Huron River churning down a steep, narrow chute on

U-Turn Falls

rocky drop on the cusp of a river bend

U-Turn Falls is named by whitewater kayakers who brave the East Branch Huron River gorge during the spring melt. Between East Branch and Big Falls the river zigs and zags through a deep and rugged canyon made of slate and towering pines. Right in the center of this canyon, on a particularly sharp elbow, is a rocky waterfall that is difficult to reach yet impressive to view. For those willing and able to make the tough hike up the gorge this makes for a sweet reward.

Directions

After crossing Big Erick’s Bridge continue southeast, taking the right fork at .5 miles, for a total of 1.7 miles. Park on the far side of the one-lane bridge at the blocked logging road. Either follow the overgrown logging road west, cutting straight through the woods to East Branch Huron River when it ends, or follow the creek under the bridge to the river. Turn upstream after either route for a short walk to the East Branch Falls. Continue upstream from here, sticking as close to the river as possible, to reach U-Turn Falls.

Photographs

Visits

Seen in March.

March 21, 2009
When we finally made it up the slope, panting and wet from the damp snow, an odd site presented itself. The river flowed below us, both behind and in front. We were on a steep bend of the river atop a high knife ridge. And the ridge was thin and scary to walk along. There was no good way down to the roaring noise located at the tip of the knife ridge. I sadly marked the spot and we headed along the top of the gorge wall.