Are there fees or permits required for Big Erick's Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Big Erick's Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Big Erick's Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Big Erick's Falls.

Big Erick's Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Big Erick's Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Big Erick's Falls.

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Baraga State Forest Area SCA · SDNR

Photo Credits (1)

Ian Shackleford CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.1 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Big Erick's Falls

Big Erick's Falls is a compact, scenic cascade on Michigan’s Huron River tucked inside the Baraga State Forest Area. Managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (SDNR) as part of the State Forest Campground Area (SCA) lands, the falls tumble over a rocky riverbed and are framed by the dense northern hardwood and conifer forest of the Upper Peninsula. The Huron River here is the 7.6-mile-long (12.2 km) “Big Huron” — a local name used to distinguish it from a nearby Little Huron River and from the much larger Huron River in southeast Michigan. Though the waterfall itself is modest in size, visiting it is a rewarding outing. The river that feeds it has its east and west branches rising in L'Anse Township, southeast of Mount Arvon near the Marquette County boundary, and the falls make a pleasant destination for hikers exploring the Baraga State Forest. Expect a tranquil riverside setting and classic UP forest scenery rather than a developed overlook — it’s a good stop for photographers and day-hikers enjoying remote-feeling water features within state-managed forest lands.

The Setting

Big Erick's Falls sits at 699 feet within Baraga State Forest Area, fed by the Salmon Trout River, in the foothills of Michigan.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail to Big Erick's Falls: 2.4 miles round-trip (out-and-back) with about 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The route traverses state forest land managed by the SDNR (Baraga State Forest Area, SCA). Available data do not include a USFS trail number, specific surface type, grade, or class; plan for a typical forest footpath with moderate climbs and bring appropriate footwear and navigation for a 2.4-mile hike.

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 Big Erick's Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Big Erick's Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, and winter provides a unique view of the frozen falls.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

The rocks around the falls can be slippery, so exercise caution when walking near the water. During winter, icy conditions may make the area hazardous.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SALMON TROUT RIVER NEAR BIG BAY, MI (18 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

5 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

5 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

5 cfs

5/10

Sun

Low

5 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

5 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

5 cfs

4/10

Wed

Moderate

5 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

5 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Skanee 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 shows the creek losing roughly 46 feet through Big Erick's Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 700 feet.

The ground changes about 29 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 11 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Big Erick's Falls near Skanee, Michigan, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Big Erick's Falls near Skanee, Michigan, showing about 46 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 700 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 46 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Big Erick's Falls is located near L'Anse, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. It can be accessed via Erick's Road, which is off Skanee Road. The falls are close to the Big Erick's Bridge, making them easy to find.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near Big Erick's Bridge, which provides convenient access to the falls.

Elevation

699 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.865516° N, -88.083750° W

Land Management

Baraga State Forest Area SCA

Managed by SDNR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the area around the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Bring bug spray during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes.