Judson Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Judson Falls
Tucked into the Ottawa National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Judson Falls is a quietly scenic cascade in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that rewards visitors with a peaceful, wood‑lined setting. The falls are modest in size but photogenic, tumbling over rocky ledges into a sheltered plunge pool — a perfect stop for hikers who prefer less‑crowded natural spots. The U.S. Forest Service identifies a short spur as NFST‑7214‑F (Trail #T7214‑F) that leads directly to the falls, so you’ll see the site noted on official forest maps. Getting there feels like a proper forest outing: most approaches use a moderate 2.4‑mile out‑and‑back route with about 350 feet of elevation gain, and camping is available within easy reach — Bobcat Lake Campground lies roughly 9.22 km away for those who want an overnight stay. The setting and short spur trail make Judson Falls a great half‑day hike for families and day hikers looking for a quiet waterfall experience in the Ottawa National Forest.
The Setting
Judson Falls sits at 1,352 feet within Ottawa National Forest, fed by the Cisco Branch Ontonagon R, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Nfst 7214 F (#T7214-F), a 1.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
NFST-7214-F #T7214-F
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.09 miTrail Description
Trail to Judson Falls: overall approach is a 2.4‑mile out‑and‑back route, rated moderate with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain. The U.S. Forest Service shows a short connector, NFST‑7214‑F (Trail #T7214‑F), of about 0.09 miles that leads directly to the falls. That spur is surfaced with native material, classified as Class 3, and typically runs at a gentle grade of 0–5%. Expect an unpaved path that can be muddy or uneven in places; the route ends at the base of the cascade for a close, up‑close view.
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 Judson Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Judson Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit, as the waterfall is usually at its fullest due to snowmelt. Summer and fall are also good options for pleasant weather and colorful foliage.
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
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly. During winter, the trail may be icy or snow-covered, requiring extra caution.
Current Water Conditions
1 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 81 years of record
3.87 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
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 CISCO BRANCH ONTONAGON R AT CISCO LAKE OUTLET, MI (17 km away).
Today
Moderate
1 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
1 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
1 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
1 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
1 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
1 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
1 cfs
6/10Best window: Fri — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid October to early December, 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 Marenisco 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 62 feet of drop through Judson Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,343 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 43 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 35 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,343 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 62 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Judson Falls is located near the town of Ishpeming in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Access typically involves driving on unpaved forest roads, which may be rough or muddy depending on the season. Visitors should use a reliable map or GPS as signage may be limited.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available in a small, informal lot near the trailhead. Space may be limited, especially during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,352 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.389948° N, -89.561263° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy or slippery. Bring insect repellent during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes. Consider visiting in the spring when water flow is typically at its peak.
Where to Stay
Boulder Bear Motor Lodge
Phelps Cabin on 26 Acres with Fire Pit!
Two Rivers Motel and Cabins of Kenton, MI
Northwoods Vacation Cisco Chain
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
Bobcat Lake Campground
5.7 miles away · 0 sites
Located in Gogebic County just 3 miles southeast of Marenisco, Mi., on the Bessemer Ranger District in the southern half of the Ottawa National Forest. Bobcat Lake campground features one loop with 11 campsites. Campsites are bordered by vegetation providing privacy between sites. These drive in sites offer a tent pad, wood table, fire ring, lantern post and gravel parking spur. Two accessible vault toilets are located in the campground and water is provided by a centrally located hand pump in th
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the town of Ishpeming, other waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, and hiking trails in the surrounding forests.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Judson Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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