3 Michigan Airbnbs Near Waterfall Trails You’ll Want To Explore

While most visitors to Michigan's Upper Peninsula head straight for the Great Lakes shorelines, I think the real draw of the UP is its rugged interior. The landscape is a dense network of old-growth forests and river valleys that not only offer excellent hiking but also hide some truly splendid waterfalls. Pairing a hike with a waterfall is one of my favorite ways to explore the UP's sublime terrain, but I always hate it when I have to spend a big chunk of time in the car getting to or from a weekend adventure. Finding a home base close to the trail lets you maximize your time on the ground rather than behind a windshield, which is why booking Airbnbs near waterfall trails in Michigan is a smart move.

To that end, I've put together three pairings that match some of the best waterfalls in Michigan with Airbnbs located just minutes away. You can stay close to your hike while enjoying the modern comforts you actually want after a day spent on some of our favorite waterfall hikes in Michigan.

1. Wagner Falls - Munising

Located just south of Munising, Wagner Falls is a beautiful natural site in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest. The hike to the falls is a quarter-mile out-and-back trail that consists largely of a level boardwalk, which makes for an easy walk through the old-growth pine and hemlock. You follow the edge of Wagner Creek until you reach a wooden observation deck that provides a clear view of the multi-tiered, 20-foot drop. It is a quiet location that offers an intimate look at the creek's drainage without requiring a long-distance trek into the backcountry.

Set up your base camp at Wagner Creek Hideaway, a four-bedroom house just 5 minutes from the trailhead. The property sits directly on the banks of Wagner Creek, so you can enjoy a connection to the water during your stay. Use the property's two-car garage to store your outdoor gear and keep your vehicle protected from the elements. Because it's so close to both the falls and downtown Munising, the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this Airbnb is a perfect hub for balancing trail time with in-town amenities.

2. Laughing Whitefish Falls - Deerton

Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park is located between Marquette and Munising. The eponymous layered waterfall is geologically unique compared to the area's other plunging waterfalls. Reaching the falls involves a one-mile hike through a hardwood forest of maple and beech, making for a pleasant walk along the packed dirt path. The trail leads to a limestone escarpment where the river flows over a series of rock steps, sliding 100 feet down the cliff face. The fanning effect of the water across the tiered limestone is quite stunning.

A terrific lodging option for this area is Laughing Whitefish River Retreat, which offers incredible privacy on 56 acres of wooded land. This four-bedroom, 2.5-bath rental occupies the upper floors of a large log home and sits directly on the river, offering a secluded environment in the heart of the forest. The house includes a riverside patio and screened-in porch, which are perfect for enjoying its gorgeous natural setting while staying just minutes from the trailhead to the falls.

3. Tahquamenon Falls - Paradise

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is home to the largest waterfall in Michigan and is a destination you won't want to miss when exploring the eastern end of the peninsula. On the hike to the massive Upper Falls, you'll likely notice the roar of the cascade long before you reach the river, as the 200-foot-wide fall—one of the largest east of the Mississippi River—carries a tremendous volume of water. The path to the main viewing areas is a wide, paved trail that runs through a mixed forest of deciduous and conifer trees. Standing at the final overlook, you'll feel the physical rumbling of the river as it drops into the valley below, kicking up a cloud of mist as it falls. If you're looking for a longer hike and/or more waterfalls, be sure to visit Lower Tahquamenon Falls and the rest of this huge state park.

To remain close to the park while enjoying the Lake Superior shoreline, Paradise in the UP is a well-situated waterfront home in the village of Paradise. This two-bedroom, two-bath contemporary home is built on a sand dune overlooking Whitefish Bay and includes access to a private beach for walking along the lake. Just 15 minutes from the state park entrance, this property is a perfect as a base camp for exploring the massive trail system surrounding the falls while staying in a modern, quiet setting.

Staying at one of these Airbnbs near waterfall trails in Michigan will completely change the pace of any waterfall-hunting trip, letting you beat the midday crowds and experience these sites in peace. So, pack your gear and get ready for a weekend of hiking and chasing waterfalls on Michigan's Upper Peninsula. When you're ready to venture out, be sure to visit Only In Your State’s itinerary planner for some added inspiration.