Great Conglomerate Falls
Michigan • 40 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
The Ottawa National Forest is repairing Black River waterfall platforms and trails, with work expected through fall 2027. As of the May 15, 2026 alert, Conglomerate Falls is open (use caution on trail tread and stairs), and Sandstone Falls is closed since May 18, 2026.
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Great Conglomerate Falls
Great Conglomerate Falls is one of the scenic waterfalls located along the Black River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is named for the large conglomerate rock formations visible near the falls. The waterfall is part of the Black River Scenic Byway, which features several other waterfalls.
The Setting
Great Conglomerate Falls sits at 912 feet within Ottawa National Forest, in the foothills of Michigan. The falls drop 40 feet.
Height: 40 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Conglomerate Falls (#60088), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
CONGLOMERATE FALLS #60088
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.60 miTrail Description
A 3/4-mile trail (1.5 miles round trip) leads from a paved parking lot to an overlook at the falls, dropping steadily toward the river with stairs along the way. From the overlook, the North Country National Scenic Trail continues 1/2 mile north (downstream) to Gorge and Potawatomi Falls.
What to Expect
The falls drop 40 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 Great Conglomerate Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Pets must be on a leash at developed Forest Service recreation sites, including trailheads (36 CFR 261.16(j)).
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Great Conglomerate Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. 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
Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. During winter, the trail may be icy, so proper footwear is essential. Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or injured.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Presque Isle River, 5.8 miles away, not on Great Conglomerate Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
94 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 3 years of record
5.50 ft
Water depth at gauge
42°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 42 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. 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
94 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
102 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
105 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
105 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
98 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
94 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
94 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly 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.
Is Great Conglomerate Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Great Conglomerate Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 32°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 97 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
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 103 feet of descent through Great Conglomerate Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 40 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 928 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 81 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 84 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 928 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 103 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From US 2 east of Ironwood, turn north (left) on Powderhorn Road and drive about 3 miles to County Road 513 (Black River Road). Turn left and drive about 8.5 miles to the parking lot on Forest Road 108. Bessemer is about 11.5 miles southeast.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
A clearly marked, paved parking lot on Forest Road 108. There is no potable water. The lot and access road are plowed in winter until spring conditions make plowing impractical.
Elevation
912 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.632446° N, -90.055173° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear as the trail may be uneven in places. Bug spray is recommended during the summer months. In winter, the trail may be icy or snow-covered, so traction devices are advised.
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
2.6 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
Gorge and Potawatomi Falls are 1/2 mile north on the North Country Trail from the overlook, and Rainbow Falls is farther down the Black River Scenic Byway. Sandstone Falls has been closed for construction since May 18, 2026. The byway ends at Black River Harbor on Lake Superior.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of black bears, which may be present in the region.
Cities near Great Conglomerate Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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