The U.P.’s Top Five Interactive Waterfalls

Your Experience: This twin-tiered beauty is on the Baltimore River and it delivers two different experiences. The upper falls, called the Peanut Butter Falls for its color, drop three to five feet over a sandstone ledge. Continue a quarter mile downstream to the more impressive lower falls with its 20+-foot drop. The sandstone ridge at the top gives you striking close-up views.

But for the best experience at the lower falls, follow the North Country Trail downstream, cross the suspension bridge and continue along the footpath through scattered boulders. Look for the cavern that leads behind the falls and reach out to touch the water. Watch your step — algae is slippery. Then return the way you came.

How to Find the Falls: This family-friendly, 2.8-mile round-trip hike follows one of the easiest stretches of the North Country Trail in the western U.P. Heading south on M-45 toward Bruce Crossing, watch for the wooden trail sign on the east side of the road. There are no water stations or bathrooms, so come prepared.

Waterfalling Tips: Wear water shoes; footing is slick. Pack snacks and drinks if you plan to play here a while.

Your Experience: Welcome to “Michigan’s Grand Canyon” on the Sturgeon River. Along the short trail to the main attraction, you’ll pass smaller falls and a refreshing spot where you can wade or swim on warm days. 

Just past that area are several 10 to 15-foot-high ledges where you can watch, or join, cliff jumpers plunge into 10-foot-deep water. Only attempt this if you are a strong swimmer and never alone. After your swim, follow the switchback path to the main trail.

Continue on the main trail at the bottom of the gorge to the main event. Here the water tumbles over smooth black rock into the box canyon. Feeling bold? Natural steps lead to the top for a different perspective.

How to Find the Falls: Canyon Falls is 15 miles south of L'Anse along Highway 41. The trailhead has a remodeled roadside park with picnic tables, pit toilets and RV-friendly parking.

Waterfalling Tip: Stay back from the edges, especially after rain or snow. 

Your Experience: Add this small waterfall on Miners Beach to your Pictured Rocks must-stops. From either of two parking lots, take the stairs to the beach and walk to the falls for a right-next-to-it view. On calm days, you can wade onto the sculpted shoreline rocks and let the waterfall spill over your hands or swirl around your feet. Lake Superior is cold, so brace yourself.

How to Find the Falls: Miners Beach is one of the U.P.’s most photogenic stretches of shoreline, 20 minutes east of Munising. Follow Adams Trail to Miners Castle Road, then take Miners Beach Road. Park in the larger west lot or the smaller east lot, which is closer to the falls. From the east stairs, the falls are only two hundred yards away.

Waterfalling Tips: Wear water shoes if you plan to wade onto the rocks. Photographers recommend visiting near sunset when Lake Superior glows blue-green against rosy sandstone.

Your Experience: Scott Falls is easy to reach from M-28 and offers a rare chance to walk behind a curtain of falling water. Step into the cavern and sit to watch the flow plunge into the pool below.

This pool is one of Michigan’s waterfall swimming holes. Stand beneath the cascade or splash in the refreshing water. It’s an easy place to feel connected with nature.

How to Find the Falls: Park at the Scott Falls Roadside Park on the Lake Superior side of M-28. This highway is busy, so cross with care. Once across, walk behind the falls or climb the steep hill for a bird’s-eye view. Or begin in Au Train and follow the rail trail from downtown. Park in the city lot and hike the scenic 1.1-mile trail (two miles round trip) to the falls.

Waterfalling Tips: Downtown Au Train has food and shopping. Or pack a picnic for the roadside park, which also offers lake access and pit toilets.

Your Experience: The Upper Tahquamenon Falls are Michigan’s largest and a must-see, but you can only view them. Four miles downstream, the Lower Falls become your playground.

This series of five falls tumbles around an island in the Tahquamenon River. View them from shore, walk across the Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge for close encounters or rent a rowboat to explore. Wade into the river on warm days and feel the water rush around you. It’s unforgettable.

How to Find the Falls: From mid-June through early September, you can take a shuttle between the Upper and Lower Falls for a fee. Year-round, drive I-75 N to M-123 N and follow signs to the Lower Falls.

Waterfall Tips: Wear water shoes if you plan to enter the river. Have children wear lifejackets in the rowboat and near the falls. Submit your waterfall videos to qualify for prizes through the Waterfall Wanderers Club.