Explore Hundreds of Waterfalls in the Western U.P.
There are more than 150 waterfalls across this breathtaking area of the Upper Peninsula. In the Autumn, the waterfalls are framed by maple crimson and aspen gold. In the winter, they create strange ice formations. All are spectacles of white splendor that are sure to make any vacation memorable.
Agate Falls
Considered by many to be one of upper Michigan's most picturesque waterfalls, Agate Falls is located on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River. The falls are created as the river finds its way over an extended shelf of terraced sandstone. The resulting waterfall is a broad band of interlacing cascades and small falls nearly 40 feet high. Access to view the falls is via an improved, accessible foot trail. Parking, water, toilets and picnic tables are available at the park, which is generally open from early May through late October.
Off of Hwy 28 between Bruce Crossing and Trout Creek.
7 miles SE of Bruce Crossing at roadside park.
Access: Unimproved Trail. Walking Time: 15 min. or Less.
Vertical Drop: 20 ft. and Over
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.
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
Bond Falls
Bond Falls is a scenic and popular waterfall in southern Ontonagon County. The falls are created as the middle branch of the Ontonagon river tumbles over a thick belt of fractured rock, dividing it into numerous small cascades. Total drop of the falls is approximately 50 feet. Currently, roadside parking and picnic tables are available near the top of the falls. An accessible boardwalk with six viewing locations has been added to this location.
From US 2, to US 45 N. to Paulding turn right on Bond Falls Rd., 4 miles E. follow signs.
Middle branch of Ontonagon River, 3.5 miles E of Paulding. Access: Improved Trail. Walking Time: 15 min. or Less. Vertical Drop: 20 ft. and Over
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
Montreal River
Interstate Falls - Take US2 west into Wisconsin, .6 miles after the Hwy 51 overpass. Turn right on gravel road. Pass the gravel pit on the right and go .4 miles where road turns right and a trail heads off to the left to Insterstate Falls .35 miles. Coming back from the falls stop about halfway back and listen for more falls. head toward the sound and see the Unamed Falls about 3.5 miles.
•Access: Rough Trail
•Walking Time: 15 min. - 45 min
•Vertical Drop: 20 ft. and Over
Unnamed Falls
•Access: Rough Trail
•Walking Time: 15 min. - 45 min
•Vertical Drop: 20 ft. and Over
Peterson Falls - Back at the car, continue down the road 50 yards. Where the gravel road crosses, turn left and park. Walk to end of the road and go right on trail. 15 miles.
•Access: Improved Trail
•Walking Time: 15 min. - 45 min
•Vertical Drop: 20 ft. and Over
Porcupine Mountains Waterfalls
See over 90 majestic waterfalls in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park!
Agate Falls – Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River – Head east on M-28 from Bergland, six miles east of Bruce Crossing
Ajibikoka Falls – Sucker Creek – Located 4.5 miles northwest of Watersmeet off of Forest Rd 206
Bonanza Falls – Big Iron River – Located 0.9 miles south of M-107 on M-64 South
Bond Falls – Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River – Take US-45 south from Bruce Crossing to Paulding
Cascade Falls – Cascade Creek – Take USFS 222 (which becomes 400) northeast from M-28
Deer Creek Falls – Deer Creek – Seven miles northwest of Bergland
Eighteen-mile Rapid Falls – South Branch of Ontonagon River – Located 5.5 miles south of Ewen
Explorers Falls – Little Carp River – In Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, three miles upstream from Lake Superior
Flannigan Rapids Falls – South Branch of Ontonagon River – Five miles north of Ewen
Greenstone Falls – Little Carp River – Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, one mile north of South Boundary Road
Irish Rapids and Grand Rapids Falls – Ontonagon River – Five miles northwest of Rockland
Lepisto Falls – Presque Isle River – Just East of Hwy 519 near western border of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Little Falls – Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River – Located 4.5 miles southwest of Paulding
Little Trap Falls – Anderson Creek – Located 6.5 miles north of Bergland
Little Union Gorge Falls – Little Union River – In Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, 2.5 miles southwest of Silver City
Meximine Falls – Tamarack River – Six miles east of Watersmeet on Forest Rd 208
Nimikon Falls – Presque Isle River – Thirteen 13 miles west of Bergland
Nonesuch Falls – Iron River – In Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, located 1.5 miles west of White Pine
O Kun-de-kun Falls – Baltimore River – Located 1.1 miles north of Bruce Crossing. Park at the North Country Hiking Trail parking lot and hike about 1.25 miles to the falls
Onion Falls – East Branch of the Ontonagon River – Seven miles northwest of Kenton
Pewabeck Falls – Little Iron River – Three miles north of White Pine
Presque Isle River waterfalls – Presque Isle River – Series of waterfalls: Lagoo, Nawadaha, Manido and Manabezho—Located at the westernmost edge of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park along Hwy 519
Rapid River Falls – Rapid River – Five miles northwest of Bergland
Rock Bluff Falls – Bluff Creek – Ten miles north of Watersmeet
Sandstone Rapids Falls – Stranton Creek – Nine miles north of Ewen
Shining Cloud Falls – Carp River – Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, two miles upstream from Lake Superior
Sparrow Rapid Falls – East Branch of the Ontonagon River – Three miles northwest of Kenton
Three Rapid Falls – Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River – Ten miles northwest of Agate
Trap Falls – Carp River – In Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, five miles southwest of Silver City
Trappers Falls – Little Carp River – In Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, three miles upstream from Lake Superior
Traders Falls – Little Carp River – In Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, one mile upstream from Lake Superior
Victoria Dam – West Branch of Ontonagon River – Four miles southwest of Rockland
Wolverine Falls – Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River – Eight miles west of Paulding
Superior Falls
Located on the Montreal River. Take US2 west in Wisconsin to Hwy 122. Turn north and follow into Michigan. When you cross the river between WI and MI, take the first road to the left and park in the power company parking area. Follow the signs to view falls.
•Access: Improved trail
•Walking Time: 15 min. - 45 min
•Vertical Drop: 20 ft. and Over
Waterfalls
