The 10 Best Waterfalls in Michigan

People looking for a travel destination where they can feel like they’re one with nature might be surprised to know that Michigan is an ideal place for just that. With lakes, trails, and woods filling the state, you’ll feel at peace in no time. To help kick off your trip, here are the best waterfalls in Michigan.

The Best Waterfalls in Michigan

1. Tahquamenon Falls

Near Newberry and Paradise, Michigan, you’ll find Tahquamenon Falls.

This cascade is one of the largest in the eastern United States, measuring nearly 200 feet across and 50 feet high at its largest point at the upper falls.

Those just looking for a pretty view can admire the upper falls from the parking lot observation area.

However, you can also hike to see them up close and personal. You can choose either the easy 4-mile hike to the bust stop and shuttle to the falls or the 10.2-mile moderately challenging trail.

2. Bridalveil Falls

If you find yourself in Alger County, Michigan, during the spring, summer, and early fall months, make sure you plan a stop at Bridalveil Falls.

This seasonal waterfall boasts a 140-foot drop into lake Michigan that is absolutely worth the drive to get there.

Since this is a cliffside waterfall, you’ll get the best view by boat. During the colder months, the lake freezes over, so fewer boats are able to pass, making this a seasonal destination.

If you’re lucky, you can even get a glimpse of the falls from the nearby Miner’s Beach.

3. Jacob’s Falls

Jacob’s Falls seems like any other ordinary roadside waterfall to many who drive by.

However, those who are more in the know are aware of how special and beautiful this particular cascade really is.

The falls are actually a series of water drops that create a scenic view that you really have to experience outside of your vehicle.

Since it’s close to the road, however, these falls are particularly easy to see. In addition, they offer some of the most accessible views for people with mobility issues who wouldn’t be able to hike easily.

4. Great Conglomerate Falls

The star of Michigan’s Black River is the Great Conglomerate Falls.

It’s a 30-foot waterfall rapid that makes visitors forget about the outside world for a little while. In fact, you’ll feel like you’re more than just 0.75 miles away from the pavement.

During the dry months, the falls are split by boulders that help create a wild and cinematic view you can enjoy from the observation platform.

Instead, in the winter, the cascade forms one large waterfall.

That means you get a different viewing experience depending on when you visit.

5. Bond Falls

The wilderness of Ontonagon County, Michigan, may have multiple waterfalls to its name, but none are as beloved as Bond Falls.

A 3-mile hike from the parking area will take you up close to this impressive cascade in the middle branch of the Ontonagon River.

If you’re not up for the hike, you can still admire the waterfall from the viewing platform that is also wheelchair accessible.

However, if you’re up for some exploring, you can spend horse meandering around nature and enjoying the local wildlife at any time of year.

6. Alger Falls

Along the M-28 highway in Alger County, you’ll be able to see the Alger Falls.

This cascade is made up of a series of fall drops at varying heights.

Since the highway is so close to these falls, it’s one of the most accessible stops in the state.

There’s a pull-off area where you can park your car for a little bit of exploring and admiration of such a beautiful piece of nature so close to the busy modern world.

In fact, it’s highly recommended you make sure to have a camera on-hand for some pictures.

7. Douglass Houghton Falls

As Michigan’s tallest waterfall, the Douglas Houghton Falls deserves to be on everyone’s must-see list when they visit the state.

From its highest point to its base, the drop is an impressive 110 feet.

To reach the falls, be prepared for a 0.5-mile hike that casual and amateur hikers might find to be moderately challenging due to uneven and steep terrain.

However, the views of the waterfall are worth the effort once you get there, and you can feel free to take your time meandering through the surrounding woods.

8. Hungarian Falls

Locals and tourists alike love visiting the Hungarian Falls on Dover Creek.

It’s a family-friendly attraction that’s easy to reach, even for inexperienced hikers.

All you have to do is take the quick 7-minute walk on the trail, and you’ll find yourself admiring one of Michigan’s favored natural spots.

If you’re up for a little more of a challenge, or you just want to explore more, there’s also a 1.7-mile hike you can take that offers you a more in-depth view of the landscape.

However, this path is considered moderately challenging for most people.

9. Ocqueoc Falls

The Ocqueoc Falls make up the largest waterfall in Michigan’s lower peninsula due to its width.

Though the drop itself is only 5 feet, the falls still make up a picturesque and serene area that is a favorite for visitors and locals who just want to get away for a while.

The falls are reachable via a 0.3-mile walk that is considered easy for most hikers to complete in under 10 minutes.

Though the falls are the star of the trail, many take the opportunity to bird-watch as well, so you won’t find many crowds.

10. Agate Falls Scenic Site

Michigan’s upper peninsula has plenty of sites, especially along the Ontonagon river, but that doesn’t mean you should skip over the Agate Falls Scenic Site.

The falls can be found at the end of a 17-minute walk on a 0.6-mile long trail that is surprisingly easy for most visitors to complete.

The scenic site allows you to get fully immersed in the surrounding area, which has dubbed this particular cascade to be the most picturesque on the river.

It’s a family-friendly site that deserves to be seen at least once.