Recreation
Menominee River State Recreation Area
The property encompasses 7,652 acres of land in Dickinson and Menominee counties, Michigan, and Marinette County, Wisconsin. Three management units make up the recreation area: Piers Gorge Unit in the north, Quiver Falls Unit, and Pemene Falls Unit in the south. Combined, these units feature 17 miles of undeveloped river corridor with both rocky gorges and wide open stretches that offer a destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking, as well as hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.
Camping
Camping at Menominee River State Recreation Area
Canoeing and kayaking
This stretch of river and roughly 13 miles upstream are some of the few remaining portions of the Menominee River that still exhibit a free-flowing river's wild, undeveloped characteristics. The property provides rustic canoe launches at Quiver Falls, a concrete boat launch at Saler Landing off Rattie Road, and the gravel Pemene boat landing off Horseshoe Road. Other launches exist beyond the property and on the Michigan side. The majority of the river is broad and gentle, with some rapids. Pemene Falls to the south is a mandatory portage (Michigan side).
A comprehensive canoe trail map of the Menominee River, including this property and upstream tributaries such as the Brule, Paint and Michigamme rivers, was produced in 2003 by We Energies. This is a valuable asset if you are considering a canoe trip on this river system. Part 3 includes the stretch of river along the Menominee River Natural Resources Area. The canoe trail map costs $3 for each part or $9 for the entire set (including postage). Ask for the Menominee Watershed Canoe Trail maps and specify which parts by contacting:
Wild Rivers Interpretive Center
4793 Forestry Drive
Florence, WI 54121
1-888-889-0049
Fishing
Fishing is available in the Menominee River. The Menominee River is known for its smallmouth bass fishing. Many other fish species are present as well.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available on the Pemene Falls hiking trail found in the Pemene Falls Unit of the property. Hiking on the Sand Portage hiking trail can be found on the Piers Gorge Unit of the property. Other trails and logging roads exist on the property but are not maintained and managed as designated trails.
The Pemene Falls hiking trail is found in the Pemene Falls Unit of the property, and the Sand Portage Falls hiking trail is in the Piers Gorge Unit. Other trails and logging roads exist on the property but are not maintained and managed as designated trails.
Pemene Falls hiking trail
This trail is made up of former logging roads and some stretches of paths cleared through the forest. The trail is accessed from the parking lot at the end of Verheyen Lane, off of County Road Z. The Scenery is forested with large pine stands and rock outcrops. The trail surface is made of natural materials, not graveled or paved. Most of the trail is fairly level, but there are portions of the trail on steep slopes and over rocky terrain. The trailhead leads to options to hike a short loop (0.8 miles), a long loop (1.9 miles) or to the overlook of Pemene Falls (0.5 miles). There is also a canoe/walk-in campsite that can be accessed from the hiking trail. Signage along the trail is minimal but is present at key intersections.
Sand Portage Falls Hiking Trail
This trail is a wooded and open trail. It has a level mowed surface and moderate hills. The 0.5-mile trail takes you from the Parking lot off Hwy. 141, just east of Knuston Road, to a wonderful view of Sand Portage Falls and Piers Gorge. There is no designated viewing area, and the trail is quite rocky if you choose to climb down to the falls.
Hunting and trapping
Hunting and trapping are permitted on the property during legal hunting and trapping seasons.
Waterfalls
Piers Gorge overlook: Piers 1, 2 and 3 are the best views from the Michigan Side of the River. Access to the Piers Gorge hiking trails and viewing area are off Hwy. 8 and Piers Gorge Road. Pier 4 is best viewed from the Sand Portage hiking trail.
Quiver Falls overlook: This overlook is directly at Quiver Falls. Remnants of dams and cribbing (for log runs) are left from the logging era, which are visible upstream. It is accessible via Pemene Dam Road. A parking area and footpath lead to an area to look at the falls. A viewing area and parking lot are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Pemene Falls overlook: This overlook is primitive and is accessed via the Pemene Falls hiking trail. The trail ends at the edge of the gorge. There is no developed viewing area, but it's a sight to see. Remnants of an old concrete dam still exist. During the spring flow, the water thunders through a granite constriction in the river corridor.
Winter activities
The property is open for snowshoeing and ungroomed cross-country skiing. Marinette County ATV/snowmobile trails cross parts of the property.
The opening and closing of snowmobile trails are at the discretion of each county. Snowmobile trails that cross DNR lands are opened and closed consistent with the surrounding county (or counties). Whenever possible, the opening and closing of snowmobile trails is done county-wide. However, localized conditions may require localized trail opening and closing. It is the responsibility of the county to provide notification about the status of snowmobile trails. The Travel Wisconsin Snow Conditions Report [exit DNR], local club and county snowmobile web pages [exit DNR] and telephone hotlines will provide the most current information.