Tahq Falls

They are the largest waterfalls entirely in the United States east of the Mississippi River. (Niagara is larger but is shared with Canada.) Tahquamenon Falls, actually two sets of falls, are also notable for the color of the water spilling over the falls, tannins from the local cedar trees give the water a brownish cast. With the color and the natural foam some folks are reminded of root beer!  We visited the Lower Falls and contemplated making the hike to the Upper Falls until we started out on the trail. Actually the term “trail” is a bit generous. We decided to opt out of eight miles of climbing over tree roots and avoiding mud pits. Instead paused for a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie then drove to the Upper Falls! On the way back wd stopped at the picnic area on Whitefish Bay. While we were there we talked with a local about the area and what winters are like here in Paradise.