Canyon Falls and Gorge Hike – Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Canyon Falls and Gorge Roadside Park – Aug 13, 2012

If you are traveling on US 41 south of L’Anse, MI make sure to stop at the Canyon Falls Roadside Park to stretch your legs.  We stopped for lunch on our way to Porcupine Mountains.

From the road this looks just like all the other rest stops in the Upper Peninsula with picnic tables and pit toilets. However, if you follow the trail down the hill into the woods in about a half mile you reach Canyon Falls and beyond this is a very unique gorge unlike anywhere else in Michigan.

Checking out the trail map.

Following the well beaten path down to see Canyon Falls.

Some trees growing on top of a rock slab along the trail.

About half way to the falls the trail starts to parallel the dark waters of the Sturgeon River. At high water times it looked like this would also be an interesting section of river to see.

Canyon Falls is beautiful 15 to 20 foot high cascade over rock shelves.

Right after the falls the Sturgeon River flows into the gorge that gives the falls it’s name.

If you continue following the blue trail blazes past the falls overlook it goes right along edge of the gorge. Looking down the shear rocks walls is probably even more impressive than the falls. This section requires some careful hiking because there are several sections with large drop-offs right on the edge of the trail. Mom was squeezing the kids hands pretty tight through here.

Looking over the edge down to the Surgeon River.

After walking along the Canyon for about a quarter mile we decided it was time to turn around so we could get back and continue our drive on to Porcupine Mountains. We will have to come back and continue further up the trail when our kids are a little older.

Directions to Canyon Falls Roadside Park on US 41 >>

For more on this hike pick up a copy of: Best Hikes with Children in Michigan

Continue along with us on this trip to out next stop in the Porkies >>

 

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