Great Conglomerate Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.0 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, fed by the Presque Isle River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Conglomerate Falls (#60088), a 1.0-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
The trail to Great Conglomerate Falls is a well-maintained path through a forested area. It includes some stairs and moderate elevation changes. The trail is approximately 0.5 miles one way, leading to a viewing platform near the falls.
What to Expect
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
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
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
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.
1-meter lidar measures about 103 feet of descent through Great Conglomerate Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. 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
Great Conglomerate Falls is located within the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It can be accessed via the Black River Scenic Byway, with a trailhead located near the Black River Harbor area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the designated trailhead along the Black River Scenic Byway. The parking area is typically well-maintained and marked.
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
Other waterfalls along the Black River Scenic Byway include Rainbow Falls, Sandstone Falls, and Potawatomi Falls. The Black River Harbor Recreation Area is also nearby, offering picnic areas and scenic views.
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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