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Waterfalls of Michigan - Book 1
The definitive guide to Michigan's waterfalls, this 1st of 4 books covers the eastern portion of the U.P. as well as the Lower Peninsula. Attention to detail is evident. The 152 page book is packed with information! There are over 250 photos and maps. These are not your everyday snapshots. The professional photos beckon you to pack up the car and head out for a road trip!
The book is simply and logically laid out with a "Guide to the Guide" section at the beginning to explain the "workflow" of the book as well as describe the Data Table information. The balance of the book is laid out in chapters by county. Each chapter begins with some basic county information. Next come a county map with ghosted "area maps" that show where the waterfalls are located within that county. Page numbers on each area map direct you easily to a blown up map of that particular area. Within each area map is one or more hike with associated waterfalls shown. Once again, a page number is associated with each hike to quickly get you to the hike information. Following each hike description are the waterfalls to be found on that hike. Each waterfall has a Data Table that provides detailed information.
The book is simply and logically laid out with a "Guide to the Guide" section at the beginning to explain the "workflow" of the book as well as describe the Data Table information. The balance of the book is laid out in chapters by county. Each chapter begins with some basic county information. Next come a county map with ghosted "area maps" that show where the waterfalls are located within that county. Page numbers on each area map direct you easily to a blown up map of that particular area. Within each area map is one or more hike with associated waterfalls shown. Once again, a page number is associated with each hike to quickly get you to the hike information. Following each hike description are the waterfalls to be found on that hike. Each waterfall has a Data Table that provides detailed information.
152 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 8, 2017
Phil Stagg wrote guidebooks for several of the waterfalls to be found in Michigan, the state I live in. This is number one in the series. It's obvious Stagg knows what he's talking about. In this edition, and I'm assuming it holds true for the other three so far published, the photography is his. He can tell you exactly how to get to the falls, which is the best location for photography, whether you should wear waterproof foot gear, the need for 4WD, and a host of other necessary things to know.
The fact that he includes so much information makes this a guidebook that leaves little to find out on your own except where to stay locally when you're investigating the various waterfalls. Stagg even includes a rating for each fall (from 1-10) based on his experience of "must see." While the Upper Tahquamenon Falls is the most well-known falls in Michigan, Stagg lists several other falls that have high "must see" ratings like it. Wagner Falls, Munising Falls and Miners Falls, to name a few. Visiting the various falls in Alger County includes the bonus of being close to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Stagg makes a couple of nice additions to explaining what you need to know to get to and see the falls. First, he offers a little history about each county you'll be visiting. Second, he carefully reminds us that some of the falls may be on private property and to speak with the owners of the land before going forward.
If exploring the hiking trails of Michigan to discover some beautiful falls and cascades found on the rivers of the Great Lake State sounds good to you, pick up this book. You'll have all the detailed information you need and the author's enthusiasm and expertise to help you get there.
The fact that he includes so much information makes this a guidebook that leaves little to find out on your own except where to stay locally when you're investigating the various waterfalls. Stagg even includes a rating for each fall (from 1-10) based on his experience of "must see." While the Upper Tahquamenon Falls is the most well-known falls in Michigan, Stagg lists several other falls that have high "must see" ratings like it. Wagner Falls, Munising Falls and Miners Falls, to name a few. Visiting the various falls in Alger County includes the bonus of being close to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Stagg makes a couple of nice additions to explaining what you need to know to get to and see the falls. First, he offers a little history about each county you'll be visiting. Second, he carefully reminds us that some of the falls may be on private property and to speak with the owners of the land before going forward.
If exploring the hiking trails of Michigan to discover some beautiful falls and cascades found on the rivers of the Great Lake State sounds good to you, pick up this book. You'll have all the detailed information you need and the author's enthusiasm and expertise to help you get there.
March 21, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Phil Stagg's book and learned a lot about the diversity of waterfalls scattered around our state. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the sights and sounds of falling water, big or small, and wants to know where to find these treasures. After all, if you enjoy exploring nature, what could be a better reward than a beautiful waterfall at the end of your trail?
The book (the first in a series of four), is organized by county, with maps and data tables on every fall, including a 'Must See Rating' and lots of helpful info on how to get to each one and what to expect. And all through the book, there are tons of Phil's great photos of each of the falls and the scenery you can expect to enjoy when you get there.
In this first volume, my favorite area is Alger County, which includes several falls that I've seen in person, including Chapel Falls and Chapel Beach Falls. I really could have used this book when I visited them long ago, because instead of following the path from Chapel Falls down to the Lake Superior shore, we blazed our own trail through the woods along the swampy, forested lowlands around the lake. Eventually we gave up and walked the last half mile down the middle of Chapel Creek to the beach. Sounds like it should be pleasant on a hot August afternoon, but when you're walking in bare feet over river rocks and debris, half a mile is a long way!
Here's a peak at several sample pages... http://www.mifalls.com/sneak-peek.html
The book (the first in a series of four), is organized by county, with maps and data tables on every fall, including a 'Must See Rating' and lots of helpful info on how to get to each one and what to expect. And all through the book, there are tons of Phil's great photos of each of the falls and the scenery you can expect to enjoy when you get there.
In this first volume, my favorite area is Alger County, which includes several falls that I've seen in person, including Chapel Falls and Chapel Beach Falls. I really could have used this book when I visited them long ago, because instead of following the path from Chapel Falls down to the Lake Superior shore, we blazed our own trail through the woods along the swampy, forested lowlands around the lake. Eventually we gave up and walked the last half mile down the middle of Chapel Creek to the beach. Sounds like it should be pleasant on a hot August afternoon, but when you're walking in bare feet over river rocks and debris, half a mile is a long way!
Here's a peak at several sample pages... http://www.mifalls.com/sneak-peek.html
February 28, 2016
What can I say? I wrote the book! I think it's great! But what do I know? I want to hear from YOU!
Phil
Phil
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews