What would a trip to the Great Lakes State be without adding some fabulous waterfalls to the itinerary? Quietly overlooked as an epic place to immerse in some of the country’s most spectacular natural scenery, few visitors realize just how packed with waterfalls Michigan is. We have (literally) hundreds of stunning cascades to choose from, each with its own breathtaking setting! Whether you’re new to waterfall hunting, visiting for the first time, or just looking to start exploring the magic of our unique state, here are eight must-see waterfall hikes in Michigan to check off your bucket list:
- Hike to the Tallest Waterfall in Michigan: Douglass Houghton
Cassie Wilson/iStock / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Kienan Mick/Google Local Hike to the tallest waterfall in the state! Roaring over a rocky cliff and plunging 110 feet into Hammell Creek, Douglass Houghton Falls near Calumet is as impressive as it is beautiful. The trail to the top is an easy half-mile stroll with an incredible drop-off reward. The slippery scramble to the base of the falls is not for the faint of heart, and should only be attempted by sure-footed hikers with proper traction. At the base, a clear trail follows the creek through the trees. Note that there are multiple ways to explore this waterfall - please follow all posted signs. Douglass Houghton Falls, Calumet Twp, MI 49913, USA
- Hike to the Best Waterfall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula: Ocqueoc Falls
Alexandria Sprague/AllTrails
Madeline Begley/AllTrails To be fair, Oquesoc is also the only waterfall in Michigan’s lower peninsula… but that doesn’t make it any less special! The trail to get here is just steps away from the parking area and leads straight to the swimming hole and rocky, stepped shoreline that makes this river waterfall such a favorite summer destination. Ocqueoc Falls, Ocqueoc Township, MI 49759, USA
- Hike to Michigan’s Most Tiered Waterfall: Bond Falls
Sarah Peters-Hess/AllTrails
Shon Smith/AllTrails Layers upon layers of sprays, cascades, and tiers make Bond Falls a positively dreamy sight! For the best experience, take the full Bond Falls loop to both the lower and upper falls - you’ll follow the water for most of the journey and stumble upon some incredible trailside photo spots that are straight out of a storybook. Bond Falls, Haight Township, MI 49912, USA
- Hike to Michigan’s Best Beach Waterfall: Elliot Falls
Katerina Hyncicova/GoogleMaps
The Travel Vlog Family/GoogleMaps Location, location, location! Elliot Falls (aka Miners Beach Falls) may not be the tallest, most powerful, or most famous waterfall in Michigan, but it comes with a swoon-worthy setting! This lovely little cascade comes complete with its own secluded corner of Miners Beach, infinite ocean-like views, and the gorgeous backdrop of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. To experience this waterfall in person, you can park at the end of Miners Beach Road and take the easy trail down to the beach, admire it from above, or hop on a lake cruise. From a cruise, you’ll have the added bonus of seeing the remote Spray Falls as well! Elliot Falls, Shingleton, MI 49884, USA
- Hike to Michigan’s Wildest Waterfall: Gabbro Falls
Julie/GoogleMaps
Matthew Balch/GoogleMaps Powerful, untamed, and wildly plunging through the scenic Black River canyon, Gabbro Falls is a force to be reckoned with. The Black River is impressive all on its own, but as the water courses through its three separate drops (occasionally four), it builds up the momentum that blasts forcefully through a narrow gorge crevice between two towering gabbro rock formations near Bessemer and Baker Blackjack Road. Unlike Michigan’s more photogenic cascades, tucked within their lush settings, the roar of Gabbro Falls at its peak is a must-see for entirely different reasons (although it’s still gorgeous!) The short hike from the parking area allows for viewing from the top, but a separate river trail at the base offers head-on views. Gabbro Falls, Bessemer Township, MI 49911, USA
- Visit the Most Remote Waterfall in Michigan: Spray Falls
Chuck Pearce/Google
Julio Fernandez Casanova/GoogleMaps We can definitively say that with around 300 official waterfalls in the state (depending on who you ask), there are definitely some hidden gems buried in the trees that would take a lengthy hike and some bushwhacking to get to. We vote Spray Falls as the most remote, however, because of its unique location. This beautiful, 70-foot waterfall in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore pours out of a cliff face in one gorgeous cascade straight into Lake Superior. This isolated waterfall is only truly accessible by boat, although a hike on the Lakeshore Trail will take you to a precarious view at the top of the falls. Spray Falls, Munising Township, MI 49884, USA
- Visit Michigan’s Most Scenic Waterfall: Sable Falls
Valerie Insardi/AllTrails
Jim Sorbie/Flickr Can anyone truly choose Michigan’s most beautiful waterfall? No way. But Sable Falls is definitely in the running! Tucked away in Pictured Rocks, this stunning cascade has some pretty idyllic surroundings to go with it. Like many of Michigan’s most popular waterfalls, stairs are a part of the trail (168 of them, to be exact), and you’ll follow a lovely creek for much of the journey. But the climb is worth the effort, especially with the pristine beach and photo-worthy rewards. Sable Falls Trail, Burt Township, MI 49839, USA
- Visit the Best Urban/Manmade Waterfall in Michigan: Cascade Falls
Jessica Shoen/GoogleMaps
Jason B/GoogleMaps Nature is the best architect around, but Michigan is also home to some pretty neat manmade waterfalls as well! Despite being a well-known summer attraction for Jackson locals, relatively few are familiar with the towering, 500-foot Cascade Falls beyond city residents. 126 steps lead visitors to the top of the fountains, and the park boasts live music, dazzling light displays, fireworks, and special events in warmer months. While there’s no “hike” to get to the Cascades, be sure to explore and enjoy the many trails and sights of Sparks Park when you’re not ogling the falls.
