Little Union Gorge Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Loop
About Little Union Gorge Falls
Little Union Gorge Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan. It is part of the Union River and is known for its serene surroundings and cascading waters. The falls are surrounded by lush forest, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Little Union Gorge Falls sits at 692 feet within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The Union Mine Interpretive Trail is a short and easy loop trail that takes visitors through a scenic forested area. Along the trail, you will encounter interpretive signs that provide information about the area's history and natural features. The trail leads to Little Union Gorge Falls, offering a peaceful and rewarding experience.
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 Union Gorge Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $9.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Union Gorge Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall is also a great time to visit for the vibrant foliage.
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 waterfall, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or damaging the environment. Carry a map or GPS device if exploring beyond the main trail.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on West Branch Ontonagon River, 15.1 miles away, not on Little Union Gorge Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
44 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 84 years of record
1.44 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge WEST BRANCH ONTONAGON RIVER NEAR BERGLAND, MI (24 km away).
Today
Moderate
44 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
47 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
47 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
47 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
44 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
40 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
42 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early 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 White Pine hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Little Union Gorge Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Little Union Gorge Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 43 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 59 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 698 feet.
The ground is already steep on the way in, falling about 68 feet in the 500 feet above the pin, and levels out below the falls. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 698 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 59 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Little Union Gorge Falls is located within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Visitors can access the falls by following the Union Mine Interpretive Trail, which is located off South Boundary Road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the trailhead for the Union Mine Interpretive Trail. The parking area is well-marked and provides easy access to the trail.
Elevation
692 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.799722° N, -89.618333° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy or slippery after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes. Consider visiting in the spring or after rainfall for the best water flow at the falls.
Where to Stay
Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins
Bergland Bay Bungalow
Pet-Friendly Michigan Getaway with Porch and Kayaks!
Walk to Lake Superior: Ontonagon Home w/ Fire Pit!
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Ontonagon Ranger District
15 miles away · 0 sites
Ontonagon Ranger District is on the shores of Lake Superior, largest of the Great Lakes, and the mouth of the Ontonagon River. There are numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Hunting, fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, and ATV riding are available in the summer and fall months. In the winter downhill, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are available.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park include Lake of the Clouds, Summit Peak, and Presque Isle River waterfalls.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and numerous bird species. Visitors should exercise caution and follow park guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Cities near Little Union Gorge Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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