Are there fees or permits required for Lower Carp River Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Lower Carp River Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Lower Carp River Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Lower Carp River Falls.

Live Conditions · 134 ft³/s · About average

Lower Carp River Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Lower Carp River Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Lower Carp River Falls.

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (3)

Billy Wilson Photography CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Lower Carp River Falls

Lower Carp River Falls is a picturesque waterfall located along the Carp River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It features a series of cascading drops surrounded by lush forest, making it a serene and scenic destination for nature lovers.

The Setting

Lower Carp River Falls sits at 988 feet along the Dead River, in the foothills of Michigan.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Lower Carp River Falls is a short and relatively easy hike through a wooded area. The path is well-trodden but may be muddy or slippery after rain. Visitors will enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the sound of the river as they approach the falls.

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 Lower Carp River Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Carp River Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen falls.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and dress appropriately. Cell service may be limited in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 2 days ago Moderate

134 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

123 124 195 383

Based on 10 years of record

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

DEAD RIVER AT MARQUETTE, MI

USGS 04044003

4.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 163 sq mi

Altitude: 598 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge DEAD RIVER AT MARQUETTE, MI (8 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

135 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

135 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

156 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

160 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

207 cfs

6/10

Tue

Moderate

170 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

191 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

201 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

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 Trowbridge Park 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 126 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 978 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 105 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 109 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Lower Carp River Falls near Trowbridge Park, Michigan, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Lower Carp River Falls near Trowbridge Park, Michigan, showing about 126 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 978 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 126 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Lower Carp River Falls is located near Marquette, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. It can be accessed via local roads and a short hike along the Carp River.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

988 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.507222° N, -87.445278° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear, especially after rain, as the trail may be muddy. Bring insect repellent during warmer months. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the falls without crowds.