Michigan Waterfalls: Ocqueoc Falls Will Beckon You

A unique lower Michigan treasure

Ocqueoc Falls is the largest of Lower Michigan’s waterfalls. Located in the northern part of the peninsula, about 35 miles from Highway 75, Ocqueoc Falls State Forest is an easy side-excursion for anyone traveling to Cheboygan, Mackinaw City, or beyond. If you’re on a tour of Michigan’s best waterfalls, this is the place to start before crossing the Mackinac Bridge into the Upper Peninsula. A recreation pass is required, but the same pass will get you into to all of Michigan’s State Parks all year. The falls are also close to many campgrounds, from rustic to full-service, notably P. H. Hoeft State Park a few miles east on the shore of Lake Huron. For modern amenities, nearby hotels and bed and breakfasts are plentiful.

Ocqueoc Falls State Park also includes a rustic campground south of the falls. There are 15 sites for tents or trailers, vault toilets, and hand-pumped water. Sites are 13 USD per night, and available first-come, first serve. Camping here means you can explore the falls and forest trails at your leisure.

A most accessible waterfall with all the amenities

The paved parking lot and walking paths are well-maintained. The park lies within Michigan’s great forests, and everywhere the view reminds you that you are close to the natural world. Multiple picnic areas grace a large open area. Grills are available, and the smell of charcoal and food cooking sometimes wafts across the green space.

A short walk brings you right to the falls. Large stone slabs and squared-off boulders have been staggered down the bank, providing seating and access to the river. Boardwalks take you to scenic overlooks. The arrangement of stepped stones feels a little bit like some old Roman theatre, but instead of watching a pageant, you can sit and watch the water fall and bubble over the rocky riverbed.

Many visitors prefer to get right into the water. The stony but flat beach makes wading in easy, and several ample pools between the cascades are so inviting that you just can’t help but roll up your pant legs. In fact, the siren-call of such pretty water dancing in the warm sun is often utterly irresistible, and visitors who didn’t think to bring swimsuits go ahead and wade right in, anyway.

One of the most unusual aspects of Ocqueoc Falls State Park is its accessibility. The park has recently been renovated to be fully accessible for the mobility challenged. Several of the picnic tables are designed so that wheelchairs can pull right up. Even more unusual is the access to the water. The stone steps have been installed in such a way to provide a climbing surface for more adventuresome chair-goers. And there are wheelchair-friendly ramps and paths right down to the shore, making this waterfall fully accessible to everyone.

Miles of riverside and wooded trails

After being in the car, you may want to stretch your legs a bit. Or, you may just find that in wandering down the river to get a view at all the layers of the falls, you’ve found yourself on a quiet, wooded pathway. The pungent foliage of the cedar trees beckons you to keep stepping further into the forest.

Ocqueoc Falls State Park maintains several hiking trails, and four multi-purpose loops are open all year round. These tracks range from about 3 to 6 miles long, and are perfect for strolling or biking. In the winter snowfall, cross-country skiing is the best way to explore here.

A wealth of bio-diversity

Walking along the trail that more or less hugs the south bank of the river allows you to see the falls change from playful rapids to a calm woodland river. The path winds along ever-changing terrain. You’ll encounter root-lined paths down to the water, dappled clearings, wetlands, and old hardwood groves. The paths are little-used compared to the more popular falls and picnic grounds, and at times you will feel that you have the forest all to yourself.

If you prefer trails to inspire contemplation, Ocqueoc Falls State Park doesn’t dissappoint. The wooded paths are quiet. The nearby water lends a sense of enchantment to the air. Deep in the woods, if you’re lucky, you’ll find yourself in a mysterious clearing circled by a ring of birch, pine and very old cedar trees. If you find it, make a wish!

Ocqueoc River attracts wildlife

Dragon and damselflies hover and whiz by as you get deeper into the trees. Butterflies flutter on the air. Squirrels and chipmunks, the ubiquitous denizens of Michigan’s wild places, chirp at each other from the trees. Birding opportunities are good here; the river attracts many species of wetland fowl, including osprey and eagles. Ocqueoc River is also a regular nesting site for loons. At the shore, the paw-prints of small mammals give away their presence, and their favorite drinking places.