Gabbro Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Before you go
Gabbro Falls appears to be on private ski-resort land. We found no posted closure, but there is no official trail; respect any No Trespassing signs.
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Gabbro Falls
Gabbro Falls is a set of three drops on the Black River north of Ramsay, between Bessemer and Wakefield, where the river cuts through dark gabbro bedrock. The falls are unsigned and reached by short informal paths from Blackjack Road. Public land records show the land around the falls as private, part of the Blackjack Ski Resort holdings.
The Setting
Gabbro Falls sits at 1,247 feet within Blackjack Ski Resort, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no official trail. Guides describe two approaches from Blackjack Road: a loose path west from the northernmost powerline clearing about 1.5 miles north of US-2, or short paths from a pull-off near the old buildings at the top of the hill past the covered bridge. Paths are unmarked and the descent to the base is steep.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic experience with views of the cascading waterfall surrounded by lush forest. The sound of rushing water and the natural beauty of the area make it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Gabbro Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Gabbro Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Gabbro Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the edge of the falls and on slippery rocks. During winter, icy conditions can make the trail hazardous. Always stay on marked trails and avoid venturing too close to the water.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Black River, 4 miles away, not on Gabbro Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
21 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 54 years of record
2.08 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BLACK RIVER NEAR BESSEMER, MI (6 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
21 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
23 cfs
3/10Thu
Low
25 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
25 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
24 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
22 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
23 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — 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 Ramsay hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Gabbro Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded 1 more freezing day forecast
Gabbro Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 55°F to 31°F. 1 freezing day are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 1 of the next 7
- Flow
- 22 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
Location & Access
Getting There
From US-2 in Ramsay, about 3 miles east of Bessemer, drive north on Blackjack Road. The road turns to gravel; the falls are west of the road, before and around the ski area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is no developed lot. Visitors park at the powerline clearing on Blackjack Road about 1.5 miles north of US-2, or at a pull-off opposite the old buildings at the top of the hill past the bridge.
Elevation
1,247 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.502170° N, -89.991561° W
Land Management
Managed by PVT
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during spring or after heavy rains for the most impressive water flow. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls, especially after rain or during icy conditions in winter.
Where to Stay
Snow Otter Haus - 2
North Ironwood Acres - Black River Lodge
Quality Inn Ironwood
Snow Otter Haus - 1
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
11.9 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
Nearby attractions include the Black River Scenic Byway, Copper Peak Adventure Ride, and other waterfalls in the area such as Rainbow Falls and Sandstone Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Gabbro Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
LiDAR
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