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Scott Falls
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Scott Falls is a small, but very picturesque waterfall that's easily seen from the road. It's easily seen that is, as you travel east on M-28 out of Au Train. While only 20-30 feet from the road, the falls face west. If you're traveling west, you'll miss them unless you happen to look in your rearview mirror at just the right moment. What you won't miss is the Scott Falls Roadside Park—a scenic picnic area on the shore of Lake Superior just across the road from the falls. The stream that is the falls flows more or less parallel to an old railroad grade. You can't see the grade in this photo, but it is just over the top of the rock cliff that you do see. The stream channel is so uniform, and so straight, that I have to wonder if it is really man-made. It may be indeed be a drainage ditch that was dug back when the railroad was built. If it really is a natural stream, it's definitely been straightened. Behind the falls is a small cavern. It extends back about 10 feet or so, and you can easily walk around behind the falls. With a bit more effort, you can climb up to the top of the rock cliff. As you approach the falls, look to your left for a trail that winds around and up between a large rock and the cliff. Some fortuitously located tree roots and saplings provide footings and handholds. Once up top, you'll see the stream and the railroad grade. From the point you see in the photo, the stream flows west another 50 feet or so, and then enters a cement culvert that takes it under the road towards the lake. Right before the culvert, there's a much smaller falls that's only a foot or two high. If you like, you can cross the road to the roadside park and follow the stream down to the lake. AccessibilityI believe the falls are owned by the State of Michigan. I'm sure the roadside park is. The falls are obviously open to the public. The roadside park is closed to cars during the off season (late fall, winter, early spring), but you shouldn't have a problem if you're just walking in for a look at the stream. You can easily see the falls from the road as you drive by (going east), and there's room to pull off on the shoulder. However, I recommend using the parking lot across the road. Bottom LineScott Falls aren't a destination in the sense that Munising Falls or Tahquamenon Falls might be—don't drive hours out of your way to visit. However, they are well worth a look if you're driving by. An added bonus is the roadside park. It's very scenic, with an excellent beach and good views of Lake Superior. Stop and have a picnic. |
