Adventure Awaits Michigan Western Upper Peninsula

The National Black River Scenic Byway

The National Black River Scenic Byway includes, Great Conglomerate Falls, Potawatomi, Gorge, Sandstone, and Rainbow Falls. As you visit our waterfalls, stop and take notice of the signs explaining the conglomerate rock formations.

Directions: From Hwy. US 2 in Bessemer take Powderhorn Rd North. When you come to the T in the road at the stop sign, make a left hand turn on Black River Rd. You will find all the waterfalls on this Road. This road is approximately 14 miles long, ending in the only Harbor & Marina operated by the USDA Forest Service in the lower 48 states.

Gabbro Falls/Bakers Falls
Great Conglomerate Falls
Potawatomi Falls
Gorge Falls
Sandstone Falls
Rainbow Falls

Gabbro Falls/Bakers Falls
Located on the Black River, take US2 between Bessemer and Wakefield to Blackjack road.  Turn north and go pas second gas line clearing and park, approx 1.5 miles.  Walk the line west to river river.  Upper and lower river locations.

Upper  and Lower Gabbro/Bakers
•Access:  Rough Trail
•Walking Time: 5 min. – 10 min
•Vertical Drop:  15ft. and Over

Great Conglomerate Falls– This is a very large waterfall which is divided by a wide conglomerate rock formation. This waterfall is well marked. Walking trail 3/4 mile.

•Access:  Improved Trail
•Walking Time:  15 min. – 45 min
•Vertical Drop:  20 ft. and Over

Potawatomi Falls– Potawatomi, which is barrier free (from Gorge Parking Lot), is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Black River. This waterfall is well marked. A restroom is available at this site. Walking trail is approximately 1/8 mile.  Shares common road in with Gorge Falls and 2 separate parking lots.

•Access:  Improved Trail
•Walking Time:  15 min. or Less
•Vertical Drop:  20 ft. and Over

Gorge Falls – This conglomerate canyon has a 34 foot drop. Potawatomi and Gorge Falls are accessible by the same parking area. Walking trail is approximately 1/8 mile.

•Access:  Improved Trail
•Walking Time:  15 min. – 45 min
•Vertical Drop:  20 ft. and Over

Sandstone Falls – This waterfall meanders over rocks giving it a unique appearance. It is located on a beautiful spot on the Black River, with a well marked, short 1/4 mile walking trail.

•Access:  Improved Trail
•Walking Time:  15 min. – 45 min
•Vertical Drop:  20 ft. and Over

Rainbow Falls – A Beautiful Waterfall that is extremely photogenic on the East part of the River. Enjoy the scenery on your 1/2 mile walk to the waterfall. Take is easy, there are many stairs.

•Access:  Improved Trail
•Walking Time:  15 min. – 45 min
•Vertical Drop:  20 ft. and Over