Manabezho Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Loop
About Manabezho Falls
Manabezho Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan. It is part of the Presque Isle River's series of waterfalls and is known for its wide, powerful flow, making it one of the most impressive waterfalls in the area.
The Setting
Manabezho Falls sits at 620 feet within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, fed by the Presque Isle River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Manabezho Falls is part of the Presque Isle River Waterfalls Loop. It is a relatively short and easy hike with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for most visitors. The trail features boardwalks and viewing platforms, offering excellent views of the falls and the surrounding forest.
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 Manabezho Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $9.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Manabezho Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest flow, but the area is beautiful year-round. Fall offers vibrant foliage, and winter provides a unique view of the frozen falls.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery near the falls, especially after rain. Stay on designated paths and viewing platforms. Be cautious of strong currents in the river.
Current Water Conditions
35 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 3 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge PRESQUE ISLE RIVER NEAR CONNORVILLE, MI (1 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
36 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
35 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
36 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
38 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
38 cfs
4/10Fri
Barely Flowing
35 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
34 cfs
5/10Best window: Fri — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Ramsay 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 bare-earth surface loses about 102 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 620 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 61 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 25 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 620 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 102 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Manabezho Falls is located within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, near the Presque Isle River area. Visitors can access the falls via the Presque Isle River Waterfalls Loop trail, which is well-marked and maintained.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Presque Isle River parking area within the state park. The lot is typically spacious, but it may fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
620 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.707724° N, -89.971838° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be wet or slippery near the falls. Bring insect repellent during the summer months. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience.
Where to Stay
Snow Otter Haus - 2
Snow Otter Haus - 1
North Ironwood Acres - Black River Lodge
Quality Inn Ironwood
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
BLACK RIVER HARBOR CAMPGROUND
4.5 miles away · 40 sites
Overview Planning a trip to the Black River Harbor Campground? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility. Black River Campground is adjacent to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. The recreation area includes a pavilion, harbor and a large picnic area. The area provides for many opportunities for fishing, boating, backpacking, hiking, bird watching, photography and beautiful scenery for relaxation in the outdoors. Recreation The campground is adjacent to
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls along the Presque Isle River, such as Manido Falls and Nawadaha Falls, are located nearby. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park also offers hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and Lake Superior shoreline access.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and numerous bird species. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid feeding wildlife.
Cities near Manabezho Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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