Chandler Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Chandler Falls
Chandler Falls is a historic falls on the Escanaba River north of Escanaba and Gladstone in Delta County. A hydroelectric dam (Escanaba Dam No. 3, built in 1919) now stands at the falls, and the Ordovician limestone exposed on the banks below it gave its name to the Chandler Falls Formation. A Michigan DNR boat launch on County Road 420 sits just upstream of the dam.
Trail & Hike Details
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Chandler Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Chandler Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery when wet, and there are no guardrails near the waterfall. Exercise caution near the water's edge. In winter, snow and ice can make the trail hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Ford River, 7.5 miles away, not on Chandler Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
123 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 72 years of record
2.04 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 nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge FORD RIVER NEAR HYDE, MI (12 km away).
Today
Low
136 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Moderate
147 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
144 cfs
5/10Sat
Low
140 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
132 cfs
5/10Mon
Low
129 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
129 cfs
6/10Best window: Mon — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid June, 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 Gladstone hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Chandler Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Chandler Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 58°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 128 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Michigan.
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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 32 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 648 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 15 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 25 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 648 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 32 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are on the Escanaba River near County Road 420 (21st Road), a few miles north of Escanaba and west of Gladstone. The Michigan DNR "Dam 3" boat access is listed at 5539 County 420 21st Rd, Gladstone.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The nearest public parking we could confirm is the Michigan DNR boat access on County Road 420 above the dam.
Elevation
643 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.832500° N, -87.091667° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be uneven or muddy in places. Bring bug spray during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes. Check local conditions before visiting, especially in winter, as snow and ice may make access difficult.
Where to Stay
Terrace Bay Hotel - Lakefront
Magnuson Grand Pioneer Inn and Suites
Hillcrest Motel
Comfort Suites Escanaba West
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
Little Bay de Noc
5.3 miles away · 38 sites
Overview Little Bay Campground provides a quiet respite from more developed campgrounds in the area. It has long been a favorite for visitors seeking solitude. Beautiful sunsets can be seen over the glistening water of the Little Bay de Noc, and campers enjoy water activities on the lake.Recreation The bay is widely recognized as one of the finest walleye fisheries in the country. The Hunter's Point paved boat ramp is located less than a mile from the entrance of the campground. Other than fishin
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Escanaba and Gladstone, both on Little Bay de Noc, are a short drive south and east.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Chandler Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Chandler Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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