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Caitlyn, Johnny, Mya and Dad embark on the road less traveled.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Lower Tahquamenon - Unexpected Beauty
Taking The Road Less Traveled

February 20, 2015       Leave a Comment
By: John Keuvelaar

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(EDITOR'S NOTE: MyBayCity feature writer John Keuvelaar recently spent time in Northern Michigan with his family. He has documented his time at Tahquamenon Falls (Lower & Upper)-- This is the 2nd of a two-part series.

Throughout our life we hear of the story of taking the road less traveled. This is often viewed as a way of challenging ourselves and being adventuresome. On our family road trip to the Upper Tahquamenon Falls, we checked into the lower Falls and were faced with this exact challenge. Having accepted that challenge, he were led to experience riches beyond imagination.

After viewing the Upper Falls, we stopped in to the Lower Tahquamenon Falls. We discovered that the roads are only cleared to allow camping in the top section. Chiseled out of the deep snow are the camping sites equipped with electricity. What we discovered is most of the sites were being used by tent campers- a crazy thought for sure. We met a group from Detroit who have been winter camping for almost 20 years and you could tell they loved every minute of it. Having just finished a rousing bowling match, yes bowling match, they were pausing long enough to revel in their victory before donning their snowshoes and heading out on the trails. It was from them that we learned where the trail starts to go down to the lower falls.


Snowshoes, a must wear in the deep snow.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Snowshoes and bowling pins. Standard fare for these winter campers.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

We discovered that the trail is about 0.6 miles one way starting at the road that leads down to the falls and cuts into the woods. The trick is that the trail starts on top of the already over two feet of snow and was created by those before us who wore either snowshoes or cross country skis. So with my daughter Caitlyn announcing "Let's go," Johnny with camera in hand, Mya and I climbed onto the trail and away we went.


TH The journey begins with the path leading down the unplowed road.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

It was clear that while not a lot of people had ventured onto this trail recently, enough had to form a packed trail. What we quickly learned is stay on the trail and don't step even a foot off or you shall find out how deep the snow is. As we started out on the path, it started to snow huge fluffy flakes. This mixed with the awesome beauty of the woods was magnificent to view. Adding to this being with family and a fairly easy path, it was so enjoyable.


Halfway point. Now for deep woods walking.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Half way down the path we came to a juncture that sent us into the woods. This is where the sure beauty of the woods really came forth. Entering the woods, they were populated with groupings of hemlock , pine and birch trees. The snow clung to each species in different ways creating different scenes as we walked around each little bend. Often the weight of the snow created archways and tunnels to travel. In some areas, the snow would cling in clumps to the trees often creating images like summer clouds can. On one tree we saw that the wind had sculpted an old man of the sea, a duck and even a girl whisking through the woods with her hair blown back. It was all magical.


The tall pines let you look deep into the woods.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The snow covered branches created many shapes and inspiring views.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Do you see the old man? Is it a duck or a lady floating through the woods just above the man?
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Reaching the lower falls area, we headed out on the wooden walkway. This was challenging as it was heavily covered in snow with just a center narrow path down the middle where travelers had followed. The rest of the walkway was covered in deep fluffy snow including the railings. Everyone before us had resisted the temptation to run their hand over it thus preserving the beauty for the next traveler.


Small trail on the normally wide walkway to the lower falls.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Arriving at the main overlook, the falls which were once roaring in the fall were completely snow and ice covered with pockets of bubbling water at various areas. In some spots the water burst through just to disappear underneath the fresh snow.


Just below the quiet snow roars the waters of Tahquamenon.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

While we were looking forward to the once roaring falls, the new creations gave us a new experience that was just as wonderful. Soon we had to head back as only an hour of daylight remained.


The fresh snow clings to even the smallest of branches.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Had we not taken that step to see how much the snow would support us and how difficult the trek would be, we would have never seen the wonders that lay before us. Taking the road less traveled had unveiled the riches of nature to us. I wonder where the next trail will lead too.

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Prior Article

February 10, 2020
by: Rachel Reh
Family Winter Fun Fest is BACC Hot Spot for 2/10/2020
Next Article

February 2, 2020
by: Kathy Rupert-Mathews
MOVIE REVIEW: "Just Mercy" ... You Will Shed Tears, or at Least You Should
Agree? or Disagree?


John Keuvelaar

John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College.

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