40+ Best Waterfalls in Michigan to Explore This Year

One of the biggest things that Michigan is known for is nature. The state has all kinds of landscapes — farmland, forests, mountains, and beaches. Among these landscapes are tons of waterfalls in Michigan.

With that said, let’s take a look at some of our favorite Michigan waterfalls to explore…

Michigan Waterfalls on the Keweenaw Peninsula

Jacob’s Falls

Although Jacob’s Falls isn’t one of the largest falls, it’s in a really interesting area. You’ll find it off M-26 about 3 miles northeast of Eagle River.

The part of the waterfall that you can see from the road is the main section and drops about 20 feet. Overall, though, the falls drop a total of 40 feet.

Just about 225 feet away is The Jampot, a monastery-owned shop that sells delicious bakery goods and jams.

Douglass Houghton Falls

With a drop of 110 feet, Douglass Houghton Falls is amazing to see during the fall. In fact, the water was once a popular destination for Michigan Tech students and other locals.

The steep gorge and loose volcanic rocks around the falls can be dangerous, so access to the base of the waterfall is restricted. The town has plans to make viewing the waterfall safer.

Despite that, you can access the falls via Hammel Creek near Lake Lindon.

Hungarian Falls

The Hungarian Falls Nature Area is a hot spot for locals because it’s near Torch Lake and is home to Hungarian Falls. It’s actually a series of three falls — 20-foot Upper Falls, 20-foot Middle Falls, and 50-foot Lower Falls.

You can approach the falls from both sides via hiking trails that are moderate to advanced in difficulty. The upper access trail is easy to trek and leads to the top of the falls where there’s a pond with fish and other natural wildlife.

During autumn, the mixed hardwood forest creates a colorful sight.

Cascade Falls

Before Cascade Creek flows into the Ontonagon River, the water tumbles over Cascade Falls, a scenic waterfall with a height of 14 feet. While a trail to the falls offers some great views, it’s in a swampy area with lots of black flies and big trees. 

Travelers coming from Bergland can take M-28 east to County Road 400. After traveling down a dirt road for just over seven miles, there is a sign for the falls just past Cascade Creek. From the parking area, which is a quarter mile further, visitors can follow the path to the falls.

Alder Falls

Winding around Huron Mountain outcroppings, Alder Falls flows over dark volcanic rock to form several scenic waterfalls. The biggest (and main) drop of the bunch is around 10 feet and a second five-foot waterfall foams over jagged rocks before continuing to two other smaller falls.

 Waterfall enthusiasts can turn west off of County Road 550 onto a two-track south of Big Bay. An open parking area is a little more than a half mile up the road and visitors can park and head northwest along a path to the biggest waterfall.

Big Erick’s Falls

Michiganders know what a crown jewel the mouth of the Huron River is in the Keweenaw Peninsula, but Big Erick’s Falls isn’t to be missed. The falls cascade over the site of site of a former logging camp and though the falls are small, there are more than a dozen drops over weathered rock.

Visitors can follow Skanee Road about 20 miles east of L’Anse and follow signs for Big Erick’s Campground. Once there, there is a path that follows the waterfalls along the bank downstream.

Copper Falls

Situated on Owl Creek as it flows from Owl Lake toward Lake Superior, Upper Copper Falls drops directly into a former mine nearly six feet onto rock. From there, the water gains flow from tributaries to splash over multiple smaller falls in a series of unique drops.

Visitors can reach the Copper Falls Loop of Eagle Harbor Cutoff Road. Visitors are advised to park before crossing Owl Creek and walk upstream to see some of the falls. The rest can be seen downstream past the Eagle Harbor Cutoff.

Dead River Falls

Just outside Marquette is a series of falls that some Michiganders consider a hidden gem. Despite their name, the Dead River Falls are active most of the year and there are plenty of vantage points where visitors can photograph or simply watch the falls.

