LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Lower Letherby Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Lower Letherby Falls
Lower Letherby Falls is a small, scenic waterfall located in Michigan. It is part of the Escanaba River system and is known for its tranquil surroundings and natural beauty. The falls are relatively modest in size but offer a peaceful spot for nature enthusiasts.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Big Erick's Falls (10 ft) lies 4.0 miles to the north.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Lower Letherby Falls is short and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It winds through a wooded area and follows the Escanaba River, offering scenic views along the way.
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 Letherby Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Letherby Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as water flow is typically higher due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 41°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and avoid visiting during heavy rains or flooding.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Salmon Trout River, 10.1 miles away, not on Lower Letherby Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
5 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 21 years of record
0.37 ft
Water depth at gauge
41°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 41 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
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 SALMON TROUT RIVER NEAR BIG BAY, MI (16 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
6 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
6 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
5 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
5/10Best window: Mon — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Skanee hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Lower Letherby Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Lower Letherby Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 52°F to 38°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 5 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 44 feet through Lower Letherby Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,101 feet.
The ground changes about 20 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 33 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,101 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 44 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
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
Lower Letherby Falls is located near Gwinn, Michigan, along the Escanaba River. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors may need to follow unpaved paths to reach the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available nearby, though it may be limited and unpaved. Visitors should plan for basic roadside parking or small pull-off areas.
Elevation
1,102 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.807633° N, -88.087083° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven in places. Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be present. Check local conditions before visiting, especially after heavy rains, as trails may become muddy.
Where to Stay
Independence Stay Hotel and Long term suites
AC4 Northwoods Getaway w Jetted Tub
UP Escape in the Pines
Lakefront Lookout! Private Sand Beach on Superior
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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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other nearby attractions include the Upper Letherby Falls and the Escanaba River State Forest, which offers additional hiking and fishing opportunities.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot fish in the river.
Cities near Lower Letherby Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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