Scenic Piers Gorge lies along a stretch of the Menominee River near the small town of Norway in Michigan's southwestern Upper Peninsula. The river serves as a boundary between Michigan and Wisconsin. In 2011, the State of Michigan purchased land surrounding Piers Gorge for development of the Menominee River State Recreation Area. This area, popular with hikers, is comanaged by both states, although there is no access to the gorge from Wisconsin.
Getting There
- Norway, Michigan, sits within Dickinson County and serves as the gateway to Piers Gorge. From Norway, it's about a 2-mile drive south on United States Highway 8 to the Menominee River State Recreation Area, where hikers access the Piers Gorge trailhead. Signs along the route offer directions to the entrance, which is located at the end of Piers Gorge Road. As a formal Michigan recreation area, entrance requires a Michigan Recreation Passport. Passports are obtained for a small fee from any state park office or secretary of state office.
The River Corridor
- Forged from the Brule and Michigamme rivers, the 100-yard-wide Menominee River is one of the swiftest waterways in Michigan and Wisconsin, where it rushes along the Piers Gorge stretch. The river's Class IV rapids attract expert kayakers and whitewater rafters and provides hikers an exciting trek. Wild and scenic, the river corridor embodies the Upper Peninsula's rugged beauty. Traversing the corridor, hikers commonly catch sight of osprey and soaring eagles on the hunt for a meal. The trail is best hiked from May, when wildflowers push through the forest floor, up until October, when the woodlands display blazing colors.
Trail Details
- The Piers Gorge foot trail is under 3 miles in and out, but it's a stunning trek with multiple waterfall views. Because of the hilly, rocky terrain, the trail is rated moderately difficult. One-quarter mile into the trek, hikers are rewarded with views of the first small falls. Continue along the trail a short distance to reach the Mishicot Falls, which has an 8-foot drop. Mishicot may be viewed from an overlook or from the river's edge. It's another mile to Sand Portage Falls, where the river rushes around two rock formations. Each pier is identified by a wooden marker posted along the trail. While taking a dip in the cool waters may be tempting, authorities advise hikers to avoid wading or swimming in the river because of its strong currents.
The Town of Norway
- When visitors are in need of refueling and recharging after a hike to Piers Gorge, Norway business operators come to the rescue. The Michigan community provides a selection of grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops and bars. While Norway lodging is limited to two facilities, nearby Iron Mountain offers additional choices. Places to visit in Norway include Norway Speedway, where stock car racing provides high action every Friday night from Memorial to Labor Day. Another Norway highlight is the Jake Menghini Museum, with its collection of local historic artifacts from the mining and lumbering periods. If you hit town on a Tuesday night during the summer, kick back with a free concert at the city bandshell.