Visitors can reach the falls off of US-41 on Marquette’s west side by turning onto County Road 492. From there, travelers should head left on Forestville Road and keep driving over a bridge to a parking area within sight of an old power station. Travelers can follow a footpath past a stump that says Dead River Falls; heading upstream and downstream will give visitors a view of the upper and lower rapids.

Greenwood/Bonanza Falls

These falls are nestled near Silver City in Ontonagon, these falls are 20 feet high with more than a dozen drops. None of the drops is particularly high, but the easy access to the falls and the unique structure of the angled rocks make these falls worth checking out.

The falls are less than a half mile south of Silver City on M-64. Travelers will find a parking lot with a sign for the falls. A path straight from the lot takes visitors to the upper falls and the lower falls can be found downstream.

Great Conglomerate Falls

Of the five falls found on the Black River, the Great Conglomerate Falls are the uppermost set. The rushing river splits over a mound of conglomerate rock to create two magnificent falls that are best seen from a viewing platform. The falls measure 15 feet high with nearly two dozen drops.

Travelers can access the galls heading up Route 513 from Bessemer. Roughly 10 miles past Big Powderhorn, a drive directs travelers to Gorge and Potawanami Falls. Visitors can park and hike toward Potawatomi Falls and continue walking upstream to find the Great Conglomerate Falls.

Jumbo Falls

Situated on the Jumbo River and surrounded by beautiful cedar trees, the Jumbo Falls is a short (just 3 feet tall), but scenic waterfall in southern Houghton County. The river winds slowly, allowing visitors to get a great view of the big plunge.

Getting here involves a few twists and turns. On M-28, visitors should turn south on Golden Glow Road and follow it for about two miles until they reach the first intersection. After turning left, travelers make a quick right at the fork, which leads to a trailhead less than a mile later. Visitors get out here and follow the path leading upstream to the falls.

Mexi-i-min-e Falls

Mex-i-min-e Falls is scenic, but it’s also a great place to spend some time camping around Watersmeet. The waterfalls are small, compared with others in the Keweenaw — there are four drops and the tallest is just two feet — it’s still relaxing to hear water rushing over rocks and to soak up the Michigan scenery.

Travelers can take US-45 right through Watersmeet, hang a right on old Highway 2, and then turn left on Forest Road 4500 after almost seven miles. On FR 4500, visitors will go just over a mile to the Mex-i-min-e Falls campsite where they can find waterfall trails by the river.

Paul’s Falls

Situated on the Sante River in Houghton County, the gently flowing river suddenly plunges into a sizeable sandstone bowl and over a steep slope of rocks. The biggest drop is 10 feet and there are two drops.

Getting to the falls is a bit of a journey. Travelers can take A70 east from M-26 in Toivola and travel about two miles out of town until they see the woods open up at the site of the old Challenge Exploration. Travelers should stay left at the old mine and go left again after the track passes it until they reach a dirt road. A turn on the dirt road, which includes going over the river, will lead to the falls.

Slate River Falls

The Slate River Falls is only a 10-foot waterfall, but this scenic plunge on the Slate River is still very scenic as the plunge is surrounded by huge banks and tall trees. The water tumbles over layered rock, but it makes for an incredible view for those who make the journey.

Travelers can park on either side of the bridge over the Slate River about 11 from L’Anse and follow the river upstream to find the falls.

Yondata Falls

Situated less than five miles north of Marenisco is a unique series of falls. Technically, the falls are just one waterfall between two rock mounds, but there are rapids and cascades above and below the plunge.

The falls are located on the Bessemer Ranger District, and visitors are advised to follow the trail the whole way to see all of the falls. The trail isn’t long, but there is a dip in elevation, so climbing uphill on the way back can be difficult.

From Marenisco, visitors can travel on US-2 to CR 523. After turning left on CR 523, visitors travel about four miles to the falls. The trailhead for the falls can be found on the north side of the Presque Isle River Bridge.

Wyandotte Falls

Nestled next to the Wyandotte Hills Golf Course in Toivola is Wyandotte Falls, which is surrounded by tall cedar trees and smooth rocks. The waterfall has just two drops, the tallest of which is 7 feet, but it’s a site to see in the spring. With the Twin Lakes just upstream, the waterfall sees a large volume of spring melt.

