Alright folks, strap in because I finally got around to doing that Michigan cliff diving roundup I kept yakkin’ about. Total mission, lemme tell ya, but man, some of these spots… pure magic. Gotta warn ya though, my legs are still jelly. Here’s how it went down blow-by-blow:
The Planning Mess
Woke up stupid early Tuesday, dumped half my coffee on the counter trying to pour it. Brain wasn’t switched on yet. Grabbed my beat-up backpack – the one with the duct tape holding the strap on – and just started chucking gear in: mask, old swim trunks, towel that might’ve seen better days, my trusty worn-out water shoes, big bottle of sunscreen (SPF million, basically), granola bars (crushed at the bottom later, typical), and a cheap first-aid kit I barely remember buying. Packed the car feeling kinda smug, like “yeah, I got this.” Famous last words.
Hitting the Road & The Usual Suspicious Shady Guys
Drove north forever. Seriously, Michigan feels HUGE when you’re staring at pine trees for hours. Blasted some tunes, windows down, sunroof open… got stuck behind a tractor doing like 10 mph. Lost that smug feeling fast. Stopped at a gas station for more coffee and jerky. Cashier dude gave me the hairy eyeball lookin’ at my gear. “You jumpin’ off stuff?” he asks. “Yep,” I say. He just shakes his head, grunts, “Kids these days.” Felt ancient at that moment. Thanks, buddy.
Finally started finding spots:
- The Secret Quarry (Near Calumet): Drove past the rusty old water tower, took the dirt track that looked like it went nowhere. Place is creepy-cool. Water’s SO clear you can see junk way down there – old tires, a rusty car? Maybe. Rock walls went straight up. My stomach dropped just peekin’ over. Found the ‘easy’ jump first – maybe 30 feet? Climbed up, looked down. Heart started thumpin’ hard. Counted: “Three… two… screw it!” Just leapt. Cold? Hoo boy! Felt like a punch in the chest. Awesome rush though. Swam to the high spot – maybe 50-60 feet? Took me ages to jump. Kept steppin’ to the edge, steppin’ back. Felt like everyone was watchin’ (just me and the squirrels, prob). Finally just covered my eyes and fell. WORTH IT.
- Black Rocks (Marquette): Saw the townies jumpin’ all casual, flipping tricks. Way more crowded than the quarry, buncha college kids goin’ nuts. Rocks are slick! Almost ate it climbin’ up. Found a spot around 25 feet near the big pine, jumped after seein’ some kid do it backwards. Felt good, water not too cold. Swam over to the REALLY big one… okay, maybe 40-45 feet? Heights play tricks on ya. Looks way higher lookin’ down. Shouted “YOLO!” – felt stupid instantly – then jumped. Clean entry, popped up yellin’. Fun spot, tons of energy. Got buzzed by some jet skis later though. Annoying.
- That Cliff Near Munising Falls (Shhh…): This one’s tricky to find. Park weirdly near the falls parking, hike through brush like you’re lost (you kinda are), and suddenly… boom. Massive drop into deep blue. Probably 55-60 feet? Wind comin’ off the lake made it sketchy. Waited for the wind to calm, stood there knees shakin’. Saw my whole life play out like a Tik Tok slideshow. Finally just yelled and ran off. Freefall felt long. Long. SPLASH! Huge. Ice cream headache for a sec after. Awesome, but nerve-wrackin’. Saw another dude belly flop later, he looked like he regretted every life choice. Ouch. There’s a clinic near here for a reason…
- Old Power Plant Ruins (Lower Peninsula Side): Sounds epic, kinda feels haunted at first. Crumbly concrete foundations stickin’ outta the water. Be careful climbin’! Gave myself a solid scrape on some rebar sticking out. Jump is around 35-40 feet from the main chunk. Water was weirdly warmer here? Jump felt great. Easy landing. More about the eerie vibes than the pure height. Swam around the ruins afterwards – super cool. Felt like an explorer.
- Sandstone Bluffs (Upper Peninsula Wilderness): Needed the big 4×4 truck I borrowed from Bob for this one. Ruts in the trail could eat a Honda. Spot felt wild. View? Unreal. Lake Superior right there. Jump itself was pure adrenaline – clean sandy wall, maybe 40 feet? Water was COLDER than anywhere else. Like, take-your-breath-away cold. Jumped quick before I chickened out. Came up gasp’n like a fish. Swam hard to shore shiverin’. Definitely need a warm towel and hot coffee stat after this one. Wildest vibe by far.
The Aftermath & Honest Thoughts
Got back home Sunday night beat to hell. Sunburned shoulders (missed a spot applying sunscreen, genius), scratches everywhere, legs feelin’ like overcooked noodles from all the climbing. That damp towel smell permanently in my car now.
Was it worth it? Absolutely. Mind-blowing views, crazy rushes, laughin’ like an idiot after hitting the water clean. Some practical bits though:
- Scout First! Seriously, walk around, look for rocks underwater, check depth if you can. Saw too many people jump blind.
- Cold is Real. Superior ain’t playin’. Takes your breath away.
- Slippery as Heck. Good shoes are a MUST. Almost wiped out hard way too many times.
- Respect the Height. 50 feet looks small from below but lookin’ down? Different story. Don’t push if it feels wrong.
- It ain’t always perfect. Got wind-blocked, boat-buzzed, and rained on once. Deal with it.
Michigan? You got some epic drops hiding out there. Just don’t be an idiot like that guy belly-flopping near Munising. Go have an adventure, just maybe stretch first and pack extra snacks. My legs are still complainin’. Peace out.
