Manido Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Manido Falls
Manido Falls is a picturesque waterfall located along the Presque Isle River in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan. It is part of a series of waterfalls on the river and is known for its wide, cascading flow over rocky terrain, making it a popular spot for photography and nature observation.
The Setting
Manido Falls sits at 640 feet within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, fed by the Presque Isle River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Manido Falls is short and well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors. It follows the Presque Isle River and offers scenic views of the surrounding forest and river. The trail includes some boardwalks and stairs, but the overall terrain is easy to navigate.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Manido Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $9.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Manido Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Manido Falls, as the water flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the falls surrounded by snow and ice.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the water's edge. Be aware of changing weather conditions, especially in winter when ice may form on the trail.
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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 84 feet through Manido Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 654 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 84 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 86 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, 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
- 654 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 84 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- 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 northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Manido Falls is located within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Visitors can access the falls via the Presque Isle River area, which is well-marked with signs. The falls are a short walk from the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Presque Isle River parking lot, which provides access to the trail leading to the falls.
Elevation
640 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.704946° N, -89.970727° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be slippery near the falls. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views. Bug spray is recommended during warmer months.
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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
BLACK RIVER HARBOR CAMPGROUND
4.4 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 Nawadaha Falls and Manabezho 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, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot eagles or other birds of prey near the river.
Cities near Manido Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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