Munising Falls trail to be repaired
Trending
MUNISING -- The National Parks Service has awarded a $2.8 million contract to McKenzie Construction and Site Development, LLC to repair and replace the Munising Falls Trail and improve accessibility to the lower Munising Falls overlook in compliance with Architectural Barrier Act accessibility standards.
This repair comes after a 75-foot section of the Munising Falls Trail was destroyed during a heavy rainstorm in April 2025, resulting in the closure of the trail and the loss of waterfall access. The new trail will provide an accessible route to the lower Munising Falls overlook and will be engineered to better withstand future weather events.
"We are excited to begin repairing and replacing the Munising Falls Trail," said David Horne, superintendent of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. "These improvements will not only help this trail be more resilient to future storms, but (will) also provide access to Munising Falls for all, regardless of ability."
During the 12-month project, the Washington D.C. based company will perform the following work at the Munising Falls Trail:
• Remove damaged trail surface, storm debris and other deteriorated trail features
• Construct a new, fully accessible trail to the lower Munising Falls overlook, replacing aging pavement and the failing wood crib wall along the main trail
• Replace three wooden bridges with elevated boardwalks designed to improve durability, erosion control and accessibility
• Complete slow stabilization and restore disturbed landscape with appropriate vegetation and site restoration measures
Access to Munising Falls Visitor Center will not be impacted during this time. However, parking may be limited due to contractor staging of materials.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, depending on weather conditions.