Waterfalls Near Marquette Mi (Most Beautiful Places to Visit)
The home of Northern Michigan Univerity, the city of Marquette, situated in the upper peninsula, is more than its old Iron Mining history. The old port city is a place where the old meets the new, with its breweries, cafe culture, restaurants, and boutiques.
But the most intriguing part about Marquette is the lake. The red iconic lighthouse is one of the reasons why people visit this town. And don’t get us started with the natural beauty. It’s more than a hikers and camper’s dream.
With the lake to fish, and rivers running wild, along with hiking and camping trails, you also get to witness majestic waterfalls. Yes! Marquette is known for its waterfalls. 300 of them to be exact.
Today we are going to guide you to the top 12 most scenic waterfalls near Marquette Mi, that will take your breath away.
12 Most Scenic Waterfalls Near Marquette Mi | For Hiking, Camping, Wildlife, And Fishing
In recent times, people have been flocking to Michigan, only to witness the natural beauty of Marquette. And we can’t blame them. The trails, foods, boutiques, cafes, and outdoor experience is a lifetime to experience.
You can even write a few books if you start to document each of the experiences, from indoors to outdoor activity, from the town to the wilderness. So we are going to stay with the waterfall and move on further from that point.
Here are the must-see waterfalls if you are planning on visiting the town of Marquette. You won’t be disappointed.
1. Morgan Falls
We start with Morgan Falls, which has a bit of confusion with its name. As there are a few falls around the area, people disagree about whether it is this one or that.
But that aside, this hiker’s dream is situated at the junction of Morgan Creek and Carp River. It is just a 2-mile drive from the city and requires a 4-wheeler to reach. You can also hike, by all means, but is a bit tricky for amateurs. There is a parking area, camping around the fall, which is very convenient.
2. Rock River Falls
You not only get waterfalls in Marquette but also a lot of wilderness and forests. Hiawatha National Forest is the home to Rock River, and also, the Rock River Falls. This is situated north of Chatham. You get to travel a lot to find this waterfall. Which is ideal for any hiker. The old road that takes you to the fall is not vehicle friendly. So walking is the best way to go.
This is one of the best spots for kayaking and coming. Avid fishing enthusiasts can pack up their gear as there are a variety of fish present in the river, which you can catch depending on the season and policy.
3. Yellow Dog Falls
For a waterfall with multiple drops, Yellow Dog Falls reigns supreme. On the east of County Road 510 and the main drop of the Yellow Dog River, the fall is surrounded by boulders. Which is a majestic scene itself. The large boulder also divides it into two falls, making it more enchanting.
To give you an exact idea of how to reach there, simply head south from 510 about 6 miles until you reach a bridge and river, that’s your location. While visiting, you can park in the small parking area provided by the authority. And from there you will have to follow a trail for about 1 mile to visit the fall. As you can tell, the fall is known for water rafting and fishing. So we suggest water enthusiasts visit the Yellow Dog Fall for the sole purpose of rafting.
4. Laughing Whitefish Falls
Keen on visiting the falls during the spring in Michigan state? Then Laughing Whitefish Falls is the one to visit. The scenic site, long stairs to the fall, and a deck make it even more intriguing to visit. And the most exciting part? It is the tallest and longest fall you will find in Michigan.
It is situated 30 miles away from Marquette, right out of Chatham. You will also find a picnic spot and the wilderness surrounds the area. Which is a dream for any hiker, camper, and fishing enthusiast. The name comes from the river itself, as it resembles a laughing fish.
5. Pinnacle Falls
Pinnacle Falls is one of the wild and remote falls on this list. With a 25 feet height, it stands all majestic as it can be. And reaching it is sure to be an adventure. Without any roads from the main dirt trail, it sure puts on your adventurous mind to the test.
Hikers, offroad cyclists, or bikers can check this one out as it takes a little bit of time to reach. Fishing is obviously one of the most fun activities. And Yellow Dog Falls is right around the corner from it.
6. Trestle Falls
Railroads and rivers have a weird attraction to them don’t you think? Gives out a Wild West type of vibe. The Trestle Falls is one with both the pieces in place. The fall overlooks the LS&S railroad cross. And from this towering steel, the fall pours down like an Indiana Jones movie.
At the end of the fall, you will find a river and a swamp that also turns into the famous Upper Dead River Falls. To reach Trestle Falls, you have to follow County Road 502 by car and follow Google Maps. Or you can hike there if you follow the dam, which is a far scenic route.
Apart from hiking and fishing around, you get to witness the famous Huron Mountain Club, a private club for members only.
7. Frohling Falls
Waterfalls and deep woods have a natural bond to them. Frohling Falls is just that. With lush vegetation around the area or Sands and out from the Chocolay River, it’s a view like no other. As there is such dense forest around it, getting there is quite a challenge.
You have to go east on M 94 from Country Road 553 for 5.5 miles, just near Sawyer Airport. Then venture into the forest until you meet the river, and go downstream. Thats it. An adventure for the thrill seekers we say!
This place is for any wildlife watcher as there are moose, deer, and bears in the forest. So hikers, and wildlife photographers, pack your bags.
8. Forty Foot Falls (aka Cliff Falls)
Offroading, rock climbing, and wild outdoors, all seem to soothe the heart. Yes! Forty Foot Falls is situated in the remotest part of Michigan State. It has a drop of 40 feet high with a 100+ foot cascade.
As we have said earlier, it is on the remotest part, we weren’t joking at all. Even with an offroad vehicle, you have to wander in the wild for about 7 miles! Taking the Skanee Road makes it a bit easier. Head east of that and continue on this unpaved wild track. After you reach Huron River, Big Ericks Falls, keep on driving more until you find yourself surrounded by sand and pines. Then you will be met with a muddy and rocky road. Heading to the south a bit more will take your right to the fall.
It’s a great spot for outings, camping, and climbing. There is also a grill in the campsite, that puts the cherry on top. But keep in mind it’s private property, so don’t go full-on wild and disrespect their rules. And you will be fine.
9. Warner Falls
We don’t only have huge falls with wide cascades, but some smaller serene ones too. Maybe go for a book reading and sit with nature for a while? Warner Falls is just the one for you. It’s a small roadside fall only 20 miles southwest of Marquette.
Although a very small fall compared with the other ones on our list, you get to enjoy this one right from the highway while crossing Warner Creek. A good place to have some peace and picnic if you are into that. It is also a place to watch fish swim around, making it more heavenly.
10. Little Garlic Falls
Little Garlic Falls is a combination of smaller waterfalls, as the name suggests. Which isn’t much at first reading about it, but it makes up for its surroundings. The Elliot Donnelley Wilderness, the sandstone river bed of Little Garlic River, and large pine trees, its a place of zen and peace. Just like a dream.
You can visit this place just by going up north of Marquette on County Road 510, which is only 12 miles away. From there you have to hike about 3 miles to the little river, and heading downstream a few more is the fall. It’s a great place to watch wildlife as it is full of moose, deer, and occasional bear sightings.
11. Alder Falls
Alder Falls is one of the steepest and highest falls in Michigan County. But the good thing about it is that you can find it easily without all the offroading or too much hiking to get you all exhausted. Simply heading 20 miles north of Marquette on County Road 550 will get you right in the falls bed.
It slides about 30 feet high to a 45-degree cascade. And unlike other falls that go just downstream, it falls on a gorge, which makes it more wild and isolated from the rest.
The fall is only a mile walk from the main road. And you also get to see a deer and moose around if you are lucky. You can totally trust Google Maps on this one as all of it is correct. So there is no confusion or getting lost in the wild either.
12. Bond Falls
We cannot end without mentioning one of the breathtaking falls in Marquette. The bond fall is the second-best fall in Michigan. Why? Because of how wide it is. It’s about 100 feet wide and 40 feet high with a 20 feet drop.
The series of cascades make it more enchanting to look at. As the water level is controlled by the dam, the steady flow is the main reason the fall attracts much attention.
It is situated in the west of the Upper Peninsula, having the same name road. As it is a well-maintained site, you will find a concrete stairway to step down on the base of the fall, a new parking area, and a boardwalk. You can visit it from all directions, which leads to the woods, and also a campsite. So definitely come for your next camping trip.
One little tip about Bond Fall is to visit it in the early mornings. Due to its popularity, it gets a bit crowded during the day.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs)
What is the biggest waterfall in Upper Michigan?
Tahquamenon Falls is the biggest waterfall in Upper Michigan. The waterfall is 50 feet tall and 200 feet wide. Even though it is the biggest and widest waterfall, it stays one of the most accessible ones to date.
What waterfalls are easy to access in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?
Bond Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Silver River Falls, Eagle River Falls, Laughing Whitefish Falls, Tahquamenon Falls, and Fumee Falls are a few of the falls that have easy access in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
How many waterfalls are in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula?
There are 300+ falls in Michigan UP. These range from 5 feet to over 50+ feet tall. And wide as 200 feet for some.
Is Tahquamenon Falls bigger than Niagara Falls?
Although one of the biggest falls, Tahquamenon Falls stands second to Niagra Falls.
Is there a Niagara Falls in Michigan?
No. Niagra Falls is in Ontario, Canada, between the US and Canadian border areas.
Conclusion
As we have said, there are over 300 falls in the Marquette area. And we have come up with only the few that are least mentioned, but more breathtaking and scenic in nature. Keeping in mind hikers, campers, wildlife observers, and fishing enthusiasts, you will find the right one from our list. Also, make sure to take photos and share with us what you liked on your next visit.
