Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
3.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Chapel Falls
Chapel Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan. It features a 60-foot drop and is surrounded by lush forest, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Chapel Falls sits at 751 feet within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, in the foothills of Michigan. The falls drop 60 feet.
Height: 60 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Spray Falls (70 ft) lies 2.6 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Munising Falls (50 ft, 11.2 mi) and Miners Falls (40 ft, 5.6 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Chapel Falls is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it suitable for most visitors. It winds through a dense forest with occasional views of the surrounding landscape. The waterfall can be viewed from a designated overlook platform.
What to Expect
The falls drop 60 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Chapel Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Chapel Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Chapel Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these times. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen waterfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery surfaces near the waterfall, especially after rain. Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms to avoid accidents.
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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 104 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 60 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 758 feet.
Water arrives on almost flat ground and leaves through a ravine that loses about 86 feet in the first 500 feet below the falls. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 758 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 104 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
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
Chapel Falls is accessible via the Chapel Basin area of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The trailhead is located off Chapel Road, which is a gravel road leading to the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area at the Chapel Basin trailhead. Parking may be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
751 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.528538° N, -86.443710° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking.
Where to Stay
Roam Inn
Comfort Inn & Suites Munising-Lakefront
Quality Inn & Suites Munising
Scotty's Motel
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 Beaver Campground
4.4 miles away · 9 sites
Overview Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore hugs the Lake Superior shoreline for more than 40 miles (64 km) along Michigan's northern coast. Lake Superior is the largest, deepest, coldest, and most pristine of all the Great Lakes. Camping at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a great way to relax and enjoy the beauties the lakeshore has to offer. Campgrounds are rustic, and do not provide electric or sewer hookups. Campers, trailers, and RVs are welcome, note there are generator free areas. Cell
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Chapel Rock, Chapel Beach, and the Pictured Rocks cliffs. The area offers additional hiking trails and scenic views.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Chapel Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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