How to Visit Black River Waterfall

The wild and scenic rivers of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan are a stunning sight to behold! If you plan to visit any of the towns in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, you will want to take some time out of your trip to see these stunning waterfalls. Upper Peninsula waterfalls are generally easy to check out and provide breathtaking scenic inspiration like no other bodies of water in the world.

All About Black River Scenic Byway and Waterfalls Around the Porcupine Mountains

The Porcupine Mountains are located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. These mountains are a popular destination for travelers because they are full of jaw-dropping scenic locations. Dense hardwood forests make way for cascading waterfalls throughout the Black River area.

The beautiful Black River Scenic byway is less than ten miles west of the popular Porcupine Mountains Park. This scenic byway stretches through the Ottawa National Forest and is located just north of Bessemer. County Road 513 provides access to the Black River Harbor recreation area. Once you’re in the area, driving out and seeing the Black River Waterfalls is easy!

What to Know About Black River Upper Peninsula Waterfalls

The western Black River and Gogebic County natural area is known for boasting many gorgeous waterfalls. All along the Black River, ancient hemlocks, hardwood trees, and pines line the rocky banks. These spectacular natural panoramas are glorious in the summer, autumn, and winter months. Summer and autumn are both fantastic times for novice hikers who want to visit the Black River falls. More experienced hikers also come to investigate these waterfalls in the winter months!

These western UP waterfalls are produced as the Black River runs from the Copper Peak area to Lake Superior. The famous Black River Waterfalls cascade down more than 200 feet in some places. These waterfalls go over five separate drops beginning about two miles from the mouth of the river. As such, there are five main Black River Upper Peninsula waterfalls to visit if you are in the area.

The Five Black River Waterfalls Are:

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

Each of these western UP waterfalls is distinct and beautiful in its own separate way. Some of the waterfalls flow over Rock slabs giving them a unique appearance. Other waterfalls, such as Rainbow Falls, feature spectacular scenery all around the entire area. Now, let’s go over how to visit each of these Upper Peninsula waterfalls respectively.

Directions: How to Get to the Black River Falls Area

To get to the Black River Falls area, take Highway US 2 in Bessemer. From Highway US 2, you will then take Powderhorn Road North. As you drive along Powderhorn Road North, you will soon come to a T in the road that has a stop sign. Make a left-hand turn at this stop sign to take Black River Road. Once you are on Black River Road, you will find each of the waterfalls marked clearly as you drive along. The road is about 14 miles long. It starts at Conglomerate Falls and leads to Rainbow Falls.

How to Visit Great Conglomerate Falls

This is a large waterfall that is divided by a stunning conglomerate rock formation. Great Conglomerate Falls is clearly marked on a Black River Falls walking trail. This walking trail is about 3/4 of a mile long. So, most hikers can easily make their way up the trail and check out Great Conglomerate Falls in the Black River Waterfall area.

How to Visit Potawatomi Falls

Potawatomi Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in the Black River area. This waterfall is worth taking some photographs of! If you decide to visit Potawatomi Falls, simply park in the marked area and check out the signs to point you in the right direction. Additionally, a restroom is available. This will be about a 1/8 mile-long walk, and this comparatively short, well-marked walking trail is manageable for most healthy people and children.

How to Visit Gorge Falls

To visit George falls in the Black River site, you will park in the same parking lot that starts the walk to Potawatomi Falls. This waterfall also has a walking trail that is about 1/8 of a mile long. It drops about 34 ft down and has lots of beautiful natural scenery around it.

How to Visit Sandstone Falls

Sandstone Falls drops over large rock slabs, giving it a unique cascading aesthetic. This waterfall is one of the most beautiful among the Black River falls. You will enjoy the scenery along the well-marked walking trail. The walking trail is about a quarter of a mile long and is maintained nicely to help visitors more easily get a glimpse of the stunning waterfall.

How to Visit Rainbow Falls

Last but certainly not least is Rainbow Falls. This is the largest of the waterfalls along the Black River! The scenery surrounding Rainbow Falls and all along the hike up is simply spectacular. The hike to Rainbow Falls is about half a mile long. Since the trail climbs upwards, there are stairs along it to help make things easier. Sometimes, it takes a little bit of time to make this hike. However, with so much scenery and natural splendor, most agree that it is definitely worth the trip! The waterfall is known for throwing rainbows of light through the cascading water on a sunny day.

How to See Views from Both Sides of Rainbow Falls

For the easiest view of Rainbow Falls, the short trail with lots of stairs discussed above leads you to a viewing platform. This viewing platform is practically on top of the waterfalls on the west side of the river. However, many people agree that the best view of Rainbow Falls is from the North Country Trail, which is actually on the east side of the river. It’s a great trail to hike if you want to see lots of sights along the way and cross a stunning bridge!

To get to the North Country trail, follow the byway all of the way down until it reaches a dead end near the Black River Harbor on Lake Superior. Here, you will find a parking lot. At the parking lot, follow the paved trail until you cross over the 210-foot-long suspension bridge. This bridge was built in 1939 and leads to the east side of the Black River. The bridge alone is worth the hike!

Once you are on the east side of the Black River, you follow a trail that takes you to a pretty Lake Superior beach. The trail is before you get to the beach, right after you cross the suspension bridge take the marked three-quarter mile hike along the North Country Trail to get the best view of Rainbow Falls. After you have reached the falls and taken plenty of photos, simply retrace your steps back to the Harbor parking lot.

Learn More About Black River Waterfalls, the Porcupine Mountains, and Other Scenic Destinations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at Travel Ironwood

No doubt about it, the Upper Peninsula is filled with scenic wonders that you will not want to miss. If you are looking for somewhere to stay near the Porcupine Mountains or want to learn more about towns in the upper peninsula or the nearby Black River Waterfalls, we encourage you to contact Travel Ironwood. Travel Ironwood is here to help you plan your next UP adventure!