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Potato Patch Falls(not an official name) |
Description
I was stunned when I first saw these falls, mostly because I didn't know they even existed—I stumbled on them serendipitously, but also because the view as you approach the falls is stunning. The drop you see in this photo is in the neighborhood of 20 feet or so. From the point where the water hits the ground, it continues to cascade down a very steep slope for perhaps another 20-40 vertical feet. The trail approaching these falls takes you in on a height, so you get a good, panoramic view of the entire falls area. Above the drop you see here is a shorter drop of perhaps three feet. Why did I dream up the name Potato Patch Falls for these falls? First off, I needed to come up with some name to use in my page title, and as far as I know, there is no official name for these falls. They aren't even shown on my topo map. The name Potato Patch comes from the sign for the Potato Patch Campground, which marks a trail intersection just few yards from the very top of the falls.
DirectionsBegin by going as you would go to Miners Castle. From Munising, take H-58 east to H-13 (Miners Castle Road), and turn north. Miners Castle is a well-known tourist destination, and you shouldn't have any trouble finding it or getting directions to it. Once on Miners Castle Road, take the turn towards Miners Beach. Take another turn towards the Lakeshore Trail trailhead. Park at the trailhead, and walk a few hundred feet up the trail towards Mosquito Falls. When you reach the point where the Pictured Rocks cliffs rise out of the ground, you'll see a side trail off to your left. Take it. If Potato Patch Falls are flowing, you will hear them now, so just follow your ears. Follow this link for a detailed map and directions. Slide Show |
