Posts Tagged ‘American Hiking Society’

Well it’s that time of the year again, and that time is the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day 2010.  This year, we decided to head to Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Michigan for their annual ‘Hike Between ‘da Falls’ day.

If you have never been to Tahquamenon Falls, you should really make time to head up there, even if for a weekend and check out the beauty and splendor of some of Michigan’s natural wonders.  There are two sets of falls, the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls, both of which are equally astonishing.

We arrived at the Lower Falls, greeted by Park Rangers wielding brochures, maps, and bug spray.  I cannot begin to tell you how friendly and kind the rangers up at TFSP acted.  It is a blessing to begin a hike with a friendly visit with some local rangers.  They informed us of a few dangers and tips before we were to depart.  After our friendly chat wound to an end, the shuttle bus arrived to take ourselves and a dozen other hikers to the Upper Falls.  The ride was short and before we knew it we had arrived.  We took a quick side trip over to see the Upper Falls and take in all of their loveliness.  Once a few pictures were taken, and pleasantries said, we set out for the Tahquamenon River Trail, which connects the Upper Falls to the Lower Falls.  The beginning of the trail was level and easy, with very few bugs and even less people.  Several times we stopped to just to enjoy the canopy of old growth forests and the stillness of the woods, with only the sounds of the river to break the relaxing silence.  We progressed down the trail at a relaxing pace, and the elevation and trail difficulty increased a fair amount.  I would not call the trail difficult, but certain spots required a bit of a breather.  As this was a day hike, we were not carrying full backpacks, and only had some water bottles and a sling back to weigh us down.  The repetition of the dirt trails was broken  a few times by some man-made wooden boardwalks, some of which tilted at almost dangerous angles.  The local chapter of the NCTA had setup a snack-stop half way through the hike, and we halted to enjoying a quick snack before trying to race the bugs attempting to get their quick snack, of us!

Eventually we arrived at the Lower Falls, and were greeting by a large tent sponsored by the local chapter of the NCTA.  We received a small gift bag with a wooden ‘achievement’ coin, as well as some maps and information on the NCT.  The staff at the tent was excellent and very friendly, and was a nice compliment to the end of a perfect day at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.  If you are even wondering which event to take on National Trails Day, I would strongly suggest this relaxing and beautiful hike, and take some time to enjoy the natural beauty that Michigan has to offer.

Pictures from our wonderful trip can be found by clicking HERE!

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