Piers Gorge Is An Otherworldly Destination On The Wisconsin Border
By Ben Jones|Published June 22, 2023
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Ben Jones
Author
Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
On the edge of Wisconsin, there’s a remarkable place that might make you think you’ve left the Midwest far behind. Piers Gorge is a beautiful Wisconsin natural attraction, a rugged and wild spot on the Menominee River that’s home to some of the state’s fastest water. If you’re a thrill seeker, you can grab a paddle and helmet and make a run down the gorge, or you can stay dry and enjoy a scenic hike. Either way, Piers Gorge is a place you won’t forget.
Piers Gorge is located right on the border between Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It’s a gorgeous area to explore, and it’s a doable weekend trip from places like Green Bay, Madison, or Milwaukee.
The gorge gets its name from four drops in the river that resemble piers. It’s an incredible sight, and it has some of the fastest moving water in Wisconsin or Michigan. The gorge is like something you might see in the mountains.
The Wisconsin side of the gorge is lined by the Menominee River State Park and Recreation Area, a 2,800-acre Wisconsin state park unit. It’s open to hiking, but be prepared for a backcountry adventure – there are few amenities and only one maintained hiking trail, but there is an undeveloped footpath that traces the river. Most of the land is wild, beautiful, and undeveloped.
If you’re looking for a park that’s a little more developed, you can find one a short drive across the Menominee River bridge in Michigan. The park’s trails are easy to follow and have viewing spots along the gorge.
But if you’re up for an even greater thrill, there are several outfitters that will shoot you down the rapids and through the gorge. Trips take place throughout the summer season – they take you upstream in old buses and after you get a lesson in safety, and don a life jacket and helmet, you head for the gorge!
The water absolutely roars through the gorge, and you can really sense its power, even if you’re standing safely on shore. It’s fun just to see the tumbling water and watch the rafts shoot through. It’s an incredible sight!
I’ve visited Piers Gorge on foot a couple of times, and it’s pretty amazing. A rafting trip is on my bucket list! Learn more about waterfalls in the area and rafting outfitters on the Marinette County website. Interested in taking in more outdoor attractions? Here are some of the top attractions in Wisconsin.
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