You’ll Fall In Love With The Tiny Waterfall Hiding Along This Breathtaking Michigan Trail

Did you know that the Mitten State is home to more than 300 waterfalls? Most of these rushing falls are located in the upper peninsula portion of Michigan, which Michiganders affectionately call "The U.P.". If you're looking to take a tour of the U.P.'s magnificent waterfalls, we have planned the perfect road trip for you.

However, if you'd rather visit a tiny Michigan waterfall that feels like you're the first person to discover it, allow me to introduce you to Sara's Falls in Copemish, Michigan.

Sara's Falls is a tiny Michigan waterfall located inside the Manistee National Forest. Located in the lower peninsula of the Mitten state, this park was first established in 1938.

The Manistee National Forest is a popular spot for boating, cross-country skiing, camping, hunting, and more. In the lush forest, you'll find a variety of trees including a stretch where the red pines reach 75 feet in the air!

At 11 miles, the Manistee River Loop is a moderate to challenging hike. This 11-mile loop can even be expanded to add the North Country Trail for a full 23-mile hike, where yes, you will encounter the adorably small (only a few feet tall!) Sara's Falls.

However, if you're looking for a more low-key hike, we recommend beginning at the Upper River Road Trailhead.

With this starting point, you'll enjoy a short, lovely hike along the river. From all reports, this short hike is absolutely stunning in the fall.

Pro tip: you'll want to follow the path south down the river. If you take this course, you'll encounter a variety of smaller falls that are almost as gorgeous as Sara's Falls.

I'll let you in on a little secret about this tiny Michigan waterfall: Sara's Falls isn't even its official name!

In fact, this tiny Michigan waterfall doesn't have an official name at all. There is a small plaque nearby that simply reads, "waterfall." I kind of love the simple honesty of that.

This tiny, peaceful waterfall in Michigan has been called "Manistee Falls", "Claybanks Falls", and some folks even call it "Unknown Waterfall". However, if you Google "Sara's Falls Michigan", you'll be directed to a parking spot in the Upper River Road Trailhead lot that says "Sara's Falls Parking", so we're going with that.

Who is Sara? And why is this tiny waterfall named after her? I guess we'll never know. However, we do know that there are some stellar spots to stop and snack on your journey to see this Michigan waterfall.

Honestly, though, the views throughout this short hike are spectacular no matter where you look. At some points, you'll find yourself tucked into the woods, while at others you'll be greeted with views as stunning as this one:

Vistas like these are easily found during your easy hike to Sara's Falls on the Upper River Road Trailhead.

Some folks joke that Sara's Falls is the tallest waterfall in the lower peninsula of Michigan. However, that title goes to Ocqueoc Falls in Presque Isle County, at a whopping 1.5 meters tall! Is it as lovely as this, though?

As you approach this tiny Michigan waterfall, you can hear the rushing water before you can even see it. The sound of a waterfall crashing over rocks into a body of water has got to be one of the most relaxing sounds I've heard.

This short hike to the breathtaking Sara's Falls is one I'll be taking soon myself. They might not be huge and overpowering, but they are small and mighty in the middle of a peaceful national forest. Plus, I heard there is also river tubing available on the Manistee River, something I haven't done since I "shot the Hooch" when I was living in Georiga. You gotta love an all-natural lazy river, right?

No matter how you spend the rest of your time at Mantisee National Forest, make sure to take the trip to see the little-known Sara's Falls. Maybe you can even pack a tent and make a little overnight camping trip of it!

Have you discovered an out-of-the-way spot in Michigan that will take my breath away? Tell me about it in the comments!