Waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula

According to the book “Michigan Waterfalls” by Laurie and Bill Penrose, there are 199 waterfalls in Michigan and all but one are in the Upper Peninsula. Other references give a number of over 200 so either way it is definitely enough waterfalls to keep your vacation or leisure time very busy.  Listed here you will find some of the more accessible waterfalls but do yourself a favor and explore the U.P. for the rest.  It will be well worth your time.  Spring time seems to be the best time to view the waterfalls since the waters will be flowing at a greater rate than any other time of the year.  But most of them are easily reached year round and are especially beautiful in the winter months.

Alger County is a great place to start with the majesty of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.  Most of the waterfalls in this area are the result of water running over a shelf or cliffs of limey sandstone called the Munising Formation. This formation of rock extends from Tahquamenon Falls, some 75 east of the Lakeshore, to Laughing Whitefish Falls, about 30 miles west of the Lakeshore.

Tahquamenon Falls The Upper Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The only larger falls is Niagara. Tahquamenon has a drop of nearly 50 feet and is more than 200 feet across. A maximum flow of 50,000 gallons of water per second has been recorded cascading over these falls. The Tahquamenon River drains the watershed of an area more than 790 square miles.

The amber color of the water is not rust nor is it muddiness; it is caused by tannin leached from the Cedar, Spruce and Hemlock in the swamps drained by the river. The extremely soft water churned by the action of the falls causes the large amounts of foam, which has been the trademark of the Tahquamenon since the days of the voyagers. Open year round.

TAHQUAMENON LOWER FALLS is a series of five smaller falls cascading around an island. Although not as stunning as the huge Upper Falls, they are exceptional.  The falls can be viewed along the river bank or rowboats can be rented for a different view. Row out to the island for a nice day on the water and some great pictures. Tahquamenon Lower Falls is a great place for camping and is connected to the trail system.

Baraga County waterfalls are of the slide variety and move in a quick smooth ride along the rocks and are very scenic. They are not of the higher variety found in Alger County along the Lakeshore but still beautiful in their own right.  Give yourself some quiet time just to listen to the peaceful sound that the water makes when it travels over the rocks.

Marquette County has more than 12 charming waterfalls that are a must see when you are in Marquette and surrounding areas.

Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park is a favorite destination for vacationers of all walks of life.  It is located on the western end of the U.P. The beauty is unsurpassed by any place in the country.  Whether you are going for the day or making a week of it, you really have to see some of the more than 60 waterfalls in the park.  Try going in the fall when the leaves are turned to a brilliant orange and red, your camera will be working overtime.