Experience Waterfalls

Tahquamenon Lower Falls

Waterfalls offer an escape! There is a calming effect watching that precious water cascade over the edge to pooling waters below. Stress seems to follow the water, leaving our bodies as we are mesmerized by the cooling flow.  Transformed and reinvigorated to meet the challenges ahead, we draw near these natural wonders to repeat the cycle and nourish our psyche.

Paradise is located north of the Tahquamenon River mouth.  As the river meanders southeast along the Tahquamenon River basin it traverses elevations resulting in waters falls.  There are actually six waterfalls: the Tahquamenon Upper Falls and a series of five encompassed as the Tahquamenon Lower Falls. 

Tahquamenon Upper Falls

The Tahquamenon Upper Falls which span a width of 200 feet, dropping some 50,000 gallons of water some 50 feet.  Based on the volume of water flowing over the falls, Tahquamenon Upper Falls is considered the 2nd largest waterfalls west of the Mississippi.  The Tahquamenon Upper Falls park entrance is located 12 miles from the blinking light in Paradise. Commonly referred to as the Root Beer Falls, the Tahquamenon Upper Falls' amber color water is caused by tannins leached from the cedar, spruce and hemlock in the swamps drained by the river. The park has an asphalt path that stretches 1/2 mile to an observation deck of the Upper Falls.  The path can be navigated by wheelchair and there are benches along the route to rest as needed.  There are signs that identify various plant species indigenous to the area.  There is an observation deck near the surface of the falls which is accessible by steps. 

The entrance to the Tahquamenon Lower Falls is located just seven miles southwest of Paradise on M-123, Michigan's Tahquamenon Scenic Byway. The lower falls is a a series of five waterfalls that cascade around an island situated within the Tahquamenon River.  As of 2022, it is possible for site visitors to walk to the island over a bridge built in fall, 2021.  Managed by the Michigan Tahquamenon Falls State Park, these falls are preserved in their natural environment. The lower falls can be observed from the riverbank, the bridge, or from the island.  Boat rentals will be available again to row to the island in 2023.  The boat excursion is a family favorite!  Each of the falls are incredible in every season.

The ultimate experience is a hike between da falls; a 4.6 mile trek that meanders between the falls.  The trail is not for the faint of heart as it changes elevations among tree roots and plants.   There is a concession stand at the lower falls and a microbrewery, restaurant at the upper falls.  There are gift shops at each location.  We invite you to travel to Paradise in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to experience the grandeur of Waterfalls.

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This information is brought to you by the Paradise Area Tourism Council and their members:  Curley's Paradise Motel, Magnuson Grand Lakefront Paradise, Paradise Shores Cabins, and Vagabond Motel. Sign up for our newsletter to stay current on activities in the area