Cut River Bridge and Gorge
A unique architectural marvel offering stunning gorge and Lake Michigan views, with a rewarding hike down to the riverbed.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant fall colors
Cut River Bridge and Gorge
Best Time
Vibrant fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique architectural marvel offering stunning gorge and Lake Michigan views, with a rewarding hike down to the riverbed.
"Absolutely stunning views—from the top of the bridge to the riverbanks below, and everything in between."
👟 Conquer the Stairs
Be ready for a workout! The stairs down to the river are numerous but rewarding.
🚗 Look for the Roadside Park
The best access is via the roadside park. Keep an eye out, as signage can be subtle.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Impressive Bridge
US-2, Upper Peninsula, Michigan
A unique architectural marvel offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding gorge.
Hike to the Riverbed
Base of the Cut River Bridge
Descend a well-built staircase for a serene walk along the river and a beautiful beach.
Lake Michigan Shoreline
Below the Cut River Bridge
Enjoy the peaceful shores of Lake Michigan, a perfect spot for relaxation and sunset views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Stairs!
Don't Miss the Lower Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Conquer the Stairs
Be ready for a workout! The stairs down to the river are numerous but rewarding.
🚗 Look for the Roadside Park
The best access is via the roadside park. Keep an eye out, as signage can be subtle.
📸 Capture the Views
Stunning photo opportunities from the bridge, riverbed, and Lake Michigan shore.
⏳ Allow Extra Time
Don't rush the experience; the walk down and back up takes time.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Conquer the Stairs
Be ready for a workout! The stairs down to the river are numerous but rewarding.
🚗 Look for the Roadside Park
The best access is via the roadside park. Keep an eye out, as signage can be subtle.
📸 Capture the Views
Stunning photo opportunities from the bridge, riverbed, and Lake Michigan shore.
⏳ Allow Extra Time
Don't rush the experience; the walk down and back up takes time.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cut River Bridge for its stunning views and the rewarding hike down to the riverbed and Lake Michigan shore. It's a highly recommended stop for road trippers seeking natural beauty and a bit of adventure. Some find the climb back up challenging, and signage could be clearer, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"I love this place for a stop if you're driving through the upper peninsula of Michigan or heading west from the Mackinac bridge. This is a beautiful little park. To stop go for a hike. Stretch your legs or if you were into working out there there are oh got to be a thousand stairs to go up and down. Well built. Nice stairs that go from the park down under the bridge to the beach which is also a beautiful spot for sunset."
Justin Hatt
"Awesome stop for a fun, beautiful and peaceful walk around an old bridge and through the woods near the water. If you stop at the roadside park and don’t know this exists here, you might miss it all together! Not much signage about it being there. Signage for the trail map was a little confusing too. We took the paved sidewalk down under the bridge and around to the other side. The walking wooden path kept going down and down… we didn’t have that much time to keep going but it was awesome. Loved that spot. Will definitely stop again next time traveling through!"
Yolo Freeman
"If you are driving along the coast, do yourself a favor and pull off at the roadside park and take the short walk down the path to see the bridge. I promise you its well worth it. There are also longer trails around the bridge if you have the time. The view from on top of the bridge is amazing, but its intense because the noise of the traffic crossing the bridge."
Thomas Llewellyn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cut River Bridge is located along US-2 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, approximately 27 miles west of St. Ignace. Look for the roadside park for parking and access to the trails.
Yes, there is a roadside park with parking available. This is the primary access point for exploring the bridge and gorge.
Absolutely! US-2 runs directly over the bridge, and the roadside park provides convenient access for visitors to stop and explore.
It's an excellent stop for stretching your legs and enjoying beautiful scenery, especially if you're driving the scenic US-2 route.
Navigate to US-2 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The bridge is a prominent landmark, and the roadside park is well-marked for stopping.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit the Cut River Bridge and its surrounding park area. It's a free public access point.
The Cut River Bridge and its park are accessible year-round, with no set opening or closing hours. However, daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee for the Cut River Gorge. Access to the trails and the riverbed is free for all visitors.
While accessible, winter visits may be challenging due to snow and ice, especially on the stairs. Always check local conditions before visiting in winter.
General park rules apply. Please respect the natural environment and do not litter. Be mindful of traffic when on or near the bridge.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk across the bridge, hike down to the riverbed via stairs, explore the Lake Michigan shoreline, and enjoy the scenic views.
The hike down the stairs can take about 15-20 minutes, depending on your pace. The return trip up will likely take longer.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the roadside park area.
The stairs leading down to the river are not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. The paved path on top is generally accessible.
You might spot various bird species, and if you're lucky, small mammals. The focus is more on the geological and scenic beauty.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the bridge from the roadside park, the riverbed, and the Lake Michigan shoreline. The winding stairs also make for unique shots.
Be extremely cautious when taking photos on the bridge due to active traffic. It's safer to capture the bridge from the roadside park or the gorge below.
Early morning or late afternoon/evening offers softer light and potentially fewer crowds. Fall colors are spectacular in autumn.
Drone usage may be restricted in national forest areas. Always check current regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the bridge and gorge. A telephoto lens can be useful for details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the stairs aren't stroller-friendly, the paved path at the top offers accessible views. The Lake Michigan shoreline at the base is a lovely spot for kids to play and explore safely (with supervision, of course). It's a memorable stop that combines a bit of physical activity with stunning natural beauty.
🚗 Road Trippers
Don't just drive over it – pull off at the roadside park! You might miss the full experience if you don't explore beyond the bridge itself. It's a perfect spot for a picnic lunch or to simply soak in the expansive views of Lake Michigan and the gorge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel
While the bridge itself is a sight to behold from above, the real adventure for many lies in descending into the gorge. A well-maintained set of stairs leads from the roadside park down to the riverbed. This descent offers a different perspective of the bridge's grandeur and the geological formations of the gorge. The effort of the climb back up is often mentioned, but the experience is widely considered worth it.
At the bottom, the Cut River flows into Lake Michigan. The shoreline here provides a tranquil setting, a stark contrast to the traffic noise above. It's a place to relax, skip stones, and appreciate the natural beauty of the region. The combination of impressive infrastructure and serene natural beauty makes the Cut River Bridge a memorable stop.
Hiking and Exploring the Gorge
Once at the bottom, you can explore the Cut River banks and the adjacent Lake Michigan shoreline. The area offers a peaceful environment, perfect for a leisurely walk, photography, or simply enjoying the sounds of nature. Some reviews mention longer, less-defined trails around the bridge if you have more time and a sense of adventure.
It's important to wear appropriate footwear for the hike, especially if you plan to explore the riverbed or shoreline, as the terrain can be uneven. Bringing water is also advisable, particularly during warmer months. The effort involved in the descent and ascent is frequently highlighted, but the payoff in terms of unique views and a tranquil natural setting is consistently praised.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit