Nestled in the heart of Michigan’s upper peninsula is a wonderful secret! The gorgeous Canyon Falls and Gorge, located outside of L’Anse, is a gorgeous natural wonder that you shouldn’t miss out on, especially not if you call the Great Lakes State home! Take a look and enjoy the splendor of this stunning locale!
Canyon Falls And Gorge
Commonly and affectionately referred to as the Grand Canyon of Michigan, Canyon Falls and Gorge is a beautiful stretch of unique river landscape! Thousands of years of erosion from the Sturgeon River have carved out a gorgeous canyon impressive enough to garner it’s fanciful nickname! A great roadside park greets visitors to begin their journey to the falls, and it even comes complete with a picnic area for those hoping to stop and stay a while! Roughly a one-mile-long hike will get you to the river to see this stunning sight, which makes it easy for families to share in the adventure!
You will first come to the stunning Canyon Falls, with a relaxing rush of water that falls 15 feet! The river then enters the canyon, which you can view from above on the nice walking trails! Eventually the trail gets tougher to navigate, but can be a fun challenge for more experienced hikers! Feel free to bring your fishing pole, as the river holds a good amount of trout! This experience is great in any season, as high waters rush through the canyon in the spring, and gorgeous fall colors add to its beauty in the fall!
Canyon Falls is tucked away about 10 miles south of L’Anse, MI, just off of US 41. To the unsuspecting passerby, this spot may not look like much, as the roadside park looks pretty standard, but it is well worth the stop if you’re willing to make the mile-long hike! Whether you’re planning to stay in the area or are just passing through, be sure to make the stop at beautiful Canyon Falls!
Camping
There are plenty of great options for camping near Canyon Falls! Whether you’re looking for a quiet and rustic experience or want something more modern and fun, this area has something perfect for you!
Sturgeon River Campground
This nice campground is fairly close to the fun of Canyon Falls, and provides plenty of fun itself! This campground is located just outside the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness Area, where you’ll enjoy plenty of hiking and fishing! Amenities are sparse with only a pit toilet and hand-pump water, but the location is great! There are nine sites total offered on a first come, first served basis. And the best part? There is no fee to stay! You can’t beat free camping!
Baraga State Park
Sitting on the shores of Lake Superior on Keweenaw Bay, this neat campground is the perfect comfortable spot to stay! Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, or simply want a beautiful spot to relax, Baraga State Park is perfect! There are plenty of family activities held throughout the season, making it a great stay for family vacations! You will be pleased at the $20 per night modern sites ($19 pull-through sites) or if you’d like to try something different, the Baraga Teepee is available for $35 a night! Make your reservations on the Michigan DNR website!
Norway Lake Campground
Another rustic yet fun option is Norway Lake Campground! Although it is a bit of a drive away from Canyon Falls, this campground still is relaxing and boasts plenty of fun! Located in the midst of the great Ottawa National Forest, this campground features 27 sites, for both tents and RVs! Vault toilets and hand-pump water are offered. No reservations are accepted, so sites are available for $14 per night on a first come, first served basis! This area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, as Lake Norway provides opportunity for fishing and boating, and the nearby Ottawa National Forest has hiking areas!
Surrounding Area
A trip to Canyon Falls and the surrounding area will have you away from all the hustle and bustle of your average tourist town! When you’re not relaxing in the tranquility of your campsite or exploring the surrounding nature areas, there are a few great spots you shouldn’t miss! Whether you’re staying in Baraga or making the trip up, stop to see the amazing Bishop Baraga Shrine, which features an amazing sculpture of bishop Frederick Baraga, who is heralded as the first bishop of the U.P. and fondly known as the Snowshoe Priest!
Pete’s Petting Zoo is another spot, with a wide variety of animals, making it a fun stop on a family vacation! Baraga also features Lower Silver Falls, which is located in the town and worth a visit! If you’re willing to make the drive over, Adventure Mining Company is well worth your time with its mine tours and adventures!
For an ultimately relaxing and fun adventure in the upper peninsula, head up to L’Anse, MI and check out Canyon Falls and Gorge, and the surrounding area! Fun is never far, and you won’t forget the beautiful sights! Have you taken the Canyon Falls hike, or experienced any fun spots in the area? Share with us in the comments!
