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Rock River Falls & Rock River Canyon Wilderness Area
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People who love waterfalls for their otherworldly magic and not their been-there, done-that touristic appeal may want to seek out Rock River Falls. This recently designated wilderness area is along the canyon of the Rock River, some 150 feet deep. The path down to the falls from the nearest road is well used, about 3/4 of a mile long. It is not marked, but not hard to follow either. It goes through a deep woods before reaching the river above the falls.
In A Guide to 199 Michigan Waterfalls, the Penroses, who have just about seen them all, say it's one of Alger County's most beautiful falls, and certainly one of the most remote. After dropping about 20 feet over a limestone ledge, "the water catches on the steps of the ledge, creating progressively smaller streams, which form feathery trails from top to bottom." Wear waterproof footgear or expect to have wet feet. And be prepared for insects.
See the Penroses' book for directions and details for another beautiful, out-of-the-way waterfall in the same wilderness area, Silver Bell Falls. Silver Creek also forms a 150-foot canyon, but the waterfall is quite different.
As a wilderness area, Rock River Canyon Wilderness has no signs, no waste containers, no planned improvements. You won't get lost, however, if you follow the trail to the falls. If you want to explore further without following the river, you'd do well to get a USGS map of the area from the Pictured Rocks/Hiawatha National Forest Visitor Center and know how to read it and use your compass or GPS device. Take out your trash. Bury human waste in a 6" deep hole.
Note: the "ice caves" near Eben, a favorite snowmobile and ski or snowshoe destination, are within the wilderness area. But most people would have to walk on private land to get there. Check at the Pictured Rocks/Hiawatha Visitor Center about current access and how the landowner feels about ice cave traffic.
From M-94 Chatham, go north on Rock River Rd. where M-94 makes its right-angle turn. Go 3.6 miles, crossing the Rock River, to take USFS Road 2276. Turn west (left) and go about 4.3 miles. Look for a pullover on the left and the path to the falls. Handicap accessible: no.
Return to Chatham
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