17 Breathtaking Pictured Rocks Waterfalls
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is truly a place of raw, natural beauty with stunning multicolored cliffs, unique sandstone formations, and amazing waterfalls.
Pictured Rocks Waterfalls are stunning natural formations, and no trip to the area is complete without visiting at least one.
No matter how adventurous or your ability level, there’s a waterfall on this list for you.
Pictured Rocks Waterfalls
There’s something about gushing water plunging over the side of a dramatic cliff that never fails to take my breath away.
With so many waterfalls to choose from, deciding where to go first might be overwhelming. Check out my list of the top 17 best Pictured Rocks waterfalls below.
1. Munising Falls
WHERE? Munsing | ENTRY FEE? Yes
Located within the city limits of Munising, this beautiful waterfall is an easy and spectacular one to visit.
You’ll head up a paved 800-foot trail through tranquil woods to the base of the 50-foot waterfall.
Head up the stairs to additional viewing platforms and see the water drop over a sandstone cliff.
Worried about accessibility? The main platform is fully accessible, but the two additional are not. This is a beautiful place to explore.
It’s a great place to take in the Pictured Rocks fall colors, and in the wintertime, you can see some dramatic ice formations.
2. Miner Falls
WHERE? Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | ENTRY FEE? Yes
Miner’s Falls is considered one of the most accessible, if not the most accessible, waterfalls in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Walk along a gorgeous forest on a short, easy 0.6-mile walk to see the falls.
There are 2 viewing platforms to see the stunning waterfall. It drops a total of 50 feet into a
canyon.
The main viewing platform gives you a nice overlook, or you can follow the stairs to get a view from the base. Don’t worry- it’s only 77 steps. (Although it might feel like more when you’re coming up!)
3. Elliott Falls
WHERE? Miner’s Beach | ENTRY FEE? Yes
If you’re looking for a picturesque place to picnic, look no further than Elliott Falls.
While it’s a small waterfall, it consists of two short drops at the far end of Miners Beach. Watch the water flow over dramatic cliffs and then directly into Lake Superior.
The whole area is gorgeous. You’ve got the dramatic cliffs, the lake, and the scenic forest
nearby. No matter your direction, there’s something pretty to look at.
When you get to the parking lot, you’ll go on a short walk to a staircase that leads directly to the sandy shore.
Are you craving for more of a walk? Park at a larger lot on the road’s western end and walk
along the beach until you get to the falls.
4. Bridalveil Falls
WHERE? Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | ENTRY FEE? Yes
Aptly named, this fall looks like a veil as it slides 160 feet down the stunning cliffs into the crisp waters of Lake Superior.
The falls are located approximately half a mile east of Miners Castle.
While the North Country Trail visits the top of the falls, you will only get a little view. You’d need to go to Miner’s Castle to see them.
It’s a nice view from a distance, but the best way to see Bridalveil Falls is from the water.
You can rent a kayak or go on a Pictured Rocks Cruise to see the falls up close.
Make sure to visit in the springtime to see the most water flow!
5. Mosquito Falls
WHERE? Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | ENTRY FEE? Yes
Consisting of two main drops with a stretch of rapids in between them, Mosquito Falls is one of the smallest waterfalls in Pictured Rocks.
While it may not be the most impressive, they’re still worth visiting.
Mosquito Falls are located along a charming hike. Head to the Chapel Parking area and then take the Mosquito Beach trail.
You have two options— take a shorter trail directly to Mosquito Beach or a slightly longer one that will pass the falls on the way to the beach.
This trail is lovely, especially during the springtime, with many flowers. You’ll pass by lower falls, rapids, and upper falls and head downstream before heading into the woods.
6. Chapel Falls
WHERE? Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | ENTRY FEE? Yes
Waterfall enthusiasts should definitely check out Chapel Falls! You’ll have to work to see this one; it takes over an hour to get there.
However, it’s truly an impressive waterfall and is located along a gorgeous hike.
