13 Breathtaking Waterfalls You’ll Find in Michigan

With more than 300 waterfalls scattered around Michigan, it is easy to chase these natural wonders. We love planning day trips and multi-day road trips to cascades around the state, and with so many found in the Wolverine State, you could spend a lifetime trying to see them all. To help you narrow down your options, below are just 13 of the best waterfalls in Michigan. From the tallest waterfalls to some of our favorites located in the Upper Peninsula, make sure to add the following waterfalls to your bucket list.

From towering waterfalls tucked inside state parks to roadside falls that require little effort to see, Michigan offers endless opportunities for waterfall chasing.

Tallest Waterfalls in Michigan

Here in the Great Lakes State, you'll find waterfalls of all shapes and sizes. While the smaller waterfalls are certainly beautiful, some of our favorite natural wonders are Michigan's tallest waterfalls. They are impressive, powerful, and breathtaking.

1. Douglass-Houghton Falls: Michigan’s Tallest Hidden Waterfall

• Location: Keweenaw Peninsula near Mohawk
• Popularity: Rarely crowded
• Need to Know: The route to the falls is rugged and can be dangerous

Douglass-Houghton Falls is not only one of the most impressive waterfalls in Michigan but also one of the tallest. These gorgeous falls tumble 110 feet down cliff walls, making for a picturesque sight. However, the area around the falls is dangerous, and many accidents have occurred here, causing significant injuries, including death.

2. Sable Falls: A Scenic Lake Superior Waterfall in Pictured Rocks

• Location: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
• Popularity: Less crowded than other area falls, but may be busy in the summer and on weekends
• Need to Know:

Sable Falls may become one of your favorite waterfalls in Michigan. This impressive waterfall is 75 feet tall and surrounded by thick forest, creating a fairy-tale-like setting. You will have a short journey to view this waterfall, and the best place to admire these falls is at the bottom of the 168-step staircase.

3. Munising Falls: A Dramatic Cascade in Pictured Rocks

• Location: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
• Popularity: Less crowded than other area falls, but may be busy in the summer and on weekends
• Need to Know:

Located within Munising city limits is this 50-foot waterfall. To view these falls, take the paved, short trail to the base of the waterfall. You will find stairs and platforms for incredible viewing opportunities. While these falls are quite popular year-round, in the winter, the frozen falls create stunning ice formations.

Best Waterfall Hikes In Michigan

Sometimes you must put forth a little effort to enjoy the best Michigan waterfalls. Some trails may only be a half-mile, while others may challenge you physically and mentally. But no matter which Michigan waterfall hike you tackle, the reward is well worth the effort.

Before you take to the trails, be sure to get all the most recent trail information from AllTrails.

4. Tahquamenon Falls: Michigan’s Famous Root Beer–Colored Falls

• Location: Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Paradise
• Popularity: Very busy during peak times
• Need to Know: A Michigan Recreation Passport is required to enter this site in a vehicle

If you are searching for waterfalls in the northeastern Upper Peninsula, you will not want to miss Upper Tahquamenon Falls. At an impressive 200 feet wide and 50 feet tall, this is not only the biggest waterfall in Michigan, but it is also one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. You can admire this waterfall in Tahquamenon Falls State Park along a paved, 1.5-mile loop trail.

5. Miners Falls: A Must-See Waterfall in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

• Location: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
• Popularity: Less crowded than other area falls, but may be busy in the summer and on weekends
• Need to Know:

Miners Falls is one of the most gorgeous waterfalls you can ogle in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This waterfall forms as the Miners River drops more than 50 feet. There is a short hike along a gravel-and-dirt path to the waterfall. Be prepared to climb several steps as well.

6. Laughing Whitefish Falls: One of Michigan’s Tallest Cascades

• Location: Near Sundell in Alger County
• Popularity: Busy during peak times
• Need to Know: A Michigan Recreation Passport is required to enter this site in a vehicle

One of the best waterfall hikes in Michigan will take you to the beautiful Laughing Whitefish Falls. Located in Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park in Sundell, this hike takes you through a gorgeous forest to multiple viewing platforms. Plan to hike approximately one mile, out and back, including several stairs. Pets are welcome on this adventure, but must be kept on a leash at all times.

7. Hungarian Falls: A Multi-Tier Waterfall Adventure in the Keweenaw

• Location: Hungarian Falls Nature Area, Calumet
• Popularity: Can be very busy at peak times
• Need to Know: No camping or fires are permitted in the nature area

You will be mesmerized by the beauty of Hungarian Falls in the Keweenaw Peninsula. This is actually a series of three waterfalls, with the largest falling nearly 50 feet. This nature area is home to both moderate and advanced hiking trails on both sides of the falls, allowing you to pick your own adventure. Hungarian Falls are open year-round, and I recommend you capture the beauty of the area in every season.

