Au Train Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Au Train Falls
Au Train Falls sits just outside the town of Au Train in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a compact and photogenic pair of cascades that split into distinct upper and lower drops over a rocky bed. The falls are intimate and varied—close-in viewpoints let you feel the spray and hear the rush of water, while slightly higher outlooks give a broader view of the stepped rock and channels that photographers and families love. The setting feels wild but accessible, perfect for a short nature stop rather than a long backcountry outing. Access is exceptionally easy: a brief 0.4-mile out-and-back stroll with roughly 50 feet of elevation gain leads from the roadside to viewpoints of both the upper and lower falls. The route is rated easy and works well for day-trippers and families; because viewpoints are close to the river, wear shoes with good traction and be prepared for uneven, wet rock near the water. The short approach makes Au Train Falls an ideal quick hike to add to an Upper Peninsula itinerary.
The Setting
Au Train Falls sits at 728 feet along the Sturgeon River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Wagner Falls (20 ft) lies 10.3 miles to the east. Also nearby: Rock River Falls (15 ft, 7.8 mi) and Scott Falls (10 ft, 7.0 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Distance: 0.4 miles round trip with about 50 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: Easy (non-technical). Surface: natural, unpaved, well-worn forest footpath that drops toward the river. Grade: gentle/gradual overall, with short steeper sections and uneven, rocky footing near the water and viewpoints. Recommended for most ages and abilities—sturdy shoes with good traction are advised, especially when rocks are wet or slick.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Au Train Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Au Train Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest flow, while fall offers stunning foliage. Winter provides a unique experience with frozen cascades.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water as the rocks can be slippery. In winter, icy conditions may make the trail hazardous. Always supervise children near the falls.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 28.2 miles away
49 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 59 years of record
3.71 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge STURGEON RIVER NEAR NAHMA JUNCTION, MI (45 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
49 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
52 cfs
3/10Thu
Barely Flowing
49 cfs
4/10Fri
Barely Flowing
48 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
47 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
52 cfs
3/10Mon
Barely Flowing
52 cfs
5/10Best window: Fri — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Chatham 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 101 feet of descent through Au Train Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 731 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 21 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 61 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 731 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 101 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Au Train Falls is located off M-94, approximately 10 miles southwest of Munising, Michigan. Visitors can follow signs to the falls, and the access road is typically well-maintained.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls, which is free to use. It is located close to the trailhead and provides easy access to the waterfall.
Elevation
728 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.338557° N, -86.851262° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months. If visiting in winter, be cautious of icy conditions.
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For this easy 0.4 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
Scotty's Motel
UP Badger Lodge BnB-Lake Family
North Star Hotel Pictured Rocks
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
10.8 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
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising Falls, and Wagner Falls are all located within a short drive.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of insects such as mosquitoes and ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Au Train Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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