 | | After a stretch of rapids across strikingly flat rock formations there emerges this delightful falls. | Canyon Falls Roadside Park & Canyon Falls
It's about a 10-minute walk from the extremely pleasant Department of Transportation roadside park, with its picnic tables, grills, and restrooms, to the first rapids and falls of the Sturgeon River. This is one of four Sturgeon Rivers in the U.P.
The trail, partly boardwalk, follows the pretty, creek-like river through a rocky forest, to the first rapids and falls. Benches are scattered along the improved trail, which ends in a fenced overlook at the first falls.
Hikers can continue on along the river, using an informal trail. MDOT does not encourage this, because it can be dangerous. However, more than one family does it with young children if they are under control and sure of foot. Where the trail seems to stop at a boulder, go around the huge rock and pick up the path again, following the high bank along a dramatic, wild canyon where fragrant pines and balsam grow out of mossy stone walls. Just before the Upper Falls, the stream slides over a smooth trough it has made in the rock before it splits and drops in several extended cascades. It's around a mile to the Upper Falls.
Any part of this walk is wonderful. As you leave behind the highway with its whistling trucks, you enter a world of rocks and roots and the scents and beauty of the evergreen forest, mixed with enough hardwoods for excellent fall color.
The main path is a fine place to snowshoe. The entry drive is gated in winter, but vehicles can and do park along the highway. A trail from the Ford Center at Alberta Village, good for hiking and snowshoeing, leads to Canyon Falls. It's about 1 ˝ miles. (—April, 2008)
The park is on the west side of U.S. 41, 1 1/2 miles south of Alberta or about 23-24 miles west of Michigamme. Wheelchair access: first part of trail.
Return to Alberta
|
