The 10 Most Gorgeous Waterfalls in Upper Michigan

Written by Volia Schubiger
Updated: July 29, 2023
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It is a well-known fact that Michigan has a vast amount of breathtaking waterfalls. However, did you know all but one of them is located in the state’s gorgeous Upper Peninsula? In the upper Michigan region, there are around 300 waterfalls with vertical drops ranging in size from under 5 feet to more than 48 feet. This spring and summer, don’t miss exploring all of the waterfalls in Upper Michigan! Here are the ten most gorgeous waterfalls in Upper Michigan that will absolutely blow you away. 

Agate Falls is right next door to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan’s biggest state park.

1. Tahquamenon Falls

Tahquamenon Falls

Tahquamenon Falls is a pair of waterfalls on the Tahquamenon River.

©Weidman Photography/Shutterstock.com

Location:Luce County, Michigan
Nearby Attractions:Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Animals to See:Bald Eagles, Osprey

The Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls are located in Tahquamenon Falls State Park, west of Paradise in the eastern region of the Upper Peninsula. One of the greatest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, the Upper Falls has been nicknamed “Root Beer Falls” because of the copper color of the water. The Upper Falls reaches 200 feet tall and drops 50 feet. You won’t want to miss these beautiful waterfalls in Upper Michigan.

2. Munising Falls

horseshoe falls

Munising Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Alger County.

©John McCormick/Shutterstock.com

Location:Alger County, Michigan
Nearby Attractions:Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Animals to See:Smallmouth Bass, American Marten

Munising Falls is located at the base of a brook reached via a paved path up a peaceful canyon. A series of steps lead to platforms that offer a stunning view of the 50-foot waterfall as it cascades over a sandstone ledge. Because the Upper Peninsula’s winters are so cold, this waterfall completely freezes over, so ice climbers love coming here.

3. Bridalveil Falls

Bridalveil Falls

Bridalveil Falls cascades down the rock face of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, creating an impressive sight.

©Wildnerdpix/Shutterstock.com

Location:Munising, Michigan
Nearby Attractions:Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Animals to See:Gray Wolves, Dragonflies

There is a 140-foot waterfall on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore that cascades over the famous, color-dappled rocks into Lake Superior, resembling a lace wedding veil. Bridalveil Falls, located at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, is one of the tallest waterfalls in Michigan. Because of the ledges surrounding it, the best way to see the whole thing is from a boat during Spring or Fall.

4. Spray Falls

spray falls

Spray Falls plunges 70 feet vertically into Lake Superior, creating a spectacular sight.

©Jason Patrick Ross/Shutterstock.com

Location:Munising, Michigan
Nearby Attractions:Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Animals to See:White-tailed Deer, Coyote

Spray Falls is stunning because it cascades 70 feet over the cliffs of the Pictured Rocks National Shoreline into Lake Superior. Twenty feet below the surface of the water lies the wreck of the Superior, which sank at the base of the falls in 1856. Spray Falls is also a little out of the way. Hiking the North Country Scenic Trail, which is 9.6 miles roundtrip, will take you to the falls.

5. Sable Falls

Sable Falls Michigan

In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Sable Falls Trail offers views of the Grand Sable Dunes and a waterfall.

©Craig Sterken/Shutterstock.com

Location:Alger County, Michigan
Nearby Attractions:Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Animals to See:Opossum, Northern Mockingbird

A sandstone cliff and cascading slope of unusual formations are combined to result in Sable Falls at the eastern end of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. While the mile-long hike to the falls is short, the best view is from a 168-step staircase at the foot of the falls. You should certainly take the time to check out this waterfall in Upper Michigan.

6. Hungarian Falls

hungarian falls

Hungarian Falls plunges 100 feet into a magnificent gorge below.

©SNEHIT PHOTO/Shutterstock.com

Location:Houghton County, Michigan
Nearby Attractions:Keweenaw National Historical Park
Animals to See:Snowshoe Hares, Cotton-tail Rabbits

Hungarian Falls is a waterfall with three drops located near Hubbell, Michigan, not far from Houghton/Hancock. In total, there are three falls, two with a drop of 20 feet and one with a drop of 50 feet. During the spring, when the rains have been heavy, the falls become especially impressive. In order to preserve Hungarian Falls for the public to enjoy, the Keweenaw Land Trust conducted a community fundraiser and purchased the falls at the top.

7. Bond Falls

bond falls

Bond Falls is one of the best-kept secrets in the Western Upper Peninsula.

©SNEHIT PHOTO/Shutterstock.com

Location:Ontonagon County, Michigan
Nearby Attractions:Ottawa National Forest
Animals to See:Grey Wolves, Ruffed Grouse

Bond Falls, located in southern Ontonagon County, is one of the most popular waterfalls in Upper Michigan. The waterfall plunges a total of 50 feet. At the top of the falls, there is parking, picnic tables, and an accessible boardwalk with six viewing areas. Originally, Bond Falls was a fully natural fall, but the Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) constructed a dam to increase its flow.

8. Agate Falls

Agate Falls Michigan

Agate Falls, which flows under an old railway bridge on the Middle Branch Ontonagon River, is a waterfall that is 40 feet high and 80 feet wide.

©iStock.com/ehrlif

Location:Trout Creek, MI
Nearby Attractions:The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Animals to See:Moose, Moles

Agate Falls is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Upper Michigan. The water is seen rushing over erosion-resistant rock cliffs as if it is pouring down steps. This waterfall is right next door to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan’s biggest state park with a variety of flora and fauna, recreational opportunities, and about 100 waterfalls. The region is also home to a stunning mountain range and lush, deep forests.

9. Jacob’s Falls

Jacob’s Falls Michigan

On M-26 in the Upper Peninsula, Jacob’s Falls makes for a famous scenic stop.

©iStock.com/csterken

Location:Eagle River, Michigan
Nearby Attractions:Keweenaw National Historical Park
Animals to See:Robins, Woodpeckers

What makes Jacobs Falls so appealing is how easy it is to get there! Jacobs Falls is a gorgeous waterfall that can be found on the Keweenaw Peninsula. While traveling along M-26 through Eagle Harbor, you’ll be able to see the falls. These falls have two drops in them.

10. Yellow Dog River Falls

Yellow Dog River Falls Michigan

Yellow Dog Falls is a series of seven waterfalls that extend from County Road 510 in the Huron Mountains.

©Steve Wood/Shutterstock.com

Location:Marquette, Michigan
Nearby Attractions:Ottawa National Forest
Animals to See:Black Bear, Waterfowl Birds

A beautiful and easily accessible waterfall, Yellow Dog Falls is ideal for anyone to explore since it is remote and isolated. Seven waterfalls descend from County Road 510 and nearly reach County Road 550 before ceasing to flow. The waterfall, which has a vertical drop of 30 feet and a width of around 50 feet, is especially lovely in the fall.

Summary of 10 Most Gorgeous Waterfalls in Upper Michigan

RankWaterfallLocation
1Tahquamenon FallsLuce County
2Munising FallsAlger County
3Bridalveil FallsMunising
4Spray FallsMunising
5Sable FallsAlger County
6Hungarian FallsHoughton County
7Bond FallsOntonagon County
8Agate FallsTrout Creek
9Jacob’s FallsEagle River
10Yellow Dog River FallsMarquette
Summary Table of 10 Most Gorgeous Waterfalls in Upper Michigan

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jason Patrick Ross/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Volia Schubiger is a freelance copywriter and content editor with a passion and expertise in content creation, branding, and marketing. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half.

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