Gleason Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Gleason Creek Falls
Gleason Creek Falls is a small, picturesque cascade tucked into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula just outside the Munising area. The fall’s gentle drop and forested setting make it an appealing spot for photographers and hikers who prefer quiet, less-trafficked natural features rather than large, commercialized overlooks. Reaching the falls involves a moderately paced outing: the common route is a 2.4-mile out-and-back hike with about 350 feet of elevation gain, making it a satisfying half-day loop for most active visitors. The trail winds through mixed northern hardwood and conifer forest and can be unmarked in places, so bring a map or GPS, wear sturdy footwear, and allow extra time for navigation and photo stops.
The Setting
Gleason Creek Falls sits at 1,401 feet along the Ontonagon River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. The route follows a forested hiking track to the creek; sections may be unmarked and require careful navigation. No official USFS trail name/number or detailed surface/grade/class data are provided for this route, so expect natural trail conditions and seasonal variability (mud, roots, uneven footing) and plan accordingly.
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 Gleason Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Gleason Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique view of the falls frozen in ice.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution on the trail, as it may be slippery or muddy. Be aware of ticks and other insects, and check for them after your visit. Cell phone service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
489 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 84 years of record
5.25 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average 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 ONTONAGON RIVER NEAR ROCKLAND, MI (11 km away).
Today
Low
489 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
458 cfs
5/10Tue
Moderate
510 cfs
5/10Wed
Moderate
513 cfs
5/10Thu
Moderate
545 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
502 cfs
8/10Sat
Low
494 cfs
6/10Best window: Fri — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early 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 Ewen 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 95 feet of descent through Gleason Creek Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,416 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 30 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 105 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,416 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 95 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Gleason Creek Falls is located near Munising, Michigan, in the Hiawatha National Forest. It is accessible via a short drive from Munising, but specific directions to the falls may require local knowledge or GPS assistance.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available in nearby areas, but it may be limited. Visitors should check for designated parking spots or pull-offs along the road.
Elevation
1,401 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.670777° N, -89.335979° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven or muddy, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Check local conditions before visiting, as the trail may be harder to navigate in wet or icy conditions.
Where to Stay
Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins
Bergland Bay Bungalow
Two Rivers Motel and Cabins of Kenton, MI
Pet-Friendly Michigan Getaway with Porch and Kayaks!
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
Ontonagon Ranger District
13 miles away · 0 sites
Ontonagon Ranger District is on the shores of Lake Superior, largest of the Great Lakes, and the mouth of the Ontonagon River. There are numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Hunting, fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, and ATV riding are available in the summer and fall months. In the winter downhill, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are available.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Munising Falls, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Wagner Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Cities near Gleason Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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