Directions
From Naubinway take US-2 east 17 miles to the Cut River Bridge Roadside Park. From St. Ignace take US-2 west 27 miles from St. Ignace. There are roadside parks and hiking trails at the rest area.
Cut River Bridge Roadside Park
Naubinway - St. Ignace
Birding Information
Bring your binoculars or spotting scope to this unique location, the Cut River Bridge suspending US-2 over the Cut River and mixed hardwoods below. Bird from the bridge overlooking the forest and water below or follow the stairs to the Lake Michigan shoreline to catch glimpses of horned and red-necked grebes, sanderlings and common terns. If you would rather hike, follow the short pathway instead of the stairs and look along the edges which are full of great warbler habitat. Species found here include chestnut-sided warblers, American redstart and northern waterthrush.
Area Information
Located between Epoufette and Brevort, this cantilevered steel bridge is part of the US-2 route along Lake Michigan's shoreline. It suspends the road over a valley through which the Cut River flows. Construction on the Cut River Bridge began in 1941 and was completed with opening the bridge to transportation in 1947. There is a hiking pathway that is accessed from the parking lot that will loop under the bridge, you can follow the stairs down to the Lake Michigan shoreline. Please note that an invasive plant, garlic mustard, is found in this area so be sure to check your boots for mud and clean it off before visiting other sites to help prevent its spread.
Bathrooms
Pit Toilet
Parking
Yes
Road Birding
No, but you can stand on the bridge and glass for birds, after parking your vehicle in the parking lot.
Hiking Trails
Yes
Viewing Platform
No, but there is a sidewalk on the bridge that one can view from.
Winter Access
No