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.
Ready to explore more waterfalls beyond the state border? From jaw-dropping cascades to swimmable emerald ponds, there are countless magnificent waterfalls found across the United States to explore.
Go Chasing Waterfalls
Tallest Waterfalls In Michigan
Here in the Great Lakes State, there are waterfalls of all shapes and sizes. While the smaller waterfalls are certainly beautiful, some of our favorite natural wonders are the tallest waterfalls in Michigan. They are impressive, powerful, and breathtaking.
1. Douglass Houghton Falls
Location: Copper County
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know This may be the tallest waterfall in Michigan but it is also one of the most dangerous to view.
Douglass Houghton Falls is not only one of the most impressive waterfalls in Michigan, but it is also one of the tallest. These gorgeous falls tumble 110 feet down cliff walls and are quite a picturesque sight. However, the area around the falls is dangerous and many accidents have occurred here, causing significant injuries including death. The only option if you wish to see these falls in person is by following Hammell Creek upstream from Lake Linden.
2. Sable Falls
Location: Pictures Rocks National Lakeshore, Alger County
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know This waterfall tumbles over Munising and Jacobsville sandstone cliffs. The Jacobsville sandstone at the bottom of the falls is believed to be more than one billion years old.
Sable Falls may become one of your favorite waterfalls in Michigan. This impressive waterfall is 75 feet tall and is 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
Location: Munising
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know This is one of the best frozen waterfalls in Michigan.
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 all year long, in the winter the frozen falls create ice formations that are stunning.
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
Location: Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Paradise
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know While you can view the falls from an ADA-accessible path, for a closer view, there are approximately 100 steps you will need to descend.
If you are searching for waterfalls near me 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 one of the tallest waterfalls 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 after following a short, paved trail that is less than 0.5 miles.
5. Miners Falls
Location: Pictures Rocks National Lakeshore, Alger County
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know This is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Miners Falls is one of the most gorgeous waterfalls you can ogle in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This waterfall is formed as the Miners River falls 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
Location: Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park, Sundell
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know In the winter, you can only enter this park on snowshoes or ungroomed cross-country ski trails. In the spring, be prepared for mud.
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, including several stairs. Pets are welcome on this adventure but must be kept on a leash at all times.
7. Hungarian Falls
Location: Hungarian Falls Nature Area, Calumet
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know At the top of the falls, you will find a small pond full of fish.
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, there are plenty of cascades perfect for a day trip or a road trip stop. The following are just a few that you should add to your bucket list.
8. Ocqueoc Falls
Location: Ocqueoc
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know This waterfall has many claims to fame and is known as the largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
No list of the best waterfalls in Michigan would be complete without Ocqueoc Falls. This is the largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula and is 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, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more.
9. Scott Falls
Location: Highway M-28 in Alger County
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know This waterfall is near Au Train Bay and just a short drive from Sandy Public Beach and Au Train Beach.
Here at Only In Your State, 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
Location: Near Paulding
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know The trail is open year round but may be closed during poor weather conditions.
Bond Falls is a gorgeous natural wonder near Paulding and within the Ontonagon River. This waterfall is comprised of one large fall and several smaller falls, tumbling a total of 50 feet. Even better, to view Bond Falls, you don’t have to put in much effort. 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
Location: Approximately 15 miles east of Munising
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know The parking lot for this trail can become quite busy during the summer and fall months. The road to reach the trailhead is a backcountry road and we recommend a high-clearance vehicle.
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 1.2-mile hike to reach it. However, the payoff is well worth the hike as you’ll enjoy views of the 60-foot waterfall.
12. Horseshoe Falls
Location: Munising
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know Admission is $10 per adult, and seniors, military service members, and veterans are $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
Location: South of Munising
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know There are some stairs you must climb to view Wagner 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 when visiting the observation deck and trail, there are no restrooms and no water so plan accordingly.
What is your favorite waterfall in Michigan? What do you consider the best waterfalls in The Great Lakes State? Let us know in the comments. And if you find yourself searching and visiting waterfalls near me in Michigan, share your photos. We love checking out the many falls around our beautiful state.
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