Jacobs Falls
Michigan • Isle Royale National Park • 20 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
About Jacobs Falls
Jacob's Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located along M-26 in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. It is easily accessible and known for its cascading flow over rocky terrain, making it a popular stop for travelers exploring the area.
The Setting
Jacobs Falls sits at 715 feet within Isle Royale National Park, in the foothills of Michigan. The falls drop 20 feet.
Height: 20 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Upper Falls (50 ft) lies 11.5 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Eagle River Falls (40 ft, 3.0 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Jacobs Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
No hiking is required to view Jacob's Falls as it is located directly next to the road. Visitors can enjoy the view from the roadside or explore the immediate area for a closer look.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 20 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Jacobs Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Jacobs Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal for visiting due to higher water flow and scenic surroundings.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Isle Royale National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Be cautious when parking along the roadside, as traffic on M-26 can be fast-moving. Avoid climbing on wet or slippery rocks near the falls.
Know when to go.
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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 140 feet of descent through Jacobs Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 20 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 715 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 94 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 96 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and 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
- 715 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 140 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
Jacob's Falls is located directly off M-26, approximately 3 miles east of Eagle River, Michigan. The waterfall is visible from the road, making it an easy stop for travelers.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small pull-off area along M-26 where visitors can park to view the falls.
Elevation
715 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.427778° N, -88.236111° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after rainfall for the best water flow. Be cautious when pulling off the road to park, as the area can be busy with passing traffic.
Where to Stay
AmericInn by Wyndham Calumet
Magnuson Copper Crown
Quality Inn & Suites Houghton Downtown
Daniell Manor
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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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Jampot, a bakery run by monks, and Eagle River Falls, another scenic waterfall in the area.
Wildlife
The area around Jacob's Falls may feature common wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and deer.
Nearby Waterfalls
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