Our first stop was at Ocqueoc (pronounced "Ah-key-ock") Falls (technically) in Millersburg, MI. These falls along the Ocqueoc River have been on my radar for a while. Our trip to the northeast area gave me an excuse to stop. Ocqueoc Falls is the only publicly owned waterfall in the Lower Peninsula. Having only a five-foot drop, it goes without saying that Ocqueoc Falls is not showy or spectacular. It's peaceful and soothing atmosphere is what will draw you in.
A very short path led down to this universally accessible waterfall--the only one in the nation that is available to people of all abilities. We explored both the ramp and stone step pathways. True to its claim, the waterfall was easy to get to. (I can't help but think what a cool experience this would be for a kid...how neat would it be to tell people you got to jump into a waterfall on your vacation??)
These photos were taken as I sat right near the waterfall.
These photos were taken as I sat right near the waterfall.
These photos were taken from atop the ramp that led down to the riverside. This rocky terrain is similar to that in the U.P.--something I haven't noticed much of in the L.P. I also really enjoyed how the fall colors were beginning to show.
Ocqueoc Falls is a part of the Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway, a trail system within the Mackinaw State Forest. If you want to make a weekend (or more) trip of it, there's a state forest camp ground across the road from the falls/trail head parking. I'd love to head back there myself and see what the Bicentennial Pathway has to offer.
Stay tuned for more from our "day"te trip...
Stay tuned for more from our "day"te trip...
