Madison Gap Falls

fanning conglomerate drops in a Keweenaw setting

Madison Gap is a geographically significant break in the Keweenaw Ridge up past Central. One of only a few breaks in the ridge, the gap allows for easy travel from the main land of the Keweenaw (where there were plenty of copper mines) over to the northern shore on Lake Superior. The swampy land also drains into the lake through Eliza Creek into Eagle Harbor, one of the few creeks able to cross over the ridge’s line.

The waterfalls on Eliza Creek tumble over multiple drops in a forested Keweenaw setting. At least two significant waterfalls sit near Eagle Harbor Cutoff, one on each side of the road, where the creek fans over rough conglomerate rock before emptying into wide, shallow pools.

Directions

Head south out of Eagle Harbor on Eagle Harbor Cutoff Road for 1.1 miles, bearing right at the fork and parking on the shoulder near Eliza Creek. A waterfall drops on each side of the road, the taller one being downstream.

Photographs

Visits

Seen in April.

April 17, 2010
Downstream seemed more promising, so I crossed Eagle Harbor Cutoff and headed down to the creek. And immediately found a scenic waterfall sliding into a perfect little pool surrounded by dark rocks and green moss. Dang, if this was accessible right below the road I'd love to see what was further downstream. On the upstream side I found some minor slides and rapids, and some old remnants of mining activity, a rusty wheel and pipe; I wasn't aware of any mines in Madison Gap.