Chippewa Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Chippewa Falls
Chippewa Falls is a compact, scenic cascade on the Chippewa River tucked into the forested hills of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Nestled within the Ottawa National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the falls give a peaceful, intimate encounter with flowing water and mixed northern hardwood forest—an easy reward for hikers and photographers who prefer quieter, less-developed spots. Access to the viewing area follows USFS trail NFST-129-A (Trail #T129-A), a short forest approach that many visitors combine with a longer out-and-back route through the surrounding woods. The full outing is commonly about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate; for overnight stays, Black River Harbor Pavilion campground is nearby (about 8.32 km away) and serves as a convenient base for exploring this part of the Ottawa National Forest.
The Setting
Chippewa Falls sits at 1,050 feet within Ottawa National Forest, fed by the Black River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Nfst 129 A (#T129-A), a 0.1-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
NFST-129-A #T129-A
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.13 miTrail Description
Primary access is via USFS NFST-129-A (Trail #T129-A). According to USFS trail data this segment has a GIS length of 0.13 miles, is classified as Class 3, and the tread is native material with a typical grade of 0–5%. Hikers commonly combine the short NFST-129-A approach into a longer out-and-back hike totaling about 2.4 miles with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; the overall route is rated moderate.
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 Chippewa Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Chippewa Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a serene, snowy landscape.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Ottawa National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks may be slippery. During winter, the area may be icy and require extra care.
Current Water Conditions
15 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 53 years of record
1.89 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
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 BLACK RIVER NEAR BESSEMER, MI (10 km away).
Today
Low
15 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
16 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
16 cfs
5/10Mon
Low
15 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
14 cfs
5/10Wed
Moderate
15 cfs
5/10Thu
Moderate
22 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
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 Bessemer 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 109 feet of descent through Chippewa Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,051 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 68 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 43 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and 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
- 1,051 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 109 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
Chippewa Falls is located along Highway 123, near the town of Paradise, Michigan. It is easily accessible by car and is a short distance from Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls, located just off the highway.
Elevation
1,050 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.598835° N, -90.082118° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring bug spray during the summer months as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Wear sturdy shoes if visiting during wet conditions, as the trail may be slippery.
Where to Stay
North Ironwood Acres - Black River Lodge
Snow Otter Haus - 1
Snow Otter Haus - 2
Quality Inn Ironwood
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
BLACK RIVER HARBOR PAVILION
5.2 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Planning a visit to the Black River Harbor Pavilion? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility. The Black River Harbor Pavilion is located within the Black Harbor Recreation Area on Lake Superior in Michigans Upper Peninsula. The historic stone and wood pavilion was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Recreation Lake Superior offers great opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The North Country National Scenic Trail
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Whitefish Point Lighthouse, and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of mosquitoes and other insects during warmer months.
Cities near Chippewa Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Chippewa Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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