Head through the woods for two miles, walking alongside a gorge with some steep drop-offs. Keep your eyes open for wildlife.
You’ll cross a creek just above the falls. For the best views, head over to the viewing platform. During the summer, the thick foliage on the trees does block some of the view.
If you want to, head down into the gorge and work to the base of the falls.
You can also continue on the trail for another 2 miles to reach Chapel Rock and Chapel Beach.
7. Spray Falls
WHERE? Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | ENTRY FEE? Yes
Even further afield than Chapel Falls, Spray Falls is the most remote waterfall in Pictured Rocks.
The falls are right on the edge of the cliffs. The creek hasn’t cut back into the cliffs, and the water plunges directly into Lake Superior.
Over 70 feet tall, you can follow the Lakeshore Trail to pass right over the top of the falls. Be careful- the cliffs are undercut and can be unsafe.
There’s a safe lookout point about 1/4 mile away from the falls. It’s nicely marked, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally missing it!
You’d need to be on the water to see the waterfall head-on.
8. Sable Falls
WHERE? Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | ENTRY FEE? Yes/No
Sable Falls is unique because it’s surrounded by sand dunes!
Located at the park’s east end, Sable Falls is only half a mile from the parking area.
The stairs will take you down to the base of the falls. If you keep going past the falls, you’ll end up on the beach in just a few minutes. The Grand Sable Dunes are just to the west.
The road is rough getting to Sable Falls, so you might not want to take a small sedan out there. Talk about a fun and unique waterfall to visit!
9. Laughing Whitefish Falls
WHERE? Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park | ENTRY FEE? Yes
Laughing Whitefish Falls cascades through a picturesque gorge with white pine and hemlock trees stretching overhead.
It’s an impressive sight! While the hike to the falls is pretty close, clocking in at a one-mile
roundtrip, you’ll need to work to get to the observation platforms.
There are three, and the upper platform is the only one you don’t have to climb any stairs to access.
The middle staircase is 20 stairs from the top, and the lower platform is 137 stairs.
10. Horseshoe Falls
WHERE? Munising | ENTRY FEE? Yes
This privately owned waterfall is in the middle of Munising.
Plunging 20 feet, this spring-fed waterfall often flows even when other falls in the area are dry. There’s a trout pond, too, so you can feed the fish while you’re there.
You do have to pay an admission fee to see Horseshoe Falls.
There’s not much to do, so this stop is only worth it if you plan a leisurely stroll and enjoy the peaceful and tranquil ambiance.
It is truly lovely, so it’s the perfect spot to stop and take a refreshing breath in nature. Stop by the gift shop on your way out for a few souvenirs to take back home with you.
11. Wagner Falls
WHERE? Munising | ENTRY FEE? No
Located 1.5 miles south of Munising, Wagner Falls has a state park.
There’s a small parking area and a short boardwalk to the falls. It’s a charming walk, and the waterfall itself is pretty.
Facilities are limited— there aren’t restrooms or water, so plan accordingly.
The trail to the falls is short, around .1 mile. It’s made of packed gravel and a boardwalk with a few stairs.
The falls are around 20 feet tall. It’s so easy to visit that you have no excuse not to stop by.
12. Whitefish Falls
WHERE? Alger County| ENTRY FEE? No
These minor falls (with a vertical drop of approximately 10 feet) are located 4 miles NW of
Trenary on the west side of US-41.
It’s a fun spot to go and wade around in the summer. You only have to walk .1 miles to get to them.
While they might not be the most impressive waterfalls on this list, they are off the beaten track.
This makes them perfect for anyone wanting to escape crowds and find peace and quiet.
13. Scott Falls
WHERE? Close to Au Train | ENTRY FEE? No
Located on a sandstone cliff right off M-28, you don’t have to leave your car to see Scott Falls. If you’re heading east towards Munising, you’ll be able to see the falls from the highway.
For an even better view, I recommend parking on the roadside park (on the Lake Superior side of the highway) and walking over to the falls.
Once there, you can stand under the 10-foot tall waterfall or hike up the hill for a bird’s eye view.
This is the best excuse to stop and stretch your legs while driving across the Upper Peninsula.
14. Rock River Falls
WHERE? Chatham | ENTRY FEE? No
Just north of Chatham in the Hiawatha National Forest, you’ll find the wild Rock River Falls.
You’ll need to drive down old logging roads and then hike on old trails to reach it. Talk about the ultimate waterfall adventure!
The drive is beautiful, and you won’t be disappointed when you arrive at the 15-foot waterfall.
Pro Tip: download a version of your map before you head out in case you lose service.
15. Alger Falls
WHERE? Alongside M28 near Munising | ENTRY FEE? No
Alger Falls is a gorgeous waterfall. Cascading over a series of rock ledges, it’s also easy to look at.
You can see it from the roadside right alongside M-28 (just across from the M-94 junction).
Most people park along the road shoulder and then walk over. Take care when entering and exiting your vehicle— the road comes down a hill and around a curve right here.
This waterfall looks its best during spring due to the snowmelt flowing through Alger Creek. It can be pretty light flow later in the summer.
Depending on when you’re visiting, it may not be worth making the stop.
16. Au Train Falls
WHERE? Au Train River, south of Cleveland Cliff Basin | ENTRY FEE? No
Au Train Falls is a pair of waterfalls right between Munising and Laughing Whitefish Falls.
The upper falls are approximately 40 feet high, and the lower ones are 10 feet high, but they’re an impressive sight with a width of 200 feet.
These waterfalls are really easy to find due to plenty of signage. You’ll need to walk down to see the lower falls. The trail can get pretty slick, so tread carefully.
The Au train river has been dammed, so hydroelectric metal pipes run above the upper falls.
Due to the dam, various small springs empty the gorge opposite the falls.
17. Tahquamenon Falls
WHERE? Tahquamenon Falls State Park| ENTRY FEE? Yes
No trip to the Upper Peninsula would be complete without a trip to Tahquamenon Falls. This state park stretches over 13 miles in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
It’s the perfect place to camp, hike, and (of course!) view waterfalls.
Check out the 200-foot-wide Upper Falls and hike to the smaller but equally impressive Lower Falls.
The water is a unique amber color due to tannins leached from trees in the swamps further upriver.
Plus, the water is unusually soft, which creates lots of natural foam. The foam adds to the
waterfalls, making them extra unique.
There’s plenty to do and see at Tahquamenon Falls all year, so it’s worth adding to your list.
I go into more depth about this park, so check out this post on the best things to do in Tahquamenon Falls if you want to learn more.
Pictured Rocks Waterfalls: Other Notable Mentions
There are so many beautiful waterfalls in Pictured Rocks that narrowing my list was hard. Check out some honorable mentions.
Chipmunk Falls: With a short drop of five feet, you might not even consider Chipmunk Falls a waterfall. However, the setting of these falls makes them one of the most pleasant falls to visit. It’s the perfect place to find peace and solace in nature.
Cole Creek Falls: These falls are located about 5 miles south of Au Train and at the end of a short trail. They’re pretty and off the beaten path. They’re also my favorite type of waterfall, with cascades and a total drop of 10 feet.
Pictured Rocks Waterfalls: FAQ
Most of the waterfalls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are found within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Munising Falls National Park has a fee of $20 for non-commercial vehicles and a per-person rate of $10.
Tahquamenon Falls is approximately 97 miles by road from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
The hike to Munising Falls is a short, 0.4-mile out-and-back trail that takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Pictured Rocks Waterfalls: The Wrap-Up
The Pictured Rocks Waterfalls should be at the top of your list on any trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
It’s a gorgeous area year-round, and the plethora of things to do and waterfalls to find makes it a gold mine for a fun vacation.
Plus, there’s scientific evidence that being around running water is good for your health. What are you waiting for? Let’s get waterfall hunting!
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