Lower Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
4.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Lower Falls
Lower Falls is part of the Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Michigan and is one of two main waterfalls on the Tahquamenon River. The Lower Falls consists of a series of smaller cascades that flow around an island, offering picturesque views and opportunities for exploration.
The Setting
Lower Falls sits at 623 feet within Tahquamenon Falls State Park, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Lower Falls is well-maintained and mostly flat, making it accessible for most visitors. Visitors can also drive directly to the Lower Falls area and take a short walk to view the cascades. There is an option to rent a rowboat to explore the island in the middle of 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 Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and summer are ideal for lush greenery and flowing water, while fall offers vibrant foliage. Winter provides a serene, snowy landscape with frozen waterfalls.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on designated trails and viewing areas to avoid slippery rocks and fast-moving water. Be cautious of wildlife and carry bug spray to deter mosquitoes.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Tahquamenon River, 3.6 miles away, not on Lower Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
872 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 73 years of record
4.64 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge TAHQUAMENON RIVER NEAR PARADISE, MI (6 km away).
Today
Roaring
942 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
995 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
1007 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
1027 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
1007 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
962 cfs
8/10Mon
Strong
914 cfs
10/10Best window: Mon — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late 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 Newberry hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Lower Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Lower Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 46°F to 39°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 872 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 58 feet of drop through Lower Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 622 feet above sea level.
The ground is already steep on the way in, falling about 71 feet in the 500 feet above the pin, and levels out below the falls. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 622 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 58 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
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 Falls is located within Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The falls can be accessed via the park's main entrance, and clear signage will guide visitors to the Lower Falls area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the Lower Falls, which is well-maintained and located close to the trailhead.
Elevation
623 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.603629° N, -85.207328° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring bug spray in summer, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the trails or the island.
Where to Stay
Adventure & Relaxation by Lake Superior
Paradise Cottage: Trail Access Nearby
Coastal Haven Lake Superior 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
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Nearby Campground
THREE LAKES
22.5 miles away · 13 sites
Overview Three Lakes Campground is a peaceful facility tucked away from the busy highway. It is nestled between Whitmarsh, Brown and Walker Lakes, giving visitors ample opportunity to enjoy and explore nature at its best.Recreation The three lakes are open to non-motorized boating. A carry-down boat ramp is located at the campground's picnic area. Fishing is a popular activity. Rainbow trout, perch and catfish are found in the lakes. Although there is no designated swimming beach, sandy areas are
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Upper Falls (located upstream), Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub, Whitefish Point Lighthouse, and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally black bears. Visitors may also spot fish in the river.
Cities near Lower Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Lower Falls
18 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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