Discover Michigan's Canyon Falls

Background

About an hour west of Marquette off the US 41 is a roadside park often overlooked by travelers heading further into Copper Country. Canyon Falls, known as "Michigan's Grand Canyon," showcases geological formations reminiscent of a Pacific Northwest rainforest.

A fall weekday proved the perfect time to hike the falls, with changing leaves and minimal crowds.

Map of Canyon Falls Michigan

Canyon Falls would top the list if I had only an hour to introduce someone to the Upper Peninsula. With easy roadside access, a short hike through the gorge offers a glimpse of this natural wonder.

The falls stand 15-20 feet tall, but pictures don't capture the area's true beauty.

Despite having a page dedicated to Western U.P. waterfalls, Canyon Falls deserves its own feature. The land's structure suggests that a bear or cougar might appear at any moment. As the Sturgeon River carves through Copper Country, onlookers are treated to 15-20-foot falls surrounded by a deep gorge, inviting further exploration downstream.

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Hiking Canyon Falls

The trail is a mile in and a mile out. Crowds are decent on weekends but not overwhelming. We couldn't resist stopping where the beaten path ends; the Sturgeon River's photogenic nature made further exploration a must. However, the rocky terrain can be slippery when wet, and some trails become sketchy as the path continues. Still, the adventure is worth it.

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Jump! Jump! Jump!

While not entirely safe, cliff jumping at Canyon Falls is popular among locals and NMU students. The "Plunge Pool," with cliffs up to 30 feet, offers a thrilling experience, but it's not for the faint-hearted or those with a belly full of pasties. Watching YouTube videos beforehand is recommended to gauge the risk.

Yvon Chouinard, Founder of Patagonia, once said, "The word adventure has gotten overused. For me, when everything goes wrong – that’s when adventure starts.”

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While Traveling

• Hilltop Restaurant in L'Anse: Known for its mythical GIANT Sweet Roll, this destination restaurant offers a full menu for hungry travelers.

• Chasing Waterfalls: Nearby falls include Powerhouse, Sturgeon, Ogemaw, Lower Silver, and Middle Falls, all accessible within a few hours.

• Baraga State Park: A campground with overlooks of Lake Superior, offering a convenient location.

• Gorge Trail: A 3.9-mile "out and back" rugged hiking venture with stunning scenery and plenty of photo opportunities.

• Wildlife Spotting: On the way from Marquette, be alert for bear and moose. If you see cars pulled over, it's likely due to wildlife sightings. Remember, don't attempt to take selfies with wildlife like moose—enjoy from a distance!

Looking 30 feet down into the mighty Sturgeon River... I think I'll launch the canoe somewhere else.

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Photography by Michelle Guilbault and Jake Hooker