Michigan's Upper Peninsula is one of the most gorgeous places to visit. You have luscious tree lines, beautiful beaches, and cascading waterfalls. I mean, truly, an abundance of waterfalls! They're everywhere along the Lake Superior shoreline and along the many rivers throughout the U.P. I've compiled a list of my favorite Falls.
Bridal Veil Falls- Munising, MI (Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore)
Visible to those that take the Pictured Rocks Boat Tour (of which I highly recommend for those that are first-timers to the Lakeshore), Bridal Veil Falls doesn't run year-round. It dries up in the late summer during the dryer part of the year and flourishes in the early spring during the snow melt. It's quite amazing to see the staining of the rocks where the water flows (or is supposed to flow) by the minerals in the water.
Tahquamenon Falls- Paradise, MI
A state park, this set of waterfalls are easy to get to and view. Heck, it even has it's own brewery on the premises. The park is open year-round, making it a great escape for cross country skiers and hikers alike, and being able to view it in every season it really cool. You can see how the weather effects the water levels and see where ice can form on rivers and waterfalls. What really makes this set of falls (There are Upper Falls and Lower Falls located within hiking distance of one another on this river) is the brown color of the river. It's colored naturally by tannins that have leached into the river. It's completely harmless, but very cool to see the colors cascading down the rocks.
Memorial Falls- Munising, MI
Not very well known, Memorial Falls is another set of two waterfalls, the secondary one not always running during the hotter, dryer months. It's located along hiking trails that are accessible via a residential area in Munising. Yes, it feels like you're walking through someone's backyard at first, but I assure you that you aren't! I love this waterfall for two main reasons. 1). You have to cross a tiny footbridge that crosses the creek right over top of the waterfall. It feels as if you're about to skydive right into the gorge! 2). Once you cross the bridge, you walk down into the gorge and right behind the waterfall!
Spray Falls- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
This waterfall requires a bit of hiking to get to. Okay, I under-exaggerated. It's about a half of a day's trip one way to get to the Falls, or a late-evening tour boat trip. I made it almost there to see Spray Falls one year with my dad. Granted, we saw them from a distance, but they were still pretty amazing to see! There's a reason they're named Spray Falls: the water just sprays off the cliff, straight into Lake Superior.
Jacob's Falls- Eagle River, MI
Partially visible from the road, this is a set of falls that's fun to explore. The paths aren't the greatest, which makes it a little more fun trying to climb up the gorge. It's certainly a great spot to pull over and let the family stretch their legs for an hour or so.
Manganese Falls- Copper Harbor, MI
These falls are really fun to hike! You can climb over and around them via the trails around the creek. The height might make some squeamish, but it's definitely an adventure that you should take! And the town it's closest to is definitely a fun tourist trap, too. Copper Harbor is the northern most town in Michigan with the historical Fort Wilkins State Park. There are a lot of fun Gift Shops to roam around, too!
Alger Falls- Munising, MI
Seen directly from the road as you're heading into Munising are the Alger Falls. They're some of my favorite falls because just the site of them means that we're nearing our destination of the Pictured Rocks. It's pure nostalgia and excitement!
