As the snow and ice melt each spring and April’s rains roll in, Michigan’s waterfalls surge in a show of power and beauty. Nowhere is this more breathtaking than in the Upper Peninsula, home to more than 150 named waterfalls — and hundreds of unnamed ones. If you want to hear the thunder of water and feel the mist on your face, spring is the ultimate time to go waterfalling in the U.P.
Why Spring is the Best Time for Waterfalls
U.P. winters are legendary — we’re talking snow measured in feet, not inches. When all that snow and ice begin to melt in the spring, the rivers swell and the waterfalls roar to life. It’s like flipping a switch from “silent” to “thunderous.” This is nature’s awakening from a long, hard winter and it puts on a show you’ll never forget.
When Is the Best Time to Visit
You can visit waterfalls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula any time of year, but mid-to-late April through early May is when they are spectacular. If your time is limited, these waterfalls in the eastern, central and western U.P. regions are must-sees during peak season. Some are easily accessible from the road, while others require a hike — so come prepared for the U.P.’s changeable spring weather. Dress in layers for comfort and be sure to wear a waterproof jacket and boots plus pack gloves or mittens and a hat.
Visiting Waterfalls Is Good for You
Being near these roaring, churning cascades is profoundly rejuvenating. The rush sound of water pounding over rock, the earthy scent of awakening forests — it all grounds you, calms you and reconnects you to something real. And no place in Michigan has more waterfalls to work that kind of magic than right here.
The Best U.P. Waterfalls to See in the Spring
While it’s unlikely that you can visit all 300+ waterfalls during your spring visit, here are some to consider for your itinerary. Then, come back and see more during the other three seasons.
EASTERN UPPER PENINSULA
Upper Tahquamenon Falls — Paradise
As the largest waterfall in Michigan, Upper Tahquamenon Falls is a must-see — especially in spring, when it gushes up to 50,000 gallons per second. Near Newberry, this 200-foot-wide, 50-foot-high cascade has earned its nickname, “Root Beer Falls,” for its rich brown tint and frothy churn — caused by cedar swamp tannins. To view it, take the ⅓-mile paved, ADA-accessible trail and boardwalk to the main overlook. For a closer view, descend 94 steps to the brink or 116 steps to the base. Stop by the park’s Fact Shack to learn more or borrow a track chair for better access.
CENTRAL UPPER PENINSULA
Bridalveil Falls — Munising
This 140-foot seasonal waterfall cascades like a veil over Pictured Rocks’ sandstone cliffs, spilling directly into Lake Superior. It’s most visible in spring when snowmelt feeds its delicate flow. Best seen by boat or from certain lookouts near Munising.
Carp River Falls — Marquette
This 30-foot behemoth of roiling water adds to the Carp River’s dramatic, untamed wildness. Reaching Carp River Falls will test your grit and fulfill your longing for adventure. Begin your journey at Morgan Falls, where a rough-hewn bridge leads you across Morgan Creek. From there, a rugged trail follows the river upstream for approximately half a mile. Along the way, catch glimpses of whitewater rapids and cascading drops. If you find this part of the trail tough, wait until you make the precarious descent into the gorge — but the reward is soul-stirring.
Laughing Whitefish Falls — Chatham
Named after the Laughing Whitefish River, this 100+-foot waterfall cascades down stepped limestone rock. A wooden stairway runs along the edge of the falls, offering multiple overlook points.
Miners Falls — Munising Township
Just northeast of Munising in Pictured Rocks, Miners Falls drops approximately 40 feet over a sandstone outcrop and is fed by the fast-flowing Miners River. A 1¼-mile self-guided interpretive trail leads to the falls, with 77 steps down to the viewing platform. Take H-58 to Miners Castle Road and follow the signs.
Mishicot Falls — Norway
This 8-foot drop is the largest waterfall on the Menominee River’s Piers Gorge. Straddling the Wisconsin-Michigan border, it's best known by kayakers and rafters for its fast, powerful Class IV whitewater in spring.
