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Michigan Waterfalls

Michigan waterfalls our family has actually visited, with the trail basics and our honest take on each one.

Au Train Falls spreading across wide rock ledges in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, framed by summer forest

Au Train Falls Near Munising: Full Blast Now, Iffy Access

Au Train, Alger County

With the old hydro plant shut down, this wide, ledgy waterfall near Munising now runs full blast. The catch: the road in may be posted closed. Check first.

Historically easy along a level road when open; current legal access should be checked before you go

Water sliding over dark layered rock into a foaming pool at Canyon Falls on Michigan's Sturgeon River

Waterfalls

Canyon Falls Near L'Anse: Michigan's Easy Half-Mile Gorge Walk

Alberta, Baraga County

A sliding waterfall in a rust-colored box canyon off US-41 near L'Anse. Free parking, an easy half-mile trail, and river rock the kids won't want to leave.

Easy — a mostly level, well-worn trail with boardwalk sections and a couple of wooden footbridges

Houghton Douglass Falls dropping through a narrow, forested rock gorge on Hammell Creek in the Keweenaw Peninsula

Waterfalls

Houghton Douglass Falls: Michigan's Tallest Waterfall (Carefully)

Lake Linden, Houghton County

Michigan's tallest waterfall, about 110 feet, with an easy path to a viewing bridge near Lake Linden, and a muddy lesson in staying on the trail.

Easy on the accessible path to the pedestrian bridge; the unmaintained route beyond the bridge is rugged and steep

Laughing Whitefish Falls cascading down layered sandstone in a wooded Upper Peninsula gorge

Waterfalls

Laughing Whitefish Falls: Easy Walk In, 137 Stairs Down

Sundell, Alger County

An easy half-mile walk to a long sandstone waterfall near Marquette, with three viewing platforms and an optional 137 stairs. Both my kids loved it.

Easy on the main half-mile trail; reaching the lower platforms adds a staircase — 20 steps to the middle platform, 137 steps (measured from the top) to the lowest platform

Tahquamenon Lower Falls cascading through a forested channel as visitors wade in the river below

Waterfalls

Lower Tahquamenon Falls: Rowboats, Wading, and Wet Kids

Paradise, Chippewa County

Our favorite U.P. waterfall day: rent a rowboat, paddle to the island, wade the cascades, get soaked. How to do Lower Tahquamenon Falls with kids.

Easy on the accessible bridge and boardwalk; the separate River Trail to the Upper Falls is a rugged 5.1-mile one-way hike

Upper Tahquamenon Falls pouring over a wide ledge with orange and yellow fall leaves along the Tahquamenon River

Waterfalls

Upper Tahquamenon Falls in Fall: Root Beer Water, No Stairs

Paradise, Luce County

Our first fall visit to Upper Tahquamenon Falls: root-beer water, turning leaves, the new accessible boardwalk, ice cream and a long brewery wait.

Easy — a paved walk from the lot, then a gently graded boardwalk (8% max grade) with landings and benches down to two overlooks