Travelers on Poyhonen Road should continue past the golf course and park near the trailhead that’s just up the road. The trail leads south to Misery River and the falls.

Silver River Falls

This magnificent waterfall on the Silver River has two sets of drops that tumble beautifully under a sandstone bridge. Visitors can marvel at the smooth drops of the upper falls and the jagged drops off the lower falls in this iconic Keweenaw destination.

Travelers on M-28 can find the path for the falls just before the west entrance to Brockway Mountain Drive. A bridge marked ‘Silver River’ leads to the falls down a set of stairs.

Western Upper Peninsula Waterfalls

Manabezho Falls

On the very west side of the Upper Peninsula, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park has some of the best waterfalls in Michigan.

One of our favorites is Manabezho Falls, which is the largest waterfall on the Presque Isle River. It’s 25 feet high and 150 feet wide. Getting to the falls is easy from the west side of the park via CR-519. The rich colors in the trees make the falls especially scenic in autumn.

Potawatomi and Gorge Waterfalls

The Ottawa National Forest is nearly 1 million acres of protected land and is home to the Potawatomi and Gorge Waterfalls. They’re located very close to each other just off the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway.

From a loop-paved parking lot are short, well-marked hiking trails that lead to a series of stairways and observation platforms. While some parts of the trails are easy, other parts are more difficult. Potawatomi Falls has a 30-foot drop and 130-foot width, while Gorge Falls has a 24-foot drop and 29-foot width.

Bond Falls

Part of the Ontonagon River in Ottawa National Forest, Bond Falls is a scenic site with water flowing over a thick belt of fractured rock and separating into several small cascades. The waterfall, which is one of the most popular in the Upper Peninsula, drops a total of 50 feet.

A trail leads from the Scenic Overlook Dr. parking lot to the waterfall and follows part of the river. There’s an accessible boardwalk with a handful of observation locations, as well as picnic tables in the area.

Agate Falls

Also located on the Ontonagon River in Ottawa National Forest, Agate Falls is considered one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Michigan, especially during the fall.

You’ll find it off M-28 by following the trail from the Agate Falls Scenic Site parking lot. Seeing the water cascade over terraced sandstone from nearly 40 feet high is absolutely magnificent.

Bathtub Falls

Nestled deep within Porcupine Mountains State Park, Bathtub Falls is a hidden gem that forms the last drop of Shining Cloud Falls in the park. Nature lovers will be amazed by the magnificent views and geologists will love seeing water flow over the intricate formations.

Visitors can follow a trail along the Big Carp River to see the crown jewel, Bathtub Falls.

O-kun-de-kun Falls

The O-kun-de-kun Falls, named for an Ojibway chief, is tucked into the wilds of Ontanagon County, but as one of the few plunge falls around Lake Superior — and with a height of 25 feet — it’s worth a look. Visitors can go behind the falls for a unique point of view but should be careful not to slip on rocks.

The trailhead for the falls is on the east side of US-45, north of Bruce Crossing. The trail is part of the larger North Country Trail, which winds through most of the UP, and a 1.3-mile journey takes trekkers to the falls.

O-kun-de-kun Falls on the Baltimore River is one of the more impressive waterfalls in the Western UP. 

This extremely well maintained trail follows along the North Country Trail, and also takes you by Konteka Falls just upstream from O-kun-de-kun Falls. The hike to the top of the falls is approximately 1.3 miles each way.

If you’re feeling really adventurous you can continue to follow the trail across the suspension bridge to the other side of the river. There is a small cave on the other side of the waterfall that provides some amazing views from behind the waterfall!

Michelle Lutke

Overlooked Falls

This waterfall is one of the most viewed waterfalls within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park despite its name. It can be easy for hikers to overlook these falls, but those who stop are treated to a scenic view,. The falls are a series of short 3-5 foot drops and a gradual downward path allows visitors to get close to the water for a closer look.

