100 Steps Gorge
A full day of discovery and fun begins with a short drive north out of Alanson on Route 31. Here we turn right or east on Route C-64. This is a beautiful drive through wooded hills. In a few miles the area becomes a Biological Station established by the University of Michigan.. Keep alert for a small turn off on the south side of the road marked by a sign and split rail fences. This is the parking area for the 100 Steps Gorge.
Little known outside the immediate area and missed by most motorists, this is a great stop to see rare beauty and build an appetite for later. The name 100 Steps is appropriate. At the edge of the parking area steps begin the descent into canyon. There are 100 steps and the way is very steep but, it is worth it. At the bottom is pristine forest and pure running streams. The streams are formed by springs that bubble right out of the hillside.
An interesting phenomenon occurs here. There is a 15 degree temperature change from the top of the steps to the bottom. Even in winter it is 15 degrees cooler at the bottom of the steps than it is at the top.