If you ever head up to the Keweenaw Peninsula, be sure to bring your hiking boots because there’s a trail up here you don’t want to miss. The hike to Douglass Houghton Falls offers an overlook, a cave, and the tallest cascade in the state – all in a short, albeit rugged, distance. This half-mile Michigan waterfall trail is one for your bucket list.

From the trailhead on M-26 - between Lake Linden and Laurium - the out-and-back hike to Douglass Houghton Falls is only a half mile - that’s round trip!
Jill Scholnik/AllTrails
But it’s still considered moderately challenging due to the scramble you’ll have to do along the side of the falls to get a decent look at the cascade. Take a look at the ​​topo map on AllTrails to see what I mean.
The first part of the hike is relatively level, following Hammell Creek for several hundred feet.
John Koski/AllTrails
Then you’ll reach the top of the gorge at the lip of the waterfall.
Chris Bolis/AllTrails
Pause for a moment and enjoy the sweeping view from the top. Things get a little tricky from here.

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To see the 110-foot falls, you have to scramble down a slope alongside them to the bottom.
Kelly McKee/AllTrails
However, due to erosion, it’s a dangerous proposition. Fixed ropes have been installed to assist in the descent (and ascent on the way the back up).
But, once at the bottom, the payoff is worth it!
Phoenix-Five/Wikimedia Commons
As a bonus, to the left of the falls, there’s a small cave.
Nicole Berney/AllTrails
Rumor has it that the cave was an exploratory shaft dug by prospectors/assayers in search of copper deposits.
Be sure to walk down Hammell Creek a little way to get some more sweet views of the falls before you head back up.
Steve Lagreca/AllTrails

If you get a chance to visit the tallest falls in Michigan, take it from us: You definitely should. Have you hiked Douglass Houghton Falls Trail? Tell us about your experience in the comments — we would love to hear from you! And, before embarking on your adventure, don’t forget to take a look at our ultimate hiking essentials packing list.

Looking for more to explore? Check out this stunning footage of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:

For even more travel inspiration, take a look at our guide to the very best hiking trails in Michigan. There really is something for everyone on this list!

18 Best Hiking Trails In Michigan: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails to Visit in 2024

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Douglass Houghton Falls, Calumet Twp, MI 49913, USA