The Can’t-Miss Michigan Hike for Every Nature Lover’s Bucket List

Hidden away, way up in the Upper Peninsula, is a little township known as Chatham, Michigan. As of the 2020 census, it has a population of fewer than 200 people, making it a genuinely tiny little town - but don't let that lull you into a false sense of apathy. Chatham is home to some of Michigan's most jaw-dropping natural features, like Autrain Falls and the short (but so very sweet) hike it takes to see 'em.

Autrain Falls - also called Au Train Falls - is a pair of waterfalls on the Au Train River with a combined drop of about 50 feet (40 feet for the upper falls, 10 feet for the lower falls.) Though they look best during snowmelt in the spring or following a good, solid rainfall, the falls are beautiful year-round, and I think there's something to say about wintertime in such a beautiful place, too.

The hike is barely a hike at all, coming in at just over a half-mile in length. It's quite easy - easy enough for small children to do well with it, making it a great family adventure to spend an afternoon on. I reckon the kids will be amazed at the double waterfall, and so will you. There are more than 300 waterfalls in Michigan, and every one of them is day-trip-worthy - this one especially!

Amazingly, Au Train Falls is not the only incredible natural wonder in or near the town of Chatham that's worth mentioning (and/or visiting.) The Eben Ice Caves are easily one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the state, and they're just 15 minutes away from one another. Score!

If you're not interested in the waterfalls (What?! Heresy!), the rest of the surrounding landscape is 100 percent worth it, too. It's astonishingly beautiful, and you might want to bring a camera just in case - you never know how breathtaking this little slice of heaven will be until you see it.

Michigan's wilderness is a truly amazing place, especially if you know where to start looking (hint: everywhere.) There are an enormous number of natural wonders in Michigan, and it's very difficult to understate just how beautiful it is up here... especially on the Yooper Peninsula.

For more information about the Autrain Falls Trail, be sure to check out its official AllTrails page. Need somewhere to stay near Chatham? Check out all the coolest places you can find from our friends at VRBO.