Author: marklongmainstream (Page 4 of 277)

Wagner Falls Scenic Site is nestled among old-growth pine and hemlock trees just 1.5 miles south of Munising. A .1-mile trail connects a small parking area to an observation deck overlooking the falls. Wagner Falls Scenic Site is located at  Junction Of M-28 And M-94, Munising, Michigan. For more information, click here.

Wagner Falls is a beautiful and easily accessible waterfall with a height of 20 feet. The watersouce for the falls is Wagner Creek. This waterfall is stunning for those who enjoy photographing waterfalls, or for those who would like to find a peaceful spot to enjoy.

Wagner Falls is one of the Upper Peninsula’s many impressive waterfalls and is frequently visited along with other Munising area falls such as Horseshoe Falls. Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park is located 27 miles to the west along M-94.

There are no restrooms and no water, so please plan accordingly. Pets are welcome but must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control.

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The centerpiece of Tahquamenon Falls State Park’s nearly 50,000 acres is the Tahquamenon River with its waterfalls viewable from multiple accessible overlooks. The Upper Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, has a drop of nearly 50 feet, is more than 200 feet across and has a maximum water flow of more than 50,000 gallons per second. Just 4 miles downstream is the Lower Falls, which consists of a series of five smaller falls cascading around an island that can be reached by a rowboat rented from a park concession.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park encompasses nearly 50,000 acres and stretches 13-plus miles in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The park is home to multiple campgrounds, overnight lodging facilities, a boating access site, 35-plus miles of trails and multiple overlooks to the Upper and Lower Falls.

There’s a fee-based shuttle that transports visitors between the Upper and Lower Falls. The schedule varies by season, contact the park directly for updated schedules.

The 200-feet-wide Upper Falls is one the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The river’s amber color is caused by tannins leached from the cedar, spruce and hemlock trees in the swamps drained by the river, and the extremely soft water churned by the action of the falls causes the river’s trademark large amounts of foam. Just 4 miles downstream is the Lower Falls, consisting of a series of five smaller falls cascading around an island. The falls can be viewed from the riverbank and accessible Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge, or by a rowboat rented from a park concession.

The North Country Trail travels 16 miles within the park, and includes a route between the Upper and Lower Falls. Thank you to the North Country Trail Association Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter.

Black bear, coyote, otter, deer, fox, porcupine, beaver and abundant bird life, including spruce grouse, pileated woodpeckers, bald eagles and a variety of waterfowl and songbirds can be found in the park. Moose are occasionally seen feeding in the wet areas of the park, especially along M-123 between Paradise and the Lower Falls.

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The park features a half-mile trail leading to three observation platforms overlooking Laughing Whitefish Falls, one of the Upper Peninsula’s many impressive waterfalls. Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park is located at M-94 and Sundell Rd intersection in Sundell Michigan. For more information, click here.

The falls cascade through a picturesque gorge with old-growth white pine and hemlock trees towering above. There are three observation platforms to view the falls from different levels, which can be reached by a half-mile hike through beech-maple forest (1 mile round-trip). The upper observation platform does not have any stairs leading to it, and a wooden staircase leads to the middle (20 stairs from the top) and lower (137 stairs from the top) observation platforms.

There is a charcoal grill and hand pump for water near the parking area; however, please pack all trash out with you as there are no trash cans. Pets are welcome but must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be packed out to be properly disposed of later.

The North Country Trail runs through the north end of the park, with a 1.9-mile spur trail connecting to the park’s main trail to the falls. This national scenic trail hiking route from North Dakota to New York includes more than 1,500 miles in Michigan.

During the winter, the park is only accessible via snowshoe or ungroomed cross-country ski trails. The road leading into the park is seasonal and unplowed with no turn-around. The dirt road leading to the park may be very muddy at times.

If your looking for nearby lodging, check out the Doo North Lodge. You can contact them at 1 419-733-1648. Or view their Facebook page here.

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P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, located in Muskegon, is situated on 3 miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline and features a modern campground, towering dunes, 10 miles of scenic trails and the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center.

Hoffmaster State Park is located at 6585 Lake Harbor Road in Muskegon Michigan. For more information on this beautiful park and the amenities available, click here.

One of the park’s main attractions is the dune climb along the Dune Overlook Trail, an approximately half-mile roundtrip climb with about 220 steps and benches along the way. For a more moderately steep hike, follow the 2-mile-long (roundtrip) Homestead Trail that includes a stop at Lake Michigan.

To better understand how these forested dunes were created, stop into the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center, which features exhibits and programming.

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park has over three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, and a 297-site modern campground. There is also three different marked hiking trails, including the Dune Overlook Trail.

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From its humble beginning as a 940-acre park atop Double Oak Mountain established by the Alabama State Lands Act of 1927, Oak Mountain State Park has grown to 11,861 acres making it Alabama’s largest state park. Oak Mountain State Park is located at 200 Terrace Dr, in Pelham, Alabama. For more information, click here.

With the largest land-area, one of the widest varieties of outdoor activities of any state park, and its proximity to Birmingham, Oak Mountain is a perfect stop while traveling to and from the state’s largest city. Topping it all off is the park’s stunning physical landscape, which alone makes for an unforgettable experience.

Mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking are three of the most popular activities at the park. With more than 100 miles of trails, visitors have plenty of options to choose from be it a short loop or an overnight trip. The Red Trail has even been included on the International Mountain Biking Association’s (IMBA) list of EPIC rides.

Nestled in a large cul-de-sac which borders Beaver Lake and surrounded by rolling hills topped with the long lived and majestic Longleaf Pines, the campground is a favorite spot for families to get away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. The campground is open for camping year-round.

Oak Mountain State Park offers ten fully equipped cabins that are open year-round. All cabins are set up for light housekeeping with linens furnished. Each cabin has two bedrooms with 1- King bed and 2-Queen beds (MAXIMUM CAPACITY 6), one bath, a kitchenette with utensils and cookware, central heat and air, porch, grill and picnic table. Dish Network and a flat screen TV are located in the living room of each cabin, and all cabins are equipped with wireless internet access. Two Vehicles max per cabin.

Oak Mountain is the perfect place for a family getaway or for your next epic hike. The park is amazing and the campgrounds and cabins make extended stay more comfortable.

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