There’s something special about your first road trip with your newborn, especially when it leads you to one of Michigan’s most peaceful and underrated natural treasures. Ocqueoc Falls is the largest waterfall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and was the perfect destination for our first little family getaway. Sixteen days new, and Kylie was already a road-tripping champ!
Whether you’re traveling with kids, dogs, or just your sense of adventure, Ocqueoc Falls State Park offers a little something for everyone. It’s a rare Michigan destination that combines accessible hiking, swimming, waterfalls, and rustic camping—all tucked into the tranquil woods of the Lower Peninsula.
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Where is Ocqueoc Falls?
You’ll find Ocqueoc Falls in northeastern Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, just outside the town of Millersburg in Presque Isle County. It’s about a 4-hour drive from Metro Detroit and makes a perfect weekend road trip if you’re looking to unplug and reconnect with nature.
Why We Chose Ocqueoc Falls for Our First Family Road Trip
After two weeks of being cooped up indoors with our new baby, I had some severe cabin fever. I needed air. Trees. Water. Tony planned a surprise trip north to Ocqueoc Falls. This fun getaway was close enough to our home to be a great weekend trip.
We packed up the essentials (plus a little extra — newborn life), loaded up the van (this was before Jeep and RV life), and hit the road. I rode in the back seat next to Kylie, watching her tiny face take in the sunlight.
What Makes Ocqueoc Falls Special?
While Michigan is known for its Upper Peninsula waterfalls, Ocqueoc Falls is the largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula. Don’t expect a dramatic plunge like Tahquamenon or Munising Falls, though. This one is subtle, serene, and perfectly peaceful.
Fun Facts about Ocqueoc Falls
- It’s dog-friendly, so bring your pup! Just keep them leashed.
- The waterfall drops about 10 feet across several gentle ledges.
- It’s one of the few universally accessible waterfalls in the United States, featuring a paved path and a transfer station for water access.
- You can swim in the falls during the warmer months!
We visited in April, so there was still some snow on the ground, but you could hear the rush of spring meltwater tumbling down the ledges. It was chilly, but it was also beautiful.
Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway
If you want to extend your adventure, check out the Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway, which has four loops from 3 to 6 miles in length.
Parts of the trail hug the river and lead right to the waterfall, offering some great views.
Is Ocqueoc Falls Dog-Friendly?
Yes! Ocqueoc Falls is dog-friendly, and many visitors bring their furry companions along the trail and even into the water for a splash. Just make sure to follow leash laws and clean up after your pup.
Camping Near Ocqueoc Falls – Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground
Tucked away in a peaceful hardwood forest near Ocqueoc Falls, this rustic state forest campground offers a quiet spot to unplug and unwind. Managed by P.H. Hoeft State Park, the campground sits along the Ocqueoc River, just 12 miles west of Rogers City off M-68. It features 13 sites that are ideal for tents or small trailers, with basic amenities like vault toilets and hand-pump potable water.
While simple, it’s a favorite for those looking to hike, fish, or explore the nearby Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway.
Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and no reservations are accepted. Arriving early is a good idea, especially during peak season.
Tips for Visiting Ocqueoc Falls with Kids
- Pack water shoes – The rocks near the falls can be slippery.
- Bring a picnic – There are picnic tables and grills at the site.
- Watch the weather – The trail can get muddy in the spring.
- Babywearing FTW – A good carrier makes navigating the trail a breeze.
- Bring bug spray – especially in the summer months, mosquitoes are hungry.
🎧 Want more tips on family road trips? Check out Episode 2 of our podcast, where we chat about traveling with (older) kids—and how to help them love the journey as much as the destination.
Why Ocqueoc Falls Belongs on Your Michigan Bucket List
Ocqueoc Falls isn’t the biggest or the flashiest, but it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and breathe a little deeper. It was the perfect start to our family’s travel story, and we know we’ll be back someday—probably with the dogs and two much older children.
Ocqueoc Falls in Michigan should be on your radar. Have you been to the falls? Planning a trip soon? Leave us a message at thefaiolas.com/sayhi and tell us about your experience.
FAQ: Your Ocqueoc Falls Questions Answered
What city is Ocqueoc Falls in?
Ocqueoc Falls is near Millersburg, Michigan, in Presque Isle County.
Is there swimming at Ocqueoc Falls?
Yes! On warmer days, visitors love to wade and swim in the shallow pools below the falls.
Is Ocqueoc Falls open year-round?
Yes. The falls are open year-round for hiking and sightseeing, though snow and ice can make the trail slippery in winter. However, cross-country skiing would be awesome!
Can I bring my dog to Ocqueoc Falls?
Absolutely. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed and well-behaved.
How long is the hike to Ocqueoc Falls?
From the parking lot, it’s less than a quarter-mile to the falls on a flat, paved path.
Are there bathrooms at Ocqueoc Falls?
Yes, there are pit toilets near the parking area.
What is the Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway?
It’s a 6-mile loop trail through the forest that ends at the falls. It’s open to hikers and mountain bikers. It has four loops of different lengths.