The falls can be easily accessed via a parking lot off of South Boundary Road.

Rainbow Falls

The lowermost of the falls on the Black River features just one 15-foot drop; one of the taller ones on the river. Water slides over sedimentary rock that ends with a satisfying plunge into a deep pool, creating a roar of white, foamy water.

Shining Cloud Falls

Another of the scenic waterfalls within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Shining Cloud Falls. The waterfall, which is the biggest of the Porcupine Mountains’ backcountry falls, drops roughly 20 feet and splits into two sections — a slide on the left and a plunge on the right.

The falls can be accessed via several trails, including the Big Carp River Trail and the Lake of the Clouds overlook.

Superior Falls

The Montreal River forms the boundary between the Western UP and northern Wisconsin. On that river is Superior Falls, an impressive waterfall with multiple drops over 110 total feet, that sits just below a dam.

Since it’s so close to Lake Superior, visitors can stroll along the Montreal River and hike down a steep path to reach Lake Superior. The falls are very scenic and best viewed in the spring or the fall during the fall color change.

The falls can be reached on Hwy 122 off of US-2 at the Wisconsin/Michigan border. About a half mile from the Michigan border is a gravel road that leads to a parking lot with a sign for the falls.

Traders Falls

Nestled within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park are the serene and secluded Traders Falls. The falls sit right on the Little Carp River and are only about a mile from Lake Superior.

Visitors in the park can take the Lake Superior Trail, which passes right by the falls.

Sturgeon Falls

Nestled within the Ottawa National Forest in the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness is Sturgeon Falls, a small waterfall with a powerful drop. The falls are located deep within the gorge and they drop only 25 feet, but the drop is powerful, fed by the rushing Sturgeon River. The river flows into a narrow chute before spraying mist in all directions as it flows over the falls.

The remote waterfall is best reached on M-38 headed out of Baraga. After about 10 miles, turn left toward Prickett Dam and then right on NF 2270 after about 2.5 miles. Signs for the falls follow for about 10 miles and a parking area is available right before Clear Creek Road.

Tibbets Falls

Just downstream of Canyon River Falls is Tibbets Falls, a small waterfall with more than a dozen drops over slate rock. The waterfall is small, but it’s easily accessed on the North Country Trail and is situated on the Sturgeon River before it begins a northward sweep.

Traveling on M-28, adventurers should take Plains Road for about 3.5 miles over the river. A left fork at a sandy road leads to a small parking area and a trail to the falls.

Ogemaw Falls

This scenic waterfall on the Baraga Plains is located near US-41 near a former prison camp. The waterfall has just two drops, but visitors can enjoy watching the water tumble over volcanic rock to slide down into a long satisfying plunge.

Travelers can take Baraga Plains Road west from US-41 for a short distance. A pond on the left-hand side of the road marks a good spot to park. Travelers will then follow the road back to a culvert and then downstream to find the falls.

Central Upper Peninsula Waterfalls

Yellow Dog Falls

Situated on the Yellow Dog River, Yellow Dog Falls is 50 feet wide and has a 30-foot vertical drop. In the center of the falls, visitors should keep an eye out for a massive boulder. The falls are easy to reach and visitors will be in for a treat as they walk along rushing streams and see multiple waterfalls in a two-mile section of river.

Travelers can get to the falls out of Marquette by taking County Road 550 north toward Big Bay for roughly 25 miles until they reach CR 510. After turning left on CR 510, travelers go about seven miles to a bridge across the Yellow Dog River. Once across the bridge, visitors can park on the south side of the road and follow a hiking trail downstream.

Warner Falls

Located about 20 minutes from downtown Marquette, Warner Falls is just outside the community of Palmer. The waterfall can be seen from M-35, but travelers can get closer for a better look. A sign on the Warner Creek bridge directs travelers to the falls and they can get to the top and the base of the falls for incredible views.

Headed out of Marquette, travelers can turn on CR 492 for about 4.5 miles and then turn on M-35. Signage for the falls is by the Warner Creek Bridge.

Pinnacle Falls

The Yellow Dog River flows over several waterfalls, including rugged Pinnacle Falls. At the top of the falls is an old timber crib and visitors can enjoy watching water cascade into a deep pool. The area surrounding the falls is protected land but is open to the public.

Power House Falls

This dramatic 6-foot drop on the Falls River is a direct drop over slate rock that’s situated close to a former hydraulic powerhouse. For waterfall enthusiasts, the waterfall drop is one of the river’s most dramatic; a sharp drop that’s enjoyable to watch.

Waterfalls in Michigan Between Marquette & Munising

Laughing Whitefish Falls

In the 360-acre Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park about 20 miles southeast of Marquette is this namesake waterfall, which is a cascade from 100 feet down a limestone escarpment. The scenic site features old-growth hemlock and white pine trees, which have beautiful colors during fall in Michigan.

You can reach the falls via a ½-mile trail from the nearby loop road parking area and through a beech-maple forest. A set of stairs leads to the bottom of the falls too. After visiting the falls you can check out other areas in Marquette.

Rock River Falls

With a 15-foot drop, Rock River Falls is located deep in the Rock River Canyon Wilderness, which is part of Hiawatha National Forest.

You’ll have to drive several miles on old logging roads to get to the Rock River Falls trailhead, and the trail isn’t marked either.

Despite all that, the remote location and difficult trek is very rewarding, especially when you see the colorful display of leaves.

Wagner Falls

Tucked among old-growth hemlock and pine trees, Wagner Falls is located about 1.5 miles south of Munising. When you get to the small parking area, it’s only a short walk (about 25 feet) to get to the observation platform for the waterfall.

The trail is packed gravel and features a boardwalk with a few steps.

Horseshoe Falls

Referred to as the “Enchanted Waterfall,” 20-foot Horseshoe Falls is the largest spring-fed waterfall in the area. It’s in the perfect natural, tranquil setting, and the grounds are maintained well so that it’s easy to reach the falls and see the variety of plants and trees.

Unlike the other waterfalls in Michigan, this one has a gift shop with a botanical garden and hiking trails. You have the opportunity to feed trout and ducks in the pond and play the gnome scavenger hunt in the garden as well. Since the gift shop provides these extra activities, there’s an admission fee.

Tannery Falls

Also called Rudy M. Olson Memorial Falls, Tannery Falls is located near Munising on Tannery Creek. You can see the gravesite of Rudolf Olson on the small path from Sand Point Rd. that leads to the waterfall.

The 40-foot falls drops into a sandstone canyon, and there’s a cave behind it, which adds drama to the breathtaking scenery.

Au Train Falls

Situated on the Au Train River south of the Cleveland Cliffs basin, the Au Train Falls feature both upper and lower falls. The upper falls drop nearly 40 feet and are best viewed in the spring when water cascades more consistently. The lower falls drop 10 feet.

Visitors around Munising can take M-94 west for about 10 miles until they reach AuTrain Forest Lake Road. From there, visitors should turn into the parking lot on Power Dam Road to begin their journey.

Unnamed Morgan Falls

Located just outside Marquette is the unnamed Morgan Falls, which can be found down on a dirt road. While the falls are only 20 feet tall, it’s a popular haunt for residents who love its ruggedness and scenic views, especially during the fall.

To reach the falls, it’s recommended that travelers take M-553 south of Marquette. Turn right just before the Carp River on a dirt road (known locally as Marquette Mt Road). The falls are about 1.5 miles west of M-553 on a dirt road. Once travelers have reached the parking area, the falls are a short distance away.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Waterfalls

Munising Falls

Just inside Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and still within Munising city limits, Munising Falls is located on Munising Creek.

You can follow an 800-foot paved trail up the shaded canyon to the base of the 50-foot waterfall. Then, two sets of stairs go up to platforms where you can get a higher view of the water as it falls over the sandstone cliff.

Miners Falls

A little farther into Pictured Rocks, Miners Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Michigan. You can park at the lot just off Miners Castle Rd., which is about 4 miles north of H-58.

