The 5-mile-long River Trail connects the park’s Upper and Lower Falls, using a combination of dirt trail, boardwalks and bridges.
“Sections of the trail are underwater and some bridges have been washed out by the rapidly moving high water,” said park supervisor Craig Krepps. “Reopening of the trail will depend upon when the water recedes, allowing park staff to assess any safety issues and repair damage to the trail.”
Other trails within the park, including the Giant Pines, Wilderness, and Clark Lake Trails, are also currently underwater in some areas.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Tahquamenon River is currently running three times higher than the average for May, with the Upper Falls measuring a flow of approximately 40,000 gallons per second.
In addition to the trail closure, the owners of the independently operated Tahqua Trekker hiker shuttle service announced they will cease operation of the shuttle until the trail is reopened.
For status updates on the River Trail and other areas of the park affected by the high water levels, contact park headquarters at 906-492-3415, visit www.michigan.gov/tahquamenonfalls, or follow the park’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tqfalls.