Pro Tip: The Cascades also inspired the creation of one of Michigan’s other manmade falls: Stepping Stone Falls in Flint. Check them out too! Jackson, MI, USA
With so many to choose from, creating a list of “must-see” waterfalls in Michigan is nearly impossible. But these 8 superlative options are a great place to start your bucket list or waterfall-hunting journey! For a more comprehensive guide to Michigan’s best falls, check out one of our waterfall road trips.
Cassie Wilson/iStock / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Kienan Mick/Google Local
Hike to the tallest waterfall in the state! Roaring over a rocky cliff and plunging 110 feet into Hammell Creek, Douglass Houghton Falls near Calumet is as impressive as it is beautiful. The trail to the top is an easy half-mile stroll with an incredible drop-off reward. The slippery scramble to the base of the falls is not for the faint of heart, and should only be attempted by sure-footed hikers with proper traction. At the base, a clear trail follows the creek through the trees. Note that there are multiple ways to explore this waterfall - please follow all posted signs.
Douglass Houghton Falls, Calumet Twp, MI 49913, USA
Alexandria Sprague/AllTrails
Madeline Begley/AllTrails
To be fair, Oquesoc is also the only waterfall in Michigan’s lower peninsula… but that doesn’t make it any less special! The trail to get here is just steps away from the parking area and leads straight to the swimming hole and rocky, stepped shoreline that makes this river waterfall such a favorite summer destination.
Ocqueoc Falls, Ocqueoc Township, MI 49759, USA
Sarah Peters-Hess/AllTrails
Shon Smith/AllTrails
Layers upon layers of sprays, cascades, and tiers make Bond Falls a positively dreamy sight! For the best experience, take the full Bond Falls loop to both the lower and upper falls - you’ll follow the water for most of the journey and stumble upon some incredible trailside photo spots that are straight out of a storybook.
Bond Falls, Haight Township, MI 49912, USA
Katerina Hyncicova/GoogleMaps
The Travel Vlog Family/GoogleMaps
Location, location, location! Elliot Falls (aka Miners Beach Falls) may not be the tallest, most powerful, or most famous waterfall in Michigan, but it comes with a swoon-worthy setting! This lovely little cascade comes complete with its own secluded corner of Miners Beach, infinite ocean-like views, and the gorgeous backdrop of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. To experience this waterfall in person, you can park at the end of Miners Beach Road and take the easy trail down to the beach, admire it from above, or hop on a lake cruise. From a cruise, you’ll have the added bonus of seeing the remote Spray Falls as well!
Elliot Falls, Shingleton, MI 49884, USA
Julie/GoogleMaps
Matthew Balch/GoogleMaps
Powerful, untamed, and wildly plunging through the scenic Black River canyon, Gabbro Falls is a force to be reckoned with. The Black River is impressive all on its own, but as the water courses through its three separate drops (occasionally four), it builds up the momentum that blasts forcefully through a narrow gorge crevice between two towering gabbro rock formations near Bessemer and Baker Blackjack Road. Unlike Michigan’s more photogenic cascades, tucked within their lush settings, the roar of Gabbro Falls at its peak is a must-see for entirely different reasons (although it’s still gorgeous!) The short hike from the parking area allows for viewing from the top, but a separate river trail at the base offers head-on views.
Gabbro Falls, Bessemer Township, MI 49911, USA
Chuck Pearce/Google
Julio Fernandez Casanova/GoogleMaps
We can definitively say that with around 300 official waterfalls in the state (depending on who you ask), there are definitely some hidden gems buried in the trees that would take a lengthy hike and some bushwhacking to get to. We vote Spray Falls as the most remote, however, because of its unique location. This beautiful, 70-foot waterfall in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore pours out of a cliff face in one gorgeous cascade straight into Lake Superior. This isolated waterfall is only truly accessible by boat, although a hike on the Lakeshore Trail will take you to a precarious view at the top of the falls.
Spray Falls, Munising Township, MI 49884, USA
Valerie Insardi/AllTrails
Jim Sorbie/Flickr
Can anyone truly choose Michigan’s most beautiful waterfall? No way. But Sable Falls is definitely in the running! Tucked away in Pictured Rocks, this stunning cascade has some pretty idyllic surroundings to go with it. Like many of Michigan’s most popular waterfalls, stairs are a part of the trail (168 of them, to be exact), and you’ll follow a lovely creek for much of the journey. But the climb is worth the effort, especially with the pristine beach and photo-worthy rewards.
Sable Falls Trail, Burt Township, MI 49839, USA
Jessica Shoen/GoogleMaps
Jason B/GoogleMaps
Nature is the best architect around, but Michigan is also home to some pretty neat manmade waterfalls as well! Despite being a well-known summer attraction for Jackson locals, relatively few are familiar with the towering, 500-foot Cascade Falls beyond city residents. 126 steps lead visitors to the top of the fountains, and the park boasts live music, dazzling light displays, fireworks, and special events in warmer months. While there’s no “hike” to get to the Cascades, be sure to explore and enjoy the many trails and sights of Sparks Park when you’re not ogling the falls.
Pro Tip: The Cascades also inspired the creation of one of Michigan’s other manmade falls: Stepping Stone Falls in Flint. Check them out too!
Jackson, MI, USA
Do you remember the first waterfall you visited in Michigan? We’d love to hear about it!
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