10 Awe-Inspiring Waterfalls in Michigan

There are hundreds of waterfalls in Michigan – over 300, to be more exact. They are surrounded by protected wilderness reserves. Therefore, this makes their natural isolation even more spectacular. The Upper Peninsula has the highest concentration of waterfalls, as well as some of the most beautiful. However, in this list, we’ll be focusing on all of the gorgeous waterfalls throughout the state. After seeing how stunning these waterfalls in Michigan are, you’ll be adding them to your bucket list of places to visit.

Discover the most awe-inspiring waterfalls in Michigan! 

1. Ocqueoc Falls

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is home to the country’s first universally accessible waterfall, the Oqueoc Falls. In addition to hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, Ocquoec boasts three defined loops, offering approximately six miles of recreational activities. Therefore, for a longer stay, consider staying at a nearby state forest campground overnight and returning the following morning. Since the loops can be pretty long, this allows you to better enjoy more of the Michigan waterfalls.

Now, let’s find out more about one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Michigan.

2. Hungarian Falls

The Keweenaw Peninsula’s most beautiful waterfall is the Hungarian Falls in Hubbell near Escanaba. Hungarian Falls consists of three waterfalls: Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls. Upper Falls cascades 20 feet down the rock face into a valley and flows in various portions. Because of the way the water here flows, the best time to see these falls is when the water level is high.

3. Bond Falls 

Bond Falls, in Paulding in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is one of the most gorgeous and iconic waterfalls in Michigan. One of the unique things about this waterfall is that it is not a single cascade falling into a pool. Bond Falls, on the other hand, is a succession of waterfalls tumbling over jagged rocks, with many smaller falls dropping roughly 50 feet on their way to the bottom. Generally speaking, Bond Falls’ popularity stems in part from its ease of access. The falls are accessible through a boardwalk and six designated viewing areas.

4. Spray Falls

One of the most isolated and magnificent waterfalls in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is Spray Falls. This is because water cascades for 70 feet through the cliffs at Pictured Rocks and into Lake Superior. As a result, you can reach the falls by hiking 1.5 miles back on the North Country National Scenic Trail from Little Beaver Lake Campground. Or, if you’re not in the mood to hike, then you can take advantage of some of the boat tours in the area. 

5. Tahquamenon Falls

The upper falls of Tahquamenon Falls are 200 feet wide and 50 feet tall, making it the largest waterfall in Michigan. The lower falls are about 4 miles downstream and consist of five smaller falls encircling a small island. Because of its large size, around the peak of spring runoff, Upper Tahquamenon Falls has 50,000 gallons of water gushing over the edge every second. As a result, it’s the second most spectacular waterfall east of the Mississippi, right after Niagara Falls.

Following the most spectacular waterfall east of the Mississippi, we have one that has been known to hold tons of mineral deposits.

6. Miners Falls

Miners Falls is one of the most beautiful and accessible waterfalls in Michigan. The waterfall is in Munising, which is part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This park’s most impressive waterfall is formed by the Miners River, which drops about 50 feet over a sandstone outcrop. Another fun fact is that the trail to the waterfall is a particularly lovely walk in the spring. This is because this is the time of the year when wildflowers abound.

7. Horseshoe Falls

Unlike most of the other major waterfalls in Michigan, Horseshoe Falls is privately owned, so it requires an admission fee. However, it is quite worth it as many visitors continue to rave about this waterfall. The breathtaking Horseshoe Falls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is fed by springs and located near Munising. While there are several other waterfalls in the area, Horseshoe Falls is the only one that’s always flowing due to the spring that feeds it. Given that the water here is always flowing, Horseshoe Falls is a great waterfall to visit no matter the season.

8. Manabezho Falls

At the end of the Presque Isle River, in the Porcupine Mountains, is Manabezho Falls, the largest waterfall in this area. It’s got a 25-foot drop and a 150-foot crest, so it’s one of the biggest waterfalls on the river. Water cascades down rock levels into the water below at varying depths, which makes the waterfall a vibrant scene. The foliage around Manabezho Falls in the fall is especially gorgeous, providing a beautiful framing around the water. Therefore, make it a priority to visit during the fall weather!

9. Rock River Falls

Rock River Falls is located in the Hiawatha National Forest’s Rock River Wilderness Area, about north of Chatham. Although the falls are not well marked, they are not difficult to find. With the running water hurling off the rocks, the falls have a 15-foot drop and a fanned-out effect. Because this waterfall is more isolated and harder to reach, it is recommended that you wear a comfortable pair of shoes. Above all, give yourself plenty of time to get there, so you don’t feel rushed.

10. Potawatomi Falls

Finally, on its way to Black River Harbor, the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway is home to five beautiful waterfalls. As a result, on the way over, there are signs explaining the unique rock formations that the water frequently rushes over. However, the easiest to get to is Potawatomi Falls in Ironwood, but there are still a lot of stairs to climb – so don’t say we didn’t warn you! 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Kenneth Keifer/Shutterstock.com

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