The web of rushing waterways that cross the “Mitten State” creates more than 300 waterfalls in Michigan. Each season, the falls take on distinctively different personalities. Come autumn, they are framed by colorful foliage that accents photos and makes for gorgeous hikes down paths that lead to them. In winter, the falls are frozen into ice sculptures as stunning as art—and great for recreational climbing. Spring brings the roar of winter’s melt, and in summer, weather that’s perfect for falls-focused picnics and more.
Our Top 10 Waterfalls in Michigan
What is so special about a Michigan waterfall?
It’s the white, foamy crests that dive up and down through the river’s steady flow.
It’s the rush of water as it tumbles in translucent curtains down the falls.
It’s the adventure to find them and the resounding roar you hear before you even catch a glimpse.
That’s why we’re excited. That’s why we love Michigan waterfalls.
Upper Peninsula Waterfalls
Tahquamenon Falls
Divided into the upper and lower falls, Tahquamenon is a place of stunning natural beauty. The upper falls are 200 feet wide with a 50 foot drop into a Michigan river.
Nicknamed the Root Beer Falls for their signature brown color, Tahquamenon’s upper falls are jokingly rumored to originate from a nearby root beer factory.
In truth, the falls get their glowing brown hue from the tannins in the surrounding hemlock and cedar trees.
The lower Tahquamenon falls are just as unique. You can drive between the locations or embark on a four-mile hiking trail to reach them.
Made up of five small waterfalls, the lower falls surround a small island, accessible by rowboat to visitors.
If you aren’t already convinced, with a Michigan state park pass, this Tahquamenon adventure is free.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park also has camping sites, scenic hiking opportunities, and its own brewery and pub.
Sable Falls
West of Grand Marais, Sable Falls is located in Burt Township, Michigan. The water here flows smoothly over curved sandstone formations and into a rushing river.
You’ll be immersed in the woods, but the trail to the waterfall is only half of a mile from the parking lot (perfect for those with hiking hesitations.)
If you follow the path all the way down, you’ll find yourself on Sable Falls Beach with a stunning view of Lake Superior stretching out before you.
Chapel Falls
This waterfall is the perfect opportunity for hiking. The Chapel Loop is 10 miles of rock formations, sunlight, and woodsy trails.
If that seems a little long, don’t worry. There are shorter routes you can take. During this hike, you’ll find both Chapel Falls and Mosquito Falls in all their splendor.
Mosquito Falls
Maybe you don’t have time to make the excellent 6-mile loop hike out to Chapel Rock and Chapel Beach, but a shorter hike to a beautiful waterfall seems just right. The Chapel Rock Trailhead offers a solution: the 1.1 mile (one way) hike out to Mosquito Falls. Just be prepared for one thing: it can be really difficult to get down to the perfect photo spot, and even more difficult getting out again.
Munising Falls
The Munising Mi waterfall is a unique wonder in itself.
Falling over a ridged sandstone cliff, the falls catch beautiful light in the summer sun and freeze into magical, snowy formations in the winter.
Miners Falls
If you find yourself on Miners Castle road, take a quick detour to Miners Falls.
After a short hike, you’ll find yourself taking in the views of the forty-foot, rushing waterfall, tucked into the woodsy cliffside. The lovely trails leading between outlooks to this waterfall allow leashed pets.
Black River Falls
Located in the Escanaba River State Forest, the Black River waterfall is a plume of crashing white water nestled into tall black rocks.
Bond Falls
Let’s take a drive to Paulding, MI, to take in the sights and sounds of Bond Falls.
The water drops down 50 feet, and you’ll get a perfect view from the boardwalk trails that weave around the falls.
Agate Falls
You simply can’t miss Agate Falls while you’re in the UP, especially if you’re already visiting the nearby Bond Falls.
You’ll find this beautiful array of wide-set falls on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River.
Potawatomi Falls
The surging tide of Potawatomi Falls is wondrously overwhelming.
Located in the Ottawa National Forest, the waterfall comes with hiking trails and enchanting scenery to enjoy.
