Page 35 - Michigan RV and Campgrounds

Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds
MARVAC
Michigan Upper Peninsula Region
Road Trip: Sightseeing Natural Wonders • Total Driving Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes • Mileage: 177 miles
The Mitten State has its share of impressive natural wonders – especially in the Upper Peninsula. The diverse ecology and beauty in this part of the state is what first attracted settlers as well as helped Michigan to prosper. There is so much to see that it’s difficult to choose, but to save time, we’ve concentrated our road trip to the eastern part of the UP. There is much more to see in the western portion, especially in the Keweenaw Peninsula. So get out the GPS and make your way to these five natural wonders of the UP.
from the parking lot to the observation deck for a glimpse. And if you want, or have the time, spend some time around Munising walking around. There are more waterfalls to be found that aren’t included on any maps so they don’t see many travelers. Maybe you’ll find one.
Stop #4. Highway H-58
You don’t even need to get out of the
RV for this “stop” because the journey is the destination. The paved county-designated highway of H-58 from Munising to Grand Marais is one of the most picturesque drives
in the country. The 69-mile route takes you through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and invites you to view several waterfalls and lighthouses along the way. Stop at your leisure.
Stop #5. Log Slide Overview, Grand Marais
One stop that should be on your list as you make your way on H-58 is the Log Slide Overlook up Log Slide Road. Loggers used
to slide logs down this steep slope into Lake Superior. Take the sandy trail to its peak, only a short walk, and you’ll be rewarded by one of the most gorgeous panoramas in Michigan. If you’re feeling adventurous and want
to stretch your legs (and get a cardio workout), run down the steep slope to
the lake, dip your feet in, and then hike
your way back up. It’s only eight miles
more to Grand Marais once you get
back in the RV – and ice cream!
Stop #1. Tahquamenon Falls, Paradise
What better place to begin your tour than
at Tahquamenon Falls State Park? Flowing through the park is the Tahquamenon River and its waterfalls, made famous by the Longfellow poem “Hiawatha.” The Upper Falls is the second largest east of the Mississippi and stretches 200 feet across. The unique amber color is from tanic acid from the surrounding cedar and hemlock swamps. The falls are easy to get to via a parking lot and short walk along a paved path. Go fairly early in the morning to experience the majesty and sound of the falls without distractions from other visitors. You can either get back in the RV or vehicle or hike the four-mile (one way) trail along the river to the Lower Falls. The Lower Falls is a series of five smaller falls flowing around a small island. You can view the falls from this island if you rent a rowboat from a park concession.
Stop #2. Kitchi-Iti-Kipi, Manistique
Drive for about two hours west on M-123 and M-117 to reach Kitch-iti-kipi or “The Big Spring” located in Palms Book State Park. The state’s largest spring and dubbed the “Mirror of Heaven” by early Native Americans, it’s
easy to see why this is such a popular spot. The water is emerald green though crystal clear. Go on the observation raft, which is on a cable, and look through the viewing windows on the floor to see underwater features such as ancient tree trunks and big trout. Since the spring flows throughout the year at a constant 45 degrees, the spring never freezes. Have a picnic at one of the nearby tables.
Stop #3. Wagner Falls, Munising
There are quite a few impressive, popularly visited waterfalls to see around this area, and Wagner Falls is one of them. Nestled among virgin pine and hemlock trees, the falls cascade dreamily down a hillside. Take the half-mile trail
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