Ocqueoc Falls
Ocqueoc Falls was the first waterfall I visited in Michigan, and although the falls are not as tall as many located in the upper peninsula, it holds a special place in my memory. On both of our trips to the falls, we were pretty much the only people there for most of our visit, which was a bit surreal. The falls spread the entire width of the Ocqueoc River and crash year round, its tannin-dyed water continuing on towards Lake Huron. The tallest drop is roughly 5 feet, and you can swim under its crest in the warmer months. I have never swam in the falls, but we did bring water shoes and wade out into the water on our most recent trip. I was able to cross the river a few feet above the falls, but I was almost swept off my feet a number of times, so I would not recommend this to any children or people not willing to potentially get wet crossing the river. If you examine the bedrock around the falls, you will notice coral fossils embedded in the rock, slowly wearing away as the water, snow, ice, and slippery soles of hiking boots and water shoes erode them. The falls are universally accessible for those with handicaps via a paved pathway, and I have not been to another waterfall that is as accessible. There is a small campground across the main road from the falls, which is connected by a footpath. On both of our visits, we were camping at Onaway State Park, which is about 10 miles away. Although Ocqueoc Falls is not Michigan’s most triumphant waterfall, it is absolutely worth a visit. If you get there early in the morning, you might just be the only one there!
