Canyon Falls and Gorge: The UP's Grand Canyon (2022)
Michigan’s Grand Canyon aka Canyon Falls & Gorge, is a place like no other you need to experience today
Canyon Falls aka the Grand Canyon of Michigan, is nowhere near as grandeur, but is an amazing destination you need to experience in the Upper Peninsula. Keep reading to discover all about Michigan’s Canyon Falls and Gorge
Canyon Falls and Gorge Travel Guide
Directions to Canyon Falls Roadside Park
Directions from Marquette to Canyon Falls and Gorge:
- Take Highway 41 west for about 1 hour into Baraga County. You will see signs as you get close and if you don’t follow your GPS.
The parking lot is a Michigan Rest Stop area so it’s well marked and easy to find. For those who aren’t sure of the area, it’s in the Central North-East part of the UP about 15 miles south of L’anse
Best Things to do at Canyon Falls and Gorge
- Cliff Jump – You won’t be disappointed with Michigan’s best cliff jumps! If you like cliff jumping, make sure to try cliff jumping at Canyon Falls once in your life! (More cliff jumping info below)
- Hike – The trail along the gorge is easy and incredibly scenic. This place needs to be on everyone’s must-visit places in the Upper Peninsula
- Photograph the Natural Beauty – The number of compositions at your fingertips is staggering. From long exposures with varying waterfalls to the nooks and crannies you can navigate yourself to, you are replete with options.
- Stretch your legs and Recharge – Not everyone needs to partake in the above three but a nice walk into nature during a road trip is always refreshing. Don’t worry, this will be the greatest leg stretch
- Fish – Follow the Sturgeon River and cast your line downstream for some unbelievable fishing
Canyon Falls Cliff Jumping
Canyon Falls Cliff Jumping is the best place in Michigan to cliff jump.
There are a few different places to jump but the largest leap is about 30-40 feet!
The more relaxed cliff jumps of about 10-15 feet are found in the earlier sections of the trail while the larger one mentioned above, is after the second main waterfall on the trail.
The water depth is plenty deep but ensure you are jumping in the right areas to avoid another issues!
Hiking to the Sturgeon River
The Canyon Falls and Gorge hike is roughly 1 mile of flat and level terrain. The beginning of the hike is canopied trees and peaceful streams while walking over sections of elevated trail.
Shortly after you will be introduced to the River on your left while the terrain remains easy but more rugged. Continuing downstream, the scenery only develops with each new waterfall and widening of the gorge.
The hike doesn’t take long but it’s easy to get engulfed with this Upper Peninsula secluded beauty. For those in a rush or want to experience it quick, plan for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Canyon Falls and Gorge FAQ
The Grand Canyon of Michigan aka Canyon Gorge, reaches a depth of 300 feet at its widest point!
Dogs are allowed at Canyon Falls! Make sure to keep your pup on a leash and let them get some Vitamin D
Kids will love Canyon Falls. Careful around some of the gorge edges as if you slip and fall you will be in real danger.
Yes. They get used interchangeably but many people refer to the lower end of the trail as the Sturgeon River Gorge. If you ask someone about the area they will direct you to the same spot.
Bathrooms are found in the parking lot at Canyon Falls Gorge. There are also water fountains and water spigots.
Winter is an amazing time to visit the Canyon Gorge and Falls! Bring your snow gear and camera!
Parking is roadside only when visiting in the winter because the parking lot is not plowed!
Things to do Close to Canyon Falls MI
Don’t just drive home after your visit, take the time to explore Baraga County that has a number of excellent outdoor options. Here are a list of other things that are close you can explore:
- Ojibwa Casino
- Bishop Baraga Shrine
- Lanse Golf Club
More UP Waterfalls to Visit Nearby
As much as I love Canyon Falls Roadside Park, there are soo many more attractions in the Upper Peninsula you need to experience.
What else should you see while taking a road trip throughout the Upper Peninsula? It all depends on what direction you are heading from here.
Attention Westbound travelers, Bond Falls is one of the most amazing waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula and is only about 45 minutes southwest.
Houghton, 45 minutes to the north, is the gateway to Copper Harbor, where visitors can mountain bike on globally recognized trails and chase some amazing Keweenaw Waterfalls!
For Eastbound travelers, make sure to spend some time in Marquette County chasing waterfalls and visiting the 5+ breweries of the area.
Continuing east, Munising is home to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which hosts some of the most glorious views and trails in all of Michigan!
For anyone exploring the mi waterfall scene, make sure to look up at the stars and chase the northern lights in the upper peninsula!
Upper Peninsula Photo Tours
Appreciate you for coming through and reading any of my posts here on my site. If you need additional help contact me to be your Michigan Trip Planner, photo guide, or resource for the area. Hope to see you guys out in the UP or anywhere else in the world.