Waterfalls
All waterfalls highlighted on this site are rated with a physical exertion level, 1 is the lowest, 10 the highest (most strenuous). The ratings where determined during DRY terrain. Rain, snow, or ice adds to the exertion levels and can even make it downright dangerous.
NOTE: It is best to visit most of these falls by foot, bike, or a 4×4 vehicle. Remember that trails, rocks, and moss are slippery when wet and it’s very easy to slip on this type of terrain. Please do not allow children to run ahead of you. Do not allow them to ‘explore’ alone. Please use caution when visiting any type of waterfall.
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Big Pup Creek Falls
(Lat. N46 Degrees 42′ 42″ Long W87 Degrees 42′ 14″) is located from Marquette – Travel County Road 550 north toward Big Bay approximately 23 miles to County Road 510. Travel about 7 miles (you will cross the steel bridge which spans the Yellow Dog River as directed for Yellow Dog (River) Falls). Drive approximately 2 miles farther on the winding road. Just before the bridge about 60 yard. Park safely off to the side of the road before the bridge. Walk down the hill off the road right of way to the falls. Physical Exertion Level: 2
Black River Falls
( Lat. N46 Degrees 23′ 32″ Long. W87 degrees 46′ 56″) is a quick hike along a scenic path bordered by majestic pine trees. The Black River plunges 20 feet creating an impressive waterfall which can be viewed from an island at the center of the river which is easily crossed by a foot bridge The falls are located 8 miles southwest of Ishpeming. Drive just west of Ishpeming, on US 41, (West Ishpeming Township). You’ll come to a single blinking light which is Lake Shore Drive. Turn left (south). Reset you triplet now. Drive about 1.2 miles. You’ll see a sign that says “National Mine”. Turn right (south) after this sign. You’ll come to a 4-way stop. This crossroad is County Road 581 and go approximately 8.1 miles where you’ll see two signs which say “Island Lake Club” and “Falls”. Make a right here (west). Go approximately .6 of a mile to a fork in the road. Take the right fork and drive about .3 of a mile which is County Road CCP and you’ll see a sign that says “Falls”. Turn right here, and go to the end where you’ll see a parking area identified by a row of stones. Park here. The trail to Black River Falls is to the right os the parking area. Physical Exertion Level: 5
Carp Falls (top) and Unnamed Falls (below)
presents a spectacular view where you will be greeted with the roar of the water as it plunges 20 feet into Morgan Creek below. From the Unnamed Falls of Morgan Creek it is about a mile hike to Carp River Falls along challenging terrain. From Marquette turn south on McClellan Avenue (Jeffrey’s Restaurant and Value Host on the corners). Drive about 2 1/2 miles on McClellan which then turns into County Road 553. Turn right onto the trail. On the right,just before the Carp River Bridge guard rails begin, you will see a two-track trail. Turn right onto trail, drive about 1 1/2 miles to a parking area about 400 yards from a wooden bridge. The trailhead starts here. A steep bank takes you to the top of Unnamed Falls. Using the directions for the Unnamed Falls to reach the Carp River Falls, cross above or below Unnamed Falls, and walk upstream along the Carp River about .6 of a mile. This is rough and elevated terrain and is just a footpath type trail.
CARP RIVER FALLS IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN.
Carp Falls Physical Exertion Level: 9
Unnamed Falls Physical Exertion Level: 7
The Dead River Falls
(Lat. 46 Degrees 34′ 07″ Long. 87 degrees 28′ 42″) cascades several feet and is viewed from a rock plateau next to the river. After viewing Reany Fall, and while parked at the power house parking lot, follow the power line by walking up the hill. About 300 ft. past the end of this hill is a section of aqueduct with painted words “falls” and an arrow pointing left. Follow the trail to the river about .4 of a mile (Note: trail is very steep). Physical exertion Level: 9
Morgan Falls
(Lat. 46.505N Long. 87.438W) are formed by a series of drops, six feet at its highest, as the water tumbles over the rocks lining the stream bed. The pattern continues for about 100 feet before the stream meanders slowly on its way. Morgan Falls are 3 1/2 miles southwest of Marquette. Heading west on US-41/M-28 turn south on County Road 492, across from the Marquette Mall. After about 2 blocks the road forks, take the right fork and continue on County Road 492 approximately 3.5 miles to Morgan Meadow Drive. Turn left, heading south, on Morgan Meadow Drive. Cross Meadow Creek, and turn left, heading east, onto the first trail road. There will be a sign which says “Dumping of refuse not permitted”. Go approximately another .9 of a mile to where the creek again crosses under the road. Just past this point is a small parking area on the right. The trail to the falls is across from here. Physical Exertion Level: 2
Reany Falls
(Lat. N 46 Degrees 34′ 25″ Long. W87 Degrees S 28′ 36″) is a small but fast moving waterfall forming a series of rapids as it descends over the rocks jutting out of Reany Creek. From Marquette on US 41/M-28, turn north on Wright Street (First street west of Westwood Mall). Drive about 3/4 miles and turn left onto Forestville Road. Drive about 2 1/2 miles. You will cross a steel bridge and come to a second bridge. As you cross the second bridge (before the Power Plant parking lot) you will see the falls to the right (Note: view Dead River Falls next). Physical Exertion Level: 1
Warner Falls
(Lat. N46 Degrees 26′ 02″ Long. W87 Degrees 46′ 56″) are easily accessible and can be viewed from the highway. The falls plunge 20 feet into a still pool of water and continues a gently moving pathway between the widening banks of Warner Creek. Travel approximately 8 miles west of Marquette on M-28 and turn left at the blinking yellow light onto M-35 heading south. Drive approximately 9 miles to Palmer and continue on M-35 for about .7 of a mile past the Handy Grocery. The falls are on the right side of the road. Park past the guard rail. Be sure to park fully off the road. Physical Exertion Level: 7
Yellow Dog Falls
(Lat. N46 Degrees 43′ 43″ Long. W87 Degrees 42′ 43″) is located from Marquette – Travel County Road 550 north toward Big Bay approximately 23 miles to County Road 510. Turn left (west) on County Road 510. Travel about 7 miles to the steel bridge across the Yellow Dog River. Park here on the left (south) side of the road. Follow the hiking trail on the south side of the river approximately 1/2 mile downstream. This is a nice walking trail with few ground obstacles. You will approach the falls from the top (Note: View Big Pup Falls next). Physical Exertion Level: 6
