LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Margeson Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
There is no public trail or developed trailhead. The practical route in is about a mile on foot and starts on private land, so get the landowner's permission and respect posted signs.
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Margeson Falls
Margeson Falls is a small waterfall on Margeson Creek in Iron County, northeast of Crystal Falls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Little is published about its size. There is no signed trail or trailhead; local guides describe an unmaintained walk of about a mile through the woods, with the first stretch crossing private land.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
No maintained or signed trail. Local guides describe roughly a mile of unmaintained walking each way, starting on private land, to reach the falls. Expect uneven, wet ground and no markers.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Margeson Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
No published dog rule applies because the approach is on private land; follow the landowner's wishes.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Margeson Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit Margeson Falls, as the water flow is strongest due to snowmelt. Summer and fall are also good options for pleasant weather and vibrant foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery after rain, and visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall's edge. Cell phone reception may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Michigamme River, 7.7 miles away, not on Margeson Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
274 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 82 years of record
2.71 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
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 MICHIGAMME RIVER NEAR CRYSTAL FALLS, MI (12 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
296 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
303 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
308 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
273 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
313 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
335 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
288 cfs
5/10Best window: Sun — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early January to late February, 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 Amasa hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Margeson Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Margeson Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 31°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 274 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 28 feet through Margeson Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,474 feet.
The ground changes about 8 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 48 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,474 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 28 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are on Margeson Creek northeast of Crystal Falls, in the area east of Amasa. There is no developed trailhead, and access roads near the creek are private; ask permission before crossing private land.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is no developed parking area. Do not park on or block private roads.
Elevation
1,463 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.224444° N, -88.241667° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes. Consider visiting in the spring when water flow is typically at its peak.
Where to Stay
Bua Northwoods Chalet on the Peninsula
Lakefront Michigan Retreat with Private Dock
Riverfront Cabin 8
Secluded lodge in the woods.
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
Perch Lake Campground
22.8 miles away · 20 sites
Overview Perch Lake Campground is located 10 miles south of Sidnaw on the Kenton Ranger District. This one loop campground provides 20 drive-in campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers and motor homes. This location provides visitors with excellent fishing, and a unique camping experience, with many of the spacious sites having lake access. Recreation Besides fishing, canoeing and kayaking is popular on this lake and an excellent way to experience the beauty of this area. Facilities This on
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Margeson Falls
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