Flowing Tahquamenon Lower Falls

This vertical photo captures the powerful beauty of the Tahquamenon Lower Falls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on a rainy day, when recent weeks of heavy rainfall had caused the Tahquamenon River to surge with dramatic force. Located within Tahquamenon Falls State Park near Lake Superior, between Newberry and Paradise, Michigan, the falls are part of one of the most visited natural attractions in the region. The river’s distinct brown color comes from tannins leached from nearby cedar swamps. The park features two main waterfalls—the Upper Falls, which span over 200 feet and drop nearly 48 feet, and the Lower Falls, a collection of five smaller cascades flowing around a central island that can be accessed by rowboat. The Upper Falls are considered the third most voluminous vertical waterfall east of the Mississippi River, especially during the spring runoff, releasing up to 50,000 gallons of water per second. A scenic hiking trail runs between the falls, and the Lower Falls are a popular spot for wading during warmer months. Open year-round, the park attracts visitors in all seasons, with snowmobile access and maintained walkways in winter. Rich in history and culture, the area is referenced in Longfellow’s The Song of Hiawatha as “the rushing Tahquamenaw,” and also appears in Sufjan Stevens’s song “Tahquamenon Falls” from his Michigan album.

This photo was taken by Jennifer White with Timeless Moments Photography. All images are copyrighted © Timeless Moments Photography/Jennifer White. All rights reserved.