with surrounding meadows, and the picturesque Clark Lake towards either the beginning or end of your hike, depending on which end you start.

It is not usually busy and can be done in 3 hours or less. Keep in mind though, that it’s an out-and-back trail, so you’ll need to return the way you came in order to get back to your car.

The parking options for this route are either at Clark Lake Road or at the Lower Falls parking area.

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Tahquamenon Falls Hiking Packing List

Here’s everything you need for a successful hiking trip in Tahquamenon Falls.

1) Waterproof hiking boots

Tahquamenon Falls can be wet and muddy, even during the summer months. It’s worth it to bring hiking shoes or boots that are water resistant or waterproof to avoid getting wet socks.

2) Bug Spray

The Tahquamenon Falls State Park is known for being incredibly buggy, especially in the summer. Be sure to bring a bug spray, and use other insect repellants, such as mosquito stickers to keep the bugs at bay.

3) Layers

The weather in the Upper Peninsula can be unpredictable. It’s important to bring clothing that you can layer so that you can control your temperature on a hike. Whether it’s summer or winter, make sure you have a couple of layers to peel off or put on.

4) Reusable water bottle

Help the environment by bringing a full, reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your hike.

5) Michigan Recreation Passport

If you’re bringing a car into Tahquamenon Falls State Park, then you’ll need to purchase a Michigan Recreation Passport online in advance. It costs $13 per vehicle entering the park and you can buy it online here in advance. The cost goes towards maintenance of the park.

6) Hat and sunscreen

Many of the hiking trails in Tahquamenon Falls have exposed land with minimal shade,
and you can expect some time in the sun.

7) Rain gear

The weather forecast in the Upper Peninsula can change very quickly, with the winds coming off the Great Lakes. Whether you’re going in summer or winter, be sure to bring gear to keep dry and warm in case it rains

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Tahquamenon Falls Hiking Tips

Here are five important tips to make sure your hiking trip to Tahquamenon Falls goes smoothly and you make the most of your time there

✅Tip 1 – Book your accommodations ASAP. Tahquamenon Falls is extremely popular in the summer and fall months and the camping spots and nearby places to stay fill up fast. Get your reservation in early to avoid disappointment

✅Tip 2 – Cell phone service is pretty limited in the Tahquamenon Falls State Park. If you’re using a map (which is highly recommended,) be sure to download it to your device ahead of time so you don’t have to rely on the internet

✅Tip 3 – Stop at Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub at some point during one of your hikes. It’s a cozy, rustic place to relax before or after lots of walking. They serve an array of salads, pastas and soups and have a children’s menu.

✅Tip 4 – The hike between the two waterfalls (Upper and Lower) is very scenic, but it is a long, 2.5-hour hike. I recommend that you park your car at the Upper Falls parking lot, and then hike from there to the Lower Falls and use the shuttle service for your return. (Summer months only.)

✅Tip 5 – The shuttle service between the Upper and Lower Falls generally runs between Memorial Day Weekend and early October. You can find information on their pick-up times and costs here.

✅Tip 6 – Many of the hiking trails in Tahquamenon Falls State Park are connected, and you have options to branch off during your hike onto other trails. Keep your eyes peeled during your hike so you know which direction you’re headed in.

✅Tip 7 – Don’t be alarmed by the brown color of the Upper Falls. They get their color from the cedar swamps that the river is drained from and are nicknamed “the root beer falls” for this reason.

✅Tip 8 – Tahquamenon Falls State Park is fairly isolated, and is 1-2 hours away from most other towns and attractions. However, one attraction that is worth visiting nearby is the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (30 minutes away).

Tahquamenon Falls Hiking: FAQ

Here are the most commonly asked questions about hiking in Tahquamenon Falls, and visiting the state park

Final Thoughts: Tahquamenon Falls Hiking

By now, you hopefully feel more prepared for your Tahquamenon Falls Hiking adventure. There are a good handful of breathtaking hikes that you can take in Tahquamenon Falls State Park to get great views of the falls and make the most of the scenic beauty throughout the park.

There are a variety of hiking trails in the Tahquamenon Falls State Park; some are short, 20-minute hikes and others are longer hikes that can take 6 hours or more.

By now, you probably have noticed that many of the hiking trails in Tahquamenon Falls are connected. By looking at a map and planning your adventure, you can create hiking itineraries that involve two or more trails at once.

I believe that Tahquamenon Falls is one of the most rewarding places to go hiking in Michigan because of the incredible views and the uniquely breathtaking waterfalls, of which there are so many lookouts and places to relax.

By wearing appropriate footwear and clothing and carrying necessities such as water and bug spray, you will be set for an amazing hike in Tahquamenon Falls.

Happy Hiking!

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