Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness surrounds the deepest canyon in Michigan. Here, the Sturgeon and Little Silver rivers create a rugged land, filled with canyons, rapids, waterfalls, oxbows and ponds. Totaling more than 14,000 acres, this section of the Ottawa National Forest is located nearby the Keweenaw Peninsula in the far reaches of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Here, the forest is thick with old growth hemlock, red and white pine, sugar maples, birch and basswood. Keep in mind this is the wilds of the Upper Peninsula and there's a good chance one could see otters, beaver, mink, fox, deer and black bear.
   This view captures the Sturgeon River Falls. a powerful falls which funnels into a narrow gorge. Here the Sturgeon River carved its way through thick layers of sandstone, slate and basalt, creating this beautiful 20 foot waterfall and 3000 foot gorge.
   Finding the falls may be a little challenging, but not as difficult as the climb down to the falls. For those not up to taking the hike to the falls, overlooks on the East Rim offer views of Sturgeon River Gorge and falls. Taking Forest Roads 2200 and 2270 out of Sidnaw from Route 28, the falls and East Rim viewpoints are found about twelve miles from the main highway. Although it carries a designation as wilderness land and should be road-less, one of the overlooks is even deemed wheelchair accessible. A cautionary note reminds sightseers not to rely on area signage, as vandalism in the area is prevalent.

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