Gorge Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Gorge Falls
Gorge Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Gogebic County, Michigan, within the Black River Scenic Byway. It is part of a series of waterfalls along the Black River and is known for its dramatic drop and scenic surroundings.
The Setting
Gorge Falls sits at 801 feet within Ottawa National Forest, fed by the Presque Isle River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Gorge Falls (#60002-A), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
GORGE FALLS #60002-A
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.05 miTrail Description
The trail to Gorge Falls is a short and well-maintained path that includes a series of steps leading to a viewing platform. The trail is shared with Potawatomi Falls, making it convenient to visit both waterfalls in one trip.
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 Gorge Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Gorge Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing Gorge Falls due to higher water flow. 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. Check with Ottawa National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water and on the stairs, as they can be slippery. Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms.
Current Water Conditions
36 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 3 years of record
5.28 ft
Water depth at gauge
63°F
CoolRefreshing for swimming
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 63 degrees F, good for a quick swim. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
ExcellentSupports aquatic life
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
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 PRESQUE ISLE RIVER NEAR CONNORVILLE, MI (9 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
36 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
36 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
38 cfs
3/10Mon
Barely Flowing
37 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
38 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
40 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
40 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 157 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 844 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 95 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 31 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, 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
- 844 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 157 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- 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 north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Gorge Falls is located along the Black River Scenic Byway, approximately 15 miles north of Bessemer, Michigan. Visitors can access the falls via a short hike from the designated parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a parking area near the trailhead for Gorge Falls, shared with nearby Potawatomi Falls. Parking is free and typically sufficient for visitors.
Elevation
801 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.640224° N, -90.050451° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be slippery, especially after rain. Consider visiting in the fall for vibrant foliage or in spring when water flow is at its peak.
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
2.1 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
Potawatomi Falls, Black River Harbor, Copper Peak Adventure Ride
Wildlife
The area is home to deer, birds, and other forest wildlife. Visitors may also spot fish in the Black River.
Cities near Gorge Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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