Are there fees or permits required for Little Garlic Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Little Garlic Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Little Garlic Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Little Garlic Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Little Garlic Falls near Negaunee, Michigan, showing about 68 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing east

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Nearby gauge (Dead River) · 145 ft³/s · About average

Little Garlic Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Little Garlic Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Little Garlic Falls.

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Little Garlic Falls

Little Garlic Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, near Marquette. It is a serene and relatively secluded spot, surrounded by lush forest and accessible via a hiking trail. The falls are part of the Little Garlic River, which flows through the area.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Little Garlic Falls is a moderately challenging out-and-back hike that follows the Little Garlic River. The path is well-shaded and features a mix of flat sections and gentle inclines. The trail may be muddy or slippery after rain or during spring thaw.

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 Little Garlic Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Garlic Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is typically more robust due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique opportunity to see the falls frozen.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls and along the trail, especially after rain. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Low

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Dead River, 10.4 miles away, not on Little Garlic Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

145 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

101 134 411 471

Based on 11 years of record

5.85 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

DEAD RIVER AT MARQUETTE, MI

USGS 04044003

10.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 163 sq mi

Altitude: 598 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge DEAD RIVER AT MARQUETTE, MI (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

145 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

145 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

154 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

133 cfs

5/10

Fri

Moderate

135 cfs

5/10

Sat

Moderate

131 cfs

5/10

Sun

Low

129 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

142 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to mid June, peaking in May.

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

Is Little Garlic Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Little Garlic Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 50°F to 35°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 145 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.

Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 68 feet of drop through Little Garlic Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 816 feet above sea level.

Most of the action is upstream: the ground drops about 101 feet in the 500 feet above the pin and flattens beneath the falls. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Little Garlic Falls near Negaunee, 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: 816 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 68 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Little Garlic Falls is located off County Road 550, north of Marquette, Michigan. Visitors typically park near the Little Garlic River trailhead and hike to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Little Garlic River trailhead, but it may be limited. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.

Elevation

810 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.667706° N, -87.578746° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven or muddy. Bring bug spray during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail may be more challenging after heavy rain.