Breathtaking Cut River Bridge Roadside Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula | Walk Along Sparkling Lake Michigan's Shoreline | Pictures, Steps, Map, Nature Trails, Things To Do
Breathtaking Cut River Bridge Roadside Park in Michigan's Upper PeninsulaSee the Breathtaking Cut River Bridge Roadside Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula | Walk Along Lake Michigan's Beach and Shoreline | Pictures, Steps, Map, Nature Trails, Things To Do
By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan
This incredible bridge and roadside park is an Upper Peninsula must-see as it is only about 50 miles from the magnificent Mackinaw Bridge.
The bridge is 147 feet above the Cut River and a stairway provides access to trails along the Cut River and Lake Michigan's scenic shoreline.
Where is the Cut River Bridge in the UP?
The Cut River Bridge is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula along the Lake Michigan Scenic Hwy (US Route 2) in Naubinway, MI. It is about 50 miles from the scenic Mackinaw Bridge.
Upon arriving, there is a parking lot on both sides of the road on the east side of the bridge. If you are headed westbound from Mackinaw City, park on the right side at the Cut River Roadside Park.
There are two porta-johns, shade trees and picnic tables at the Cut River Roadside Park.
When Was the Cut River Bridge Built?
Construction begin in Naubinway Michigan for the Cut River Bridge in 1941.
Per Wikipedia, the bridge is one of only two cantilevered deck truss bridges in Michigan. The Cut River Bridge is 641 feet long and contains 888 short tons (793 long tons; 806 t) of structural steel.
The bridge is located on US 2 and crosses the Cut River Valley which is 147 feet below.
Things to See and Do at the Cut River Bridge
- You can walk through the tunnel shown above to view the bridge from both sides. It's pretty incredible.
- You can walk down several staircases to reach the Cut River that is flowing below the bridge. Once you reach the bottom you can walk along the Cut River and walk out to Lake Michigan's beach and shoreline.
- You can walk the scenic trail above the Cut River.
How Many Steps at Cut River Bridge?
We didn't precisely count, but there are about 230 steps to descend at the Cut River Bridge and then later ascend!
Cut River Bridge Nature Trails are Breathtaking!
There are two sets of trails at Cut River Bridge. The first is at the bottom of the stairs.
Once you reach the bottom of the stairs, turn right for the Cut River Bridge Nature trail along the Cut River. It's really fabulous! The trail is dirt and it follows the river so it's very scenic and peaceful.
Follow this trail as long as you like and then retrace your steps and proceed past the stairs to walk along Lake Michigan's shoreline. It's absolutely gorgeous!
After exploring the river and Lake Michigan's beach, head back up the stairs and on your left you will see a trailhead marking the scenic wooded trail above the Cut River.
This trail is close to the porta-johns and parking area. It is very easy to miss, so keep a look out!
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