Spin the Wheel: No-Hike Waterfalls Near Marquette, Michigan

Here’s a game for your next Upper Peninsula getaway: hop in the car, spin an imaginary wheel, and chase whatever waterfall it lands on — no hiking boots or bug spray required (well, maybe you’ll want some bug spray).

While Marquette is surrounded by wilderness that beckons hikers and adventurers, it also happens to be a jackpot for low-effort, high-reward waterfall viewing.

We’re talking waterfalls you can drive right up to or reach with a short, easy stroll.

What to Bring for a No-Hike Waterfall Day Trip:

• Comfy shoes
• Camera or phone (these falls are photo-worthy)
• A snack (or a pasty, let’s be honest)
• Curiosity
• A good co-pilot who’s up for detours

Let’s spin the wheel and see where the road takes us…

Dead River Falls

Okay, let’s be honest — this one barely makes the list. It’s not your typical walk-in-the-park. But if you’re sure-footed and don’t mind a short, rugged scramble, Dead River Falls delivers one of the most dynamic waterfall experiences near Marquette.

Tucked behind the Board of Light and Power station on Wright Street, the trail follows the river upstream through a series of dramatic drops, rocky ledges, and mossy pools.

Rather than one big cascade, this is more of a choose-your-own-adventure situation — each twist in the trail reveals a new waterfall worth pausing for.

The terrain is uneven and unmarked, with roots, boulders, and the occasional muddy slope, but if you’re up for it, the reward is a raw, untamed stretch of river unlike anything else nearby.

Pro tip: Don’t stop at the first falls. Keep going. The farther upstream you hike, the bigger and wilder the cascades get — especially in spring, when the river’s power is on full display.

How to Get There:

Head to Wright Street in Marquette and look for the parking area near the Marquette Board of Light and Power facility. From there, follow the informal trail along the riverbank.

It’s less than a mile to the farthest falls, but expect roots, rocks, and uneven ground — this is more of a rugged adventure than a casual stroll.

Things to Do Nearby:

• Stop by Presque Isle Park for a scenic loop drive and potential black rock cliff views.
• Grab a post-adventure smoothie or sandwich at Third Street Bagel downtown.
• If you’re up for another nearby waterfall, Reany Falls is just a quick detour away (see below).

Want easier? Keep reading.

Wright Street Falls

This one’s a secret hiding in plain sight. Tucked behind the Marquette Board of Light and Power station, Wright Street Falls is an easy-to-miss but easy-to-access waterfall that feels like a mini urban escape.

It’s a short stroll down a well-worn trail, and while it’s not a massive drop, the setting is surprisingly scenic, especially when the light catches the water just right in the early evening.

It’s the perfect stop if you’re running errands or exploring town and want a quick brush with nature without committing to a full trail.

How to Get There:

Head west on Wright Street in Marquette. Just past the Board of Light and Power facility, you’ll find roadside parking near a small pull-off.

Look for a narrow footpath leading into the trees — it’s a short walk to the falls from there.

Things to Do Nearby:

• Walk or bike the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, which runs nearby.
• Visit Northern Michigan University’s campus or art museum, just a short drive away.
• Head to The Crib Coffee House for a cozy place to recharge.

Morgan Falls

This might be the go-to no-hike waterfall in the area. Located just south of Marquette, Morgan Falls is tucked in the woods along a quiet gravel road and accessed by a short, flat trail.

It’s peaceful, photogenic, and surrounded by forest, making it a favorite for picnics or spontaneous detours.

You’ll hear the water before you see it — and once you do, it’s an inviting scene: a steady cascade flowing over rock ledges, framed by moss and trees.

Bring snacks. There’s a picnic table. You know what to do.

How to Get There:

From US-41, head south on M-553 for about 2.5 miles. Turn right onto Marquette Mountain Road, then take a left onto a gravel road that leads to a small parking area.

The walk to the falls is short and flat, making it easy enough for most visitors.

Things to Do Nearby:

• Take a quick drive to Lakenenland Sculpture Park — quirky, free, and unforgettable.
• Visit Marquette Mountain for summer chairlift rides or winter skiing, depending on the season.
• Order takeout from Border Grill and enjoy a tailgate picnic by the falls.

Little Garlic River Falls

This one’s more of a “roll down the window and enjoy the view” waterfall moment. While not marked or designated as an official viewing area, the Little Garlic River winds alongside County Road 550, and in a few places you’ll catch glimpses of its rocky, dancing flow through the trees.

It’s not about dramatic drops here — it’s about subtle beauty, the sound of water over stone, and the feeling that you’ve stumbled onto something quiet and untouched.

How to Get There:

Drive north on County Road 550 from Marquette toward Big Bay. The river crosses the road a couple of times — keep an eye out for small pull-offs or wider shoulders where you can safely park and explore the riverbank.

There’s no official signage, so this one’s a “go slow and look close” kind of find.

Things to Do Nearby:

• Continue your scenic drive along County Road 550 toward Big Bay — it’s gorgeous.
• Stop for a lakeside break at Harlow Lake Recreation Area or Wetmore Landing.
• Watch the waves crash against Black Rocks at Presque Isle if you loop back to town.

Yellow Dog River Falls

If your wheel lands here, you’re in luck. Yellow Dog River Falls is one of the most accessible “wild” waterfalls in the region — remote, but not hard to reach, and the short trail in is just enough to feel like an adventure without wearing you out.

The falls themselves are fan-shaped and powerful, especially in spring, with frothy whitewater tumbling through a narrow, rocky chute. It’s peaceful, remote, and feels like a reward well-earned.

How to Get There:

Take County Road 550 northwest from Marquette to County Road 510. Turn left and follow 510 across the steel bridge. Then take a left onto CR AAA (a dirt road) and follow signs for the Yellow Dog River Falls parking area.

From the trailhead, it’s a flat walk of about a third of a mile to the falls.

Things to Do Nearby:

• Visit the Yellow Dog Community Forest for even more peaceful nature (without the crowds).
• Grab gas and snacks in Big Bay before heading back — there’s not much out here.
• Want more waterfalls? Pinnacle Falls and Bushy Creek Falls are nearby but require a hike.

Bonus: Reany Falls

Blink and you might miss it, but Reany Falls is a sweet little cascade tucked just behind a residential area. It’s a quick, quiet stop — especially pretty in the spring when the water flows strongest — and makes for a nice breather between bigger outings or before dinner in town.

The setting is more garden than gorge, and the short path is easy to follow. You’ll likely have it to yourself.

How to Get There:

Located near the end of Reany Street in Marquette, this small waterfall is accessible from a short footpath behind homes in the neighborhood.

Park on the street (respectfully) and look for the trailhead just west of Lakeshore Boulevard. It’s only a minute or two on foot from there.

Things to Do Nearby:

• Walk the bike path toward the lakeshore or cut through to Mattson Lower Harbor Park.
• Snap some historic photos at Marquette’s Ore Dock or Old City Hall.
• Finish the day with a pint and some people-watching at Blackrocks Brewery.

Spin Your Own No-Hike Waterfall Adventure

Want to make it a full day? Drop pins on all these spots and let a coin toss decide your route. Or better yet — load up your favorite playlist, grab a coffee from Velodrome, and let curiosity guide the way.

Access the interactive map here.

You don’t need to hike ten miles to find something magical. Around Marquette, waterfalls are practically in your backyard.

Related: More Upper Peninsula Waterfalls

Waterfalls don’t have to be hard-earned. Sometimes, you just need to spin the wheel and go.