Western Upper Peninsula Waterfalls

Have you been wondering how to explore the gorgeous western U.P. waterfalls of Michigan? We don’t blame you! These flowing bodies of water and majestic cliffside locations can be unforgettable and breathtaking to behold. Many Upper Peninsula waterfalls are even easy to access via regularly groomed trails with well-worn pathways and bridges along rushing rivers! Below, we will go over everything to know about Western U.P. Waterfalls and how to investigate them in person.

About Michigan’s Glorious Upper Peninsula Waterfalls

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is famous for its natural beauty, quaint villages, breathtaking beaches, and ancient hardwood forests. However, there are also in the ballpark of 150 waterfalls spread across the jaw-dropping natural landscape of Michigan’s U.P.! These waterfalls are spectacular throughout the entire year. Whether you visit in the winter, spring, summer, or fall, the waterfalls of the western Upper Peninsula are definitely worth witnessing up close.

Summer Visits to the Falls

In the summer, these enigmatic waterfalls churn and spray cold and refreshing mists into the sultry mid-day air. In many instances, the frothing waters cast captivating rainbows when hit by the sunlight. Imagine cooling down in a crisp waterfall mist after a hike on a hot summer’s day!

Autumn Visits to the Falls

Or, check out the falls in the fall. In the autumn months, these waterfalls carry fallen leaves from the hardwood trees and are articulated by glorious old-growth forests and wildlife. Watch the waters flow over the granite rocks and enjoy colors that change from gold to amber and then to crimson.

Winter Visits to the Falls

During the area’s coldest winter months, many of these stunning Upper Peninsula waterfalls freeze over to form fascinating sculptures of glistening ice. Experienced adventurers can see their splendor and soothe their minds in the silent, snowy woods.

How to See The Black River Falls Via the Black River Scenic Byway

If you visit the Upper Peninsula, a road known as the National Black River Scenic Byway helps you explore areas like Potawatomi Falls, Gorge Falls, Great Conglomerate Falls, Sandstone Falls, and Rainbow Falls. When you decide to take this scenic route, you will find an abundance of natural areas where you can stop and enjoy rock formations, picnic areas, and more. All along the byway, hardwood forests full of wildlife and greenery will captivate your imagination and provide you and your travel companions with photo opportunities. Significant stops along the way Mark conglomerate rock formations and natural areas.

To get to this Scenic byway, start in Ironwood or Bessemer, Michigan. Take Highway US 2 out of Bessemer, then turn onto Powderhorn Road North. Eventually, you will come to a “T” in the road. Make a left turn at this point and take Black River Road until you begin seeing the signs for waterfalls. Black River Road is about 14 miles long and ends in a USDA Forest Service-operated harbor and marina. It is dotted with many stops, including an array of waterfalls, hiking paths, and splendid wooded areas!

This byway will take you to:

• Potawatomi Falls
• Great Conglomerate Falls
• Gorge Falls
• Sandstone Falls
• Rainbow Falls

How to See Superior Falls, Powdermill Falls, and Nelson Canyon Falls

The waterfalls along the scenic byway are stunning. However, there are also many other superb waterfalls to check out in the area! Here are directions on how to get to some of the best ones.

Superior Falls

Superior Falls can be found along the Montreal River. If you are in Wisconsin, you will have to take US2 West to Highway 122 toward Michigan. If you are coming from the Wisconsin direction, you will cross the Montreal River and then take the first road on your left. A power company parking lot is available to stop in. From here, you will find signs that lead you to the waterfalls. Following the signs makes the walk a simpler endeavor.

Powder Mill Falls

Powder Mill Falls is a large waterfall that cascades into a deep pool. The walk to Powder Mill falls from the parking area is not terribly long or difficult. Powder Mill Falls is about two miles away from Ironwood, Michigan. To get there, you drive past the Alpine Inn & Village. You will need to take a dirt road to get there. You can park on the shoulder of the road and then follow the trail to the waterfall site.

Nelson Canyon Falls

Nelson Canyon Falls is absolutely beautiful, and the hike is definitely worth it! Although this is about a 45-minute walk, most people can easily tackle the distance. Along the hike to Nelson Canyon Falls, you will find many beautiful wooded areas to explore. If you do not know the area, it is helpful to ask locals how to get there or have a map of the area on hand.

To get to Nelson Canyon Falls, go three miles west of Lake Gogebic along Highway 64. You will then take C Camp Road. This road crosses Nelson Creek and the nearby culverts, and it continues for about a mile and begins going uphill. From here, you will find a two-track path that can be taken on foot to the falls. If you park and walk the dirt track, angle right until it disappears near the river. When you reach the river, walk downstream. After about 10-20 minutes, you will reach Nelson Canyon Falls.

How to See Upper and Lower Gabbro Falls/Bakers Falls

These waterfalls are located along the Black River outside Wakefield, Ironwood, and Bessemer. Take US2 and head north toward the path leading to the falls. You can get directions from locals or find the west river, and walk along it. The trail is rough, so bring your hiking shoes! This waterfall has a vertical drop of 15 feet and takes about 10 minutes to access once you find the trail.

How to See Falls Along the Montreal River

Many gorgeous waterfalls are located along the Montreal River. Some of the trails leading to these waterfalls are fairly rough, but experienced hikers should be up to the task. Superior falls, Peterson Falls, and Interstate Falls are all located along this rushing river.
Via the Montreal River, you can see:

• Peterson Falls
• Superior Falls
• Interstate Falls
• Other Unnamed Falls

Explore The U.P. and See Waterfalls Near Ironwood, MI

No matter what time of the year you visit the Western U.P. waterfalls, you are sure to be mesmerized by their exquisite majesty! Are you ready to get out there and explore Michigan’s gorgeous Upper Peninsula? If so, check out the many helpful resources of Travel Ironwood. Whether you want to see cascading western U.P. waterfalls up close or find out where these waters meet with Lake Superior, Travel Ironwood can help! Decide which Upper Peninsula waterfalls are most alluring to you, find lodging, and uncover all of the natural wonders of Michigan’s forests, rivers, and shorelines. Before you know it, you will have your travel plans laid out and nothing but unforgettable memories ahead!