A collection of Michigan’s most breathtaking trails runs along and around the state’s more than 51,000 miles of river, including 656 miles designated as wild and scenic by the U.S. Forest Service. Most offer unforgettable experiences and views, taking hikers to bluffs high above the rushing water or close enough to feel the spray of waterfalls. Here are four of Michigan’s finest river hikes.
North Country Trail
Black River Section
How does encountering one waterfall per mile sound? It’s possible on this picturesque stretch of the North Country Trail, near Bessemer in the Upper Peninsula.
The hike is a roughly 7- to 9-mile, out-and-back excursion passing five jaw-dropping waterfalls on the Black River as it descends through a canyon-like setting during the final stretch of its awesome journey to Lake Superior.
The best place to begin is at the parking lot for Great Conglomerate Falls, off the Black River Scenic Byway. Take the path there to where it intersects with the North Country Trail and the falls, which divides the river into two sections around a chunk of conglomerate rock before dropping 40 feet.
Head north on the NCT to Potawatomi Falls, which tumbles 30 feet over a large rock that also splits the flow. Most of the water is pushed toward the eastern bank; the other side is a steeper plunge.
A short distance downstream and a short walk off the path is Gorge Falls, a 25-foot drop through a narrow rock passage. Next, Sandstone Falls spills through varied, unique rock formations. At 15 feet, it’s the smallest of the five, but visitors can get close enough to feel its spray.
Finally, Rainbow Falls, a 35-foot drop, is named for the rainbows created by its mist. It features a viewing platform, but rocks and trees partially obstruct the view due to the falls’ angle.
Head onward to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area and cross the river on a 210-foot, wooden suspension bridge that leads to a pristine stretch of Lake Superior beach. Take the NCT south from the beach about three-quarters of a mile to get a better view of Rainbow Falls before retracing your steps.
River Trail
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
This 5.1-mile, one-way trek between the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls (near Paradise) encompasses all that both sites have to offer. In between, hikers experience a bit more solitude, along with scenic river views and wildlife sightings.
The Upper Falls’ allure is well-documented, as it drops nearly 50 feet and spans 200 feet across the river. From there, the trail meanders through old-growth forest, sizable cedars, and hemlocks as it hugs the river’s edge before ascending and descending several times. There are exposed roots and several staircases, but that only adds to the adventure.
The Lower Falls are a series of five distinct cascades separated by small, rocky outcrops running around an island. Cool off by wading just upstream from the rapids on the Lower Falls Island, which can be explored via a half-mile loop and accessed from the Ronald A. Olson Bridge. Look for designated wading areas to help prevent bank erosion.
The hiker shuttle service will not be operating this season. Visitors should be prepared to hike both ways (10 miles), to stage a vehicle at the end of their one-way hike, or to arrange for pick-up by a member of their party.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: The new 900-foot boardwalk, with multiple switchbacks to the Upper Falls, should open by fall of 2025. All other viewing platforms remain open and accessible.
Jordan Valley Pathway
This iconic loop encircling the Jordan River, with its many elevation changes, packs plenty into its 19.5 miles, including mesmerizing overlooks, scenic stream crossings, a cedar swamp, beaver ponds, wooded valleys, and a variety of wildlife and wildflowers.
While sections can be shorter out-and-back treks, many hikers split the journey into longer two-day backpacking trips, spending the night at the primitive Pinney Bridge State Campground for a fee.
The hike begins at Deadman’s Hill trailhead off U.S. 131, roughly 11 miles north of Mancelona. Deadman’s Hill, one of the Lower Peninsula’s most stunning overlooks, features sweeping views of the Jordan River Valley.
Going clockwise will mean a slightly shorter hike (9.5 miles) on day two. After about 3 miles, the path begins descending into the valley, eventually crossing a bridge over tranquil Section 13 Creek, which in the spring has trilliums growing along its banks.
The trail then begins climbing to Landslide Overlook and a walk along the top of a ridge before dropping down to the campground. Day two begins with a climb to another site with valley views and the potential for wildlife sightings.
Highbanks Trail
Traversing through a canopy of pines and oak on bluffs more than 100 feet above the Au Sable River, this 7-mile, one-way jaunt west of Oscoda combines some of the Lower Peninsula’s most dramatic views. It can be split into shorter distances.
Iargo Springs, located a mile east of M-65 off the River Road Scenic Byway, provides access to the western trailhead. It’s probably the best place to begin the hike. Glance beyond a wooden fence to experience the first breathtaking Au Sable River vista before descending about 300 stairs to the springs, where waters surge forth from a mossy bluff to form several small streams.
A 300-meter boardwalk begins at the bottom of the stairs and winds among towering cedar trees. There are eight observation decks, some situated above the gurgling springs.
Two miles east is Canoer’s Memorial Monument and another can’t-miss overlook. The stone monument, topped by a pair of giant paddles, honors those who attempt the annual Au Sable River Canoe Marathon, a 120-mile race from Grayling to Oscoda.
Roughly 2 miles away is Lumberman’s Monument, a 14-foot bronze statue honoring lumber-era workers. The area has additional historical exhibits, and more observation decks high above the river, as well as about a 260-step stairway descending to the Au Sable’s banks.
Sand Dune Overlook, providing the trail’s most jaw-dropping sunset views, is just past Lumberman’s Monument. Horseshoe Island and most of Cooke Dam Pond are visible. The journey ends at Sawmill Point, where hikers can celebrate their Pure Michigan adventures.
PLAN IT!
North Country Trail Black River Section
northcountrytrail.org/trail/michigan/nmk
River Trail, Tahquamenon Falls State Park
dnr.state.mi.us/tahquamenonfalls
Jordan Valley Pathway
michigantrailmaps.com/jordanvalleypathway
Highbanks Trail
oscoda.com/project/highbanks-trail-area