Accessible Waterfalls In Michigan (No Hiking Required)

Sometimes, you don’t need to put forth any effort to see the best waterfalls in Michigan. Whether right from the road or just a short walk from the parking area, plenty of cascades are perfect for a day trip or a road trip stop. The following are just a few to add to your bucket list.

8. Ocqueoc Falls: Michigan’s Only Handicap-Accessible Waterfall

• Location: Ocqueoc Falls Scenic Site
• Popularity: May be busy at peak times
• Need to Know:

No list of the best waterfalls in Michigan would be complete without Ocqueoc Falls. This is the largest (and technically, only) waterfall in the Lower Peninsula and claims to be the only universally accessible waterfall in the U.S. The path to the falls is paved and accessible for those in wheelchairs or with mobility challenges. And while the waterfall is impressive, give yourself plenty of time to explore the Ocqueoec Falls Scenic Site via hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more.

9. Scott Falls: A Roadside Waterfall Along the Lake Superior Shore

• Location: Highway M-28 in Alger County
• Popularity: May be busy during peak times
• Need to Know: This waterfall is located across from H.J. Rathfoot State Roadside Park, near Au Train Bay, and just a short drive from Au Train and Sandy Public Beaches

We love a waterfall swimming hole, and Scott Falls is one of the best. This beautiful waterfall in the Upper Peninsula tumbles approximately 10 feet into a swimming hole that is a delight in the summer months. Bask in the beauty of the falls right from the highway or take a small walk to the falls, where you’ll find a small cave. Here, you can sit and watch the waterfall from behind – it’s a pretty remarkable sight.

10. Bond Falls: One of Michigan’s Most Photogenic Waterfalls

• Location: Bond Falls Scenic Site
• Popularity: Very busy at peak times
• Need to Know:

Bond Falls is a gorgeous natural wonder near Paulding, along the Ontonagon River. This waterfall comprises one large fall and several smaller falls, totaling 50 feet. Even better, you don’t have to put in much effort to view Bond Falls. Walk along the boardwalk trail, where you’ll find six viewing decks. You may even want to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some time at one of the picnic tables. This is the perfect Michigan day trip!

Best Waterfalls Near Munising

Munising, Michigan, is the ultimate destination for chasing waterfalls. With more than a dozen cascades in the area to admire, there are plenty of waterfall chasing opportunities. The following are just three of the best waterfalls near Munising, Michigan.

11. Chapel Falls: A Scenic Waterfall Hike in Pictured Rocks

• Location: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
• Popularity: Less crowded than other area falls, but may be busy in the summer and on weekends
• Need to Know:

If you are searching for a remote waterfall in Michigan, Chapel Falls should be on your list. This waterfall is approximately 15 miles east of Munising, and there is a three-mile hike (round trip) to reach it. However, the payoff is well worth the hike as you’ll enjoy views of the 60-foot waterfall.

12. Horseshoe Falls: A Charming Waterfall Near Munising

• Location: Munising
• Popularity: This privately-owned attraction can be busy
• Need to Know: Admission is $10 per adult, and seniors, military service members, and veterans pay $8. Kids ages 3-12 are $7, and children two and under are free

Horseshoe Falls is a bit different than other waterfalls on our list. This is a privately owned destination where you must pay a small fee to view the falls. However, you’ll also have access to a short nature path, stream, and pond where you can observe and feed fish. Kids will love the gnome scavenger hunt and exploring the gift shop.

13. Wagner Falls: A Peaceful Forest Waterfall Near Munising

• Location: Wagner Falls Scenic Site
• Popularity: May be busy during peak times
• Need to Know: There are some stairs and boardwalks on the short walk to the falls

Just over one mile outside of Munising is Wagner Falls Scenic Site. Here, you will find a short trail and boardwalk that takes you to an observation deck. Wagner Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Michigan and a natural wonder that you’ll want to spend some time enjoying. Keep in mind that there are no restrooms or water available at the observation deck or on the trail, so plan accordingly.

What is your favorite waterfall in Michigan? What do you consider the best waterfalls in the Great Lakes State? Be sure to tell us about them. We love checking out the many falls around our beautiful state.

Planning a waterfall road trip across Michigan? Use the Only In Your State Itinerary Planner to map out your route, discover nearby attractions, and create the ultimate waterfall-chasing adventure.