Are there fees or permits required for Haymeadows Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Haymeadows Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Haymeadows Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Haymeadows Falls.

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Haymeadows Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Haymeadows Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Haymeadows Falls.

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Hiawatha National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Haymeadows Falls

Haymeadows Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located in the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan. It is part of the Haymeadows Creek and is surrounded by lush forest, making it a serene destination for nature lovers.

The Setting

Haymeadows Falls sits at 686 feet within Hiawatha National Forest, in the foothills of Michigan.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Haymeadow Falls Spur (#111), a 1.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

HAYMEADOW FALLS SPUR #111

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

0-5%

USFS Segment

0.50 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Haymeadows Falls is a short and easy hike through a forested area. The path is well-maintained and follows Haymeadows Creek, offering scenic views of the surrounding nature. The falls themselves are small but charming, with a peaceful atmosphere.

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 Haymeadows Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Haymeadows Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is usually strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Hiawatha National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls, especially after rain. Watch for ticks and mosquitoes during warmer months.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge STURGEON RIVER NEAR NAHMA JUNCTION, MI (15 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

116 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

125 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Strong

125 cfs

8/10

Fri

Strong

122 cfs

8/10

Sat

Strong

123 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

111 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

104 cfs

9/10

Tue

Moderate

105 cfs

9/10

Best window: Mon — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).

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 Rapid River hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Haymeadows Falls Frozen?

Updated about 5 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Haymeadows Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 57°F to 34°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 116 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.

The bare-earth surface loses about 41 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 686 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 51 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 19 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Haymeadows Falls near Rapid River, Michigan, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 686 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 41 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Haymeadows Falls is located near Rapid River, Michigan, within the Hiawatha National Forest. Visitors can access the falls via the Haymeadows Creek Trail, which begins at the Haymeadows Campground.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Haymeadows Campground, which serves as the trailhead for the hike to the falls.

Elevation

686 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.025795° N, -86.856255° W

Land Management

Hiawatha National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes. Consider visiting in the spring when water flow is typically higher.