Munising Falls — Munising
This is the first waterfall you can visit entering Pictured Rocks from Munising. Follow a ¼-mile, fully accessible paved trail along Munising Creek through a shaded sandstone canyon where the water drops 50 feet. Two sets of stairs lead to additional viewpoints. Stop at the Munising Falls Visitor Center to explore exhibits on the region’s geology, rare species and logging history. Please note, Munising Falls is temporarily closed due to trail washout. Check the current status here.
Wagner Falls — Munising
Easily accessible and peaceful, Wagner Falls drops over tiered rock and can be reached with a short walk just outside of Munising. It’s a calm, beautiful stop — and one of the area’s best-kept secrets.
WESTERN UPPER PENINSULA
Bond Falls — Paulding
One of the most photographed waterfalls in the U.P., Bond Falls near the Porcupine Mountains spans an impressive width of 100 feet and drops approximately 50 feet over a thick belt of fractured rock. Its grandeur is mesmerizing to see.
What sets Bond Falls apart is its accessibility. This state scenic site boasts an accessible boardwalk with six viewing locations, as well as parking, toilets, grills and picnic tables nearby. It’s open year-round.
Canyon Falls — L’Anse Township
Canyon Falls, along the Sturgeon River, is the "Grand Canyon of the U.P." In spring, the falls roar with a raging torrent of water, plunging nearly 30 feet over a large chute of smooth black rock into a beautiful box canyon. Follow a picturesque trail along the river to see glimpses of rapids and smaller waterfalls before reaching the main attraction. As the water level recedes in summer, the gorge unveils its stunning rock formations, characterized by unique square rocks that form sharp ledges.
Great Conglomerate Falls — Gogebic County
Named for the mass of conglomerate rock it spills over, Great Conglomerate Falls forms two separate waterfalls that are nearly impossible to capture in a single picture. Once you’ve parked, follow a marked ¾-mile trail to a viewing platform. Just a half mile farther down the North Country National Scenic Trail are Gorge Falls and Potawatomi Falls, so you can check three waterfalls off your U.P. bucket list in one stop.
Haven Falls — Lac La Belle
In a small roadside park on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Lac La Belle, this 20-foot waterfall is easy to see from the road. The park is perfect for a quick break and a beautiful view.
Hungarian Falls — Hubbell
Inspire your inner explorer when you hike this 1½-mile trail to Hungarian Falls in the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Dover Creek packs a punch as it plunges over three waterfalls. From the parking area, follow the access trail to the upper falls. The climb is moderately difficult but well worth it. From there, watch the 20-foot upper falls, then wander over to the pond to spot wildlife and fish. Descend the trail to the middle falls and continue down to the grand finale — a 50-foot plunge over a sheer cliff face.
Manabezho Falls — Thomaston
In the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Manabezho Falls is the Presque Isle River’s largest and most enthralling waterfall with a 25-foot drop. See the powerful falls, bare rock formations and roaring rapids as you follow the trails on both sides of the river. It’s an easy walk with a big payoff.
Manganese Falls — Copper Harbor
This steep cascade in Copper Harbor flows into a narrow gorge and can be difficult to see due to the surrounding trees. If you’re adventurous and sure-footed, you can follow established footpaths for a better view — just be cautious of slippery or falling rocks.
Nawadaha Falls — Gogebic County
Nawadaha Falls is the uppermost of three waterfalls along the Presque Isle River. Its 15-foot drop varies in width with water level and season. The flat trail to the falls takes less than five minutes, with other scenic sights nearby.
Sturgeon Falls — Pelkie
The Sturgeon River carved a deep basalt gorge for this powerful 25-foot waterfall. After parking, hike ¾ of a mile — mostly flat — before a steep descent into the gorge. No handrails or viewing platforms here, just raw rock and raging water. It’s intense — and worth every step.
Plan Your Spring Waterfall Chase
All of these waterfalls are within a day’s drive of hotels and great places to eat, so check out our in-depth U.P. waterfalls listings to start planning your route. Whether you organize your trip by region or simply follow the sound of rushing water, spring is the time to see them. And the best part of a waterfall chase? Waking up and doing it all over again. Book your stay now to give yourself the space and time to explore beyond the highlights — and find a few more favorites along the way.
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