Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
20 ft
About Alger Falls
Alger Falls is a compact, roadside cascade on Alger Creek right at the junction of M‑28 and M‑94 just outside Munising in Alger County. The falls tumble in a series of short drops—the tallest plunge is about 15 feet (4.6 m)—and, as noted on Wikipedia, can be seen directly from the highway. Flow varies dramatically with spring snowmelt and after heavy rains, so visiting in wet weather or early spring usually offers the most impressive display. This is a quick, scenic stop on an Upper Peninsula drive rather than a long hike, making it ideal for photographers and families who want an accessible nature break. The Munising Ranger District campground sits roughly 1.8 km (about 1.1 mi) from the falls, so you can easily pair a night outdoors with a roadside visit. When you stop, pull completely off the shoulder in designated pullouts, watch for traffic, and take care on wet or slippery rock near the water.
The Setting
Alger Falls sits at 673 feet in the foothills of Michigan. The falls drop 15 feet.
Height: 15 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Munising Falls (50 ft) lies 2.4 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Tannery Falls (40 ft, 1.8 mi) and Wagner Falls (20 ft, 0.4 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Alger Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
No formal trail leads to Alger Falls—the waterfall is visible from the M‑28 roadside. The nominal approach is a very short out‑and‑back of roughly 0.1 miles (0.16 km) with about 20 feet (6 m) of elevation gain; the site is listed with a “drive_up” difficulty, meaning access is essentially from a roadside pullout rather than a maintained hiking trail. Expect no developed trail surface—viewing is from the highway shoulder and nearby informal, uneven ground—so wear sturdy shoes and be cautious of traffic and wet, slippery rock. The waterfall itself drops about 15 feet (4.6 m) in a series of cascades best seen from the roadside viewing area.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 15 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Alger Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Alger Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit Alger Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall. However, it can also be a beautiful sight in winter when the falls may freeze into stunning ice formations.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution when parking along the road and stepping out of your vehicle, as M-28 can be busy with fast-moving traffic. The area around the falls may be slippery, especially in winter or after rain.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Munising hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 85 feet of drop through Alger Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. That is more than the listed 15 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 670 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 49 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 32 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 670 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 85 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Alger Falls is located along M-28, just south of Munising, Michigan. It is visible from the road, making it a convenient stop for those traveling through the area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is no designated parking lot for Alger Falls. Visitors typically park along the shoulder of M-28, but caution is advised as the road can be busy.
Elevation
673 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.393048° N, -86.647718° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Be cautious when parking along the road as traffic can be fast-moving. Visit during daylight hours for the best views and safety. Consider combining your visit with other nearby waterfalls in the Munising area.
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For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Munising-Lakefront
Quality Inn & Suites Munising
North Star Hotel Pictured Rocks
Boarders Inn & Suites by Cobblestone Hotels - Munising
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Munising Ranger District
1.1 miles away · 0 sites
Munising Ranger District is located on the northern part of the west side of the Hiawatha National Forest. Stop by for up-to-date information and suggestions for your trip.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Munising Falls, Wagner Falls, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the area may include birds, deer, and small mammals, but sightings are not guaranteed due to the roadside location.
Cities near Alger Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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