Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
the ontonagon river rushes over Bond Falls, seen here Tuesday. The waterfall is popular with both tourists and locals.
By JEAN NORDINE
A must-see destination for tourists is spectacular Bond Falls, just 3 ½ miles east of Paulding.
To see the falls in all its glory visitors can take a foot trail from the Bond Falls Outpost or drive to the handicap access walkway.
As they walk the foot trail along side the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River, the water flows over stepping stones and begins a slight decent before the river widens to about 80 feet, then takes an abrupt drop into a small pool. This is referred to as the upper falls.
Further down the water continues to rush over flat sections of rock and is contained by concrete walls to prevent erosion. The cement abutments end at the top of the lower falls where there is a viewing platform. A steep staircase will bring visitors down to the wooden walkway that extends all the way around the bottom of the falls.
The wooden walkway was constructed in 2003 and is handicap accessible from a nearby parking lot allowing all to enjoy the splendor of Bond Falls.
The main falls is over 100-feet wide with a 40-foot drop.
Described as "gorgeous and powerful" Bond Falls is visited by thousands of tourists every year, but has always been a favorite place for many locals.