From there, you can take the gently rolling gravel path just 0.6 miles to two overlooks. The water drops about 50 feet, and you can climb down 64 steps to lower viewing platforms.

Spray Falls

Plunging about 70 feet directly into Lake Superior, Spray Falls is less than 2 miles northeast of Chapel Beach.

Although the North Country National Scenic Trail passes the waterfall, viewing access is limited from there. Instead, the best way to view the falls is from a boat tour on the lake, which gives you a panoramic view.

At the base of the waterfall and 20 feet underwater is the 1856 shipwreck of the wooden side-wheeler Superior.

Sable Falls

As the largest waterfall in Pictured Rocks, Sable Falls has a drop of 75 feet. The water tumbles over sandstone formations and into Lake Superior. You can follow the Sable Falls Trail from the designated parking area.

It’s only a few hundred feet to get to the falls, but you’ll have to go down 168 steps to get the best view from the bottom. In addition, you can continue following the path past the waterfall to Sable Beach.

Mosquito Falls

This small waterfall at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the smallest of the Pictured Rocks waterfalls but is still scenic nonetheless. It can be found on the Chapel Loop Hike, which also takes travelers past the Chapel Falls. Mosquito Falls has two drops — one about 10 feet high and the other about 5 feet high.

Mosquito Falls is about 1.5 miles from the parking area for Chapel Falls. From the Chapel Parking area, visitors can take the Mosquito Beach trail, which winds past the upper falls, rapids, and lower falls. From Munising, travelers should go about 15 miles east on H-58 and then turn on Chapel Road, where they’ll reach the parking lot after about four miles.

Upper & Lower Tahquamenon Falls

On the east side of the Upper Peninsula are two grand waterfalls in Tahquamenon Falls State Park, which is nearly 50,000 acres large. These falls are two of the most well-known waterfalls in Michigan.

The nearby parking lot is located just off M-123. From there, you can walk the short trail to the Upper Falls or the 4-mile River Trail to the Lower Falls. If you’re looking for more hiking trails in the Upper Peninsula we have a great list.

The Lower Falls is actually a series of five small waterfalls that cascade around an island.

Ocqueoc Falls in the Lower Peninsula

Unfortunately, the Lower Peninsula of Michigan doesn’t have a lot of waterfalls. Ocqueoc Falls is the one main waterfall, and it’s located about 11 miles west of Rogers City. Even though it’s small by comparison, it has a lot to offer…

• It’s the only universally accessible falls in the country.
• There’s a pool at the bottom of the waterfall where you can swim.
• The Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway is a 6-mile hiking and biking trail that weaves through towering hardwoods and pines.
• Benches and picnic tables are placed around the park.

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls in Michigan

Best Time to Explore Michigan Waterfalls

When is the best time to explore Michigan waterfalls? Any time! Each season in Michigan brings new and exciting features to each of the state’s waterfalls, making each season the best season to visit waterfalls in Michigan.

Michigan Waterfalls in Fall

While exploring the many waterfalls in Michigan is a great summer activity, visiting them during the fall is extra special. The changing leaves surrounding the falls are gorgeous.

As you explore the many waterfalls in Michigan this fall, don’t miss out on the best Michigan color drives and fall things to do in the Upper Peninsula and beyond!

Winter Waterfalls in Michigan

Nothing compares to the stunning splendor that can be seen at frozen waterfalls in Michigan. Whether you choose to keep your feet safely on the ground or you try your hand at ice climbing, these crystalized water features will take your breath away.

Michigan Waterfalls in Spring

During the spring in Michigan, the rising temperatures and spring rain add a lot of water to the waterfalls across the state’s Upper Peninsula. As a result, they’re heavier and more thunderous than any other time of the year.

Summer at Michigan Waterfalls

The most popular time of year to visit Michigan waterfalls is during the summer months. As most of the waterfalls in Michigan are in the Upper Peninsula, many people include these stunning natural destinations on their Upper Peninsula summer road trips!