Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook
Located just outside the unincorporated community of Big Bay, Michigan, Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook is well worth a visit if you’re staying in town or driving through to view one of the numerous waterfalls in the area, like Alder Falls, Yellow Dog River Falls, or Pinnacle Falls. The overlook offers panoramic views of Big Bay, Lake Independence (and Perkins Park), Lake Superior, and other local landmarks.
Most of the trail is wheelchair accessible (maintained crushed gravel and wooden boardwalk), and picnic tables and benches are around for those who need to take a break before the short walk back to the car. There are some stairs, but you can complete the loop without using them. There are well-maintained bathrooms in the parking area and quite a bit of parking. At the overlook, there are quarter-fed viewing machines, which will give you a better look at specific things in the landscape, like Big Bay Point Lighthouse, the Brunswick (Ford) Mill, and Big Bay Watertower.
Signs throughout the trail offer insights into the various trees, plants, and animals that call the area home. The trails are dog-friendly, so long as they’re on a leash. My dog, Scrappy, loved visiting the overlook, and I’m excited to bring him back here in the fall some year to see the fall colors. Not that he’ll care, but it’ll be a fun trip!
In the not-so-distant past, the park had a different name. Called Gobbler’s Knob by generations of Big Bay residents, the park was purchased by the Thomas family, who paid for park renovations and upgrades. Today, the park is owned and maintained by Powell Township, and the park was named after the Thomas family for their time and money spent making the park what it is today.
Whether you’re stopping for lunch, want to take in the view, or want to learn about local flora and fauna, Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook is the place